Stealing Bradford

“I’m pretty sure that goes for Firebirds and Camaros too.” She laughed as she set the tray on the table. “Like I’d even want any of those stupid cars. And I seriously doubt my grandmother would either. But thanks for the advice anyway.”

“What kind of cars?” asked Taylor as DJ set her food and her change in front of her.

Without going into all the details, DJ explained that Conner was advising her on what kind of cars not to get.

“That’s great,” said Taylor, “but how about some advice on what you should get?”

Soon everyone at the table was giving their two cents’ worth of car information to her, and by the time they exhausted the subject, she felt completely confused. “Hey, where’s Rhiannon?” she asked when she noticed she was missing.

“She said she was going to spend her lunch hour finishing up an art project,” said Eliza.

“Where’s Bradford?” asked DJ, suddenly wishing she hadn’t. What if this was part of Eliza’s plan for reuniting them?

“He’s with his mom,” offered Taylor.

“With his mom?” said Casey.

“Yes, she’s having an exhibit in her gallery tonight—he’s helping her.”

“That’s right,” said Harry. “It’s First Friday.”

“First Friday?” echoed Kriti. “What does that mean?”

“It means there’s an art walk in town tonight,” explained Taylor, like she was the expert. “All the galleries and some of the shops stay open to show the works of local artists. It happens every month on the first Friday.”

“And when did you get to be so knowledgeable about local events?” teased Harry.

“I pay attention,” she said. “I read the newspaper…and…Bradford invited me to be his guest at his mom’s exhibit. That’s what he’s working on today. One of her regular guys was sick, and she needed to get some things up. He got excused for the afternoon.”

“Lucky dude,” said Harry. “Wonder if he needs any help.”

Taylor shrugged. “Guess you could call and offer.” After lunch, Conner walked DJ to drama.

“We’re watching the end of South Pacific,” she told him.

“Again?”

She nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure we’ll be sick of it in a few weeks.”

“What part do you want?” She laughed. “I want the part where no acting is involved—a behind-the-scenes part.”

“Maybe you could do lighting.”

“Or I could be the curtain puller.”

They paused in front of the auditorium. “So, do you want to do the art walk with me tonight?”

“Sure.”

“Maybe we could grab a bite first.”

“At the Hammerhead?”

He laughed. “You poor thing. We need to make sure you get out for a high-carb, greasy, fattening meal at least two to three times a week.”

She grinned at him. “You are my kind of guy, Conner.”

“See ya.” Then he leaned over and pecked her on the cheek.

DJ smiled to herself as she went into the auditorium. Having a boyfriend, although it took some getting used to, was kind of fun. Still, she didn’t want things to get as serious as they had on that first date. She would never forget how that had really messed up their relationship.

After volleyball practice, DJ and Casey decided to walk home.

“So, you’re really getting a car?” asked Casey.

“I guess so…”

“You don’t sound too thrilled.”

“Yeah, because it means I’m going to get stuck driving everyone around now.”

“What about Eliza?”

“Well, she’s been nice to share rides, but her grandmother isn’t Mrs. Carter. And if she decides to keep her car to herself, no one can object.”

“Good thing she’s nice.”

“Yeah.”

“Unlike some people. Speaking of witches, how is it being Taylor’s roommate, DJ? Were you afraid to close your eyes last night?”

“She’s not that bad.”

“Are you kidding?” Casey turned and stared at DJ. “She’s totally evil.”

“Not totally.”

“Well, ninety-nine point nine percent then.”

“Yeah, maybe, but I’m trying to be nice to her.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah.” DJ considered telling her about the Bible verse. But how do you explain something that you don’t even get yourself?

“Following Eliza’s example?”

“Maybe so.”

Eliza’s car pulled up as they got home. She had the top down, and she and Rhiannon hopped out and waved.

“What’s up?” asked DJ.

“Eliza just helped me take some of my things to the Mockingbird,” said Rhiannon.

“Isn’t that Bradford’s mom’s gallery?” asked DJ. Rhiannon nodded and grinned.

“Gabrielle had already invited Rhiannon to display some pieces. So I helped her take them over.”

“Then we stayed and helped out,” said Rhiannon.

“I can’t wait to email my mom that I spent the afternoon helping at Gabrielle Bruyere’s gallery,” said Eliza. “She’ll be so impressed.”

“So Bradford’s mom is really a big deal?”

“Totally,” said Eliza. “Plus she’s really nice, and she really likes Rhiannon.”

“Aha,” said DJ.

Rhiannon shook her head. “No, it’s not like that, DJ. I just went to help.”

But Eliza winked.

“So, was Bradford around?” asked DJ innocently.

“Oh, yeah,” said Eliza. “And we both just totally ignored him. We were sugar and spice to Gabrielle, but we acted like Bradford had the black plague.”

“Well, I didn’t…” Rhiannon frowned.

“I did it for both of us.”

Rhiannon sighed, holding out a pair of paint-stained hands. “I’m going to go get cleaned up.”