Free Playing Hooky (Paranormal Investigations) by Rita J Webb Page A

college when I caught him in another girl’s dorm room where he’d sacked out for a week.
    Troy was so pissed about the breakup—because I should just forgive and forget the cheating, since it was my fault because I refused to sleep with him—that he spread rumors about our supposed sexual escapades.
    Whenever I tried to date since then, the guys I went out with only wanted me to put out, so I’ve been single ever since. Whenever I consider dating him now, I remind myself of all the ways we are incompatible. We would fight over everything as we’re both too stubborn for our own good.
    Angelina tucks her hand through his arm and smiles up at him. “Isn’t he sweet? You have the best friends.”
    Not even a note of jealousy in her voice, even though she’s had a crush on him ever since third grade when he put a band-aid on her skinned knee.
    My sister Angelina is too perfect. Straight-A honor student. Mother’s sweetie pie. Father’s angel. Never snuck out of the house to go partying. Always kept her curfew. Never broke her leg jumping out of trees while trying to chase squirrels or ramping bikes on the homemade ramps. Always prissy and clean. Never leaves anything out of place.
    Always the perfect lady in her cute little outfits.
    I can’t hate her for it because she doesn’t even act superior about it. She’s never been the goody-goody. Never lectures me on my messy room, sloppy hair, torn jeans, or skipping classes.
    Jason grins. “I’d never miss your birthday. Remember last year?”
    “Ugh! I thought I’d never thaw out after we went skiing in a blizzard. We were stranded for three days in that cabin we found in the woods.”
    “Aw, come on, you didn’t even get frostbite. I took care of you.”
    “At least I didn’t end up with any broken limbs. That time.”
    “I still can’t believe we went snow-boarding on East Pillar Mountain Loop. That’s a tough trail, and then you broke your arm slipping in the parking lot on the way to the truck.”
    My muscles were exhausted, and carrying my board on my shoulder, I wasn’t watching where I was going. I didn’t see the patch of ice. “Remember when you took me spelunking?”
    “I had no idea that bear was in there.”
    “I can’t remember ever being that scared.”
    “But it was fun! Come on. We can’t break tradition.”
    “What are you planning this time?” Angelina smiles up at him with a glimmer of wistful longing.
    “It’s a secret.” He extricates her hand from his arm and takes a step away from her, and her hand falls back to her side.
    For a moment, her smile falters, but then she bounces from the room. “See you! Tell me all about it later. Emma, I’ll tell your professors and coach that you are sick today, and I’ll collect your notes and assignments.”
    “Thanks, Angelina. You’re a sweetie.”
    She gives me her smile, cheeks dimpling in the cute china-doll way she has, and blows us kisses. Sometimes I wish she could be a real human being for once—throw a royal temper tantrum, break a rule, or actually make a mess—but either she keeps all negativity bundled up deep inside or she really is incapable of baser emotions.
    I’m left alone in the apartment’s tiny entryway with Jason.
    “Emma,” he says, stepping closer, his head leaning down toward me. He is way too close, and I remember I’m not dressed.
    Tall with wide shoulders, Jason is muscular from hard labor (construction and welding) and athletic adventures (kayaking and mountain biking). The perpetual scruff movie stars work hard to perfect shadows his jaw, and his tousled black hair kept short. He cuts it every week because it grows too fast, like at least a half inch a day. With the hazel green eyes and the confident grin he usually wears, he’d make any girl swoon.
    Well, any girl but me. I’d more likely hit him upside the head with a broom than swoon over him.
    “Coffee’s in the kitchen. I need to get dressed and showered; then we can go for pastries at