Free The Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber Page B

arrived. Marcus excuses himself to get a glass of water from the kitchen.
    “Katie!” I hiss. “What are you doing?”
    “I’m sorry.” She grabs my arm, her big blue eyes frantic. “I don’t know why I said that. I swear! I…I got nervous and couldn’t shut up!”
    I worry that Marcus is mad at me, which stinks since it isn’t my fault. Besides, isn’t there some kind of rule that people aren’t allowed to be mad at the birthday girl? He doesn’t leave, fortunately, but he makes a point of staying far away from me for the rest of the night.
    Once the pizzas are devoured, Sheldon pushes me into a chair and brings the cake in with sixteen candles blazing. It’s decorated with big purple and pink flowers all made out of whipped cream frosting. The message reads: Happy Birthday Lucy and Welcome Home!
    “Happy Birthday Lucy!” Momma tickles me and I laugh. Gram lights all six candles on my homemade cake, a smile on her face. Yellow cake with vanilla frosting. Strawberries in the middle. Sheldon takes photos as Bernard leads them in the birthday song. I squeeze my eyes shut and wish that Momma and I could stay with Gram forever. Then I blow out the candles.
    I’m embarrassed by the tear that slides down my cheek. I wipe it away as Sheldon arranges everyone around me for a photo. After several shots, he passes the camera to Katie, who’s whispering to her mom.
    As Katie fusses with the camera, Ms. Stevens walks by and hip bumps me onto Marcus’ lap. The room falls silent, with the exception of my loud gasp. I’m sure my cheeks are as red as Ms. Stevens’ lipstick as everyone stares at us. Marcus and I look at each other at the exact moment that Katie snaps a photo. Maybe later I’ll be happy to have the photo, but at the moment I grit my teeth and slide off of Marcus’ lap. I shoot a dirty look at Katie before disappearing into the kitchen to get a glass of water and hide from my guests.
    By ten o’clock Katie and her mom head for the door.
    “So much for your brother coming by, huh,” Ms. Stevens says to Marcus, her voice too loud, as she teeters past him.
    I grudgingly return Katie’s hug.
    She presses her lips close to my ear. “I know you’re mad at me, but you should know… he wasn’t upset at all.”
    “You’re a trouble maker,” I accuse. Is it true? Did Marcus like having me on his lap?
    I return to the kitchen and find Marcus cleaning off countertops while my uncles load the dishwasher.
    “Why don’t you two go watch TV. We’ll finish this up,” Bernard offers, drying his hands on a dishtowel.
    Marcus raises an eyebrow. “Do you want to go up on the roof?” He glances at my uncles. “Do you mind?”
    “Not at all,” Bernard responds before Sheldon has a chance to. 
    I follow Marcus upstairs to his apartment. It looks pretty much the same as last time, except that the guitar is missing. Once on the balcony, Marcus grabs the rungs on the ladder and climbs upward. I’m right behind him. He takes hold of my hand and helps me over the ledge. A tingly sensation races up my arm as his thumb strokes mine. Marcus releases my hand and rests his elbows on the railing, studying the quiet street below.
    “I’m sorry about earlier…Katie and the photo.” My cheeks flush. Could he tell how much I liked the feeling of his hands on my waist as he caught me? Oh God. What if he thinks I planned it?
    “Don’t worry about it.” He glances over his shoulder at me and my mouth goes dry as our gaze meets. My stomach sinks to my toes and my heart is hammering in my chest. Does he have any idea the effect he has on me? He returns his attention to the street. I try to relax. This isn’t a big deal, right? So why are my nerves snap crackling like it’s the fourth of July?
    Tension settles at the base of my neck and spreads to my shoulders as silence stretches between us. I roll my shoulders slightly.
    Marcus scoots over, making room for me. I lean on the railing next to him. A cool breeze kicks