Free A Fabrication of the Truth by Katie Kaleski Page A

People might like see and recognize me from the commercial.”
    “Probably not.”
    “Are you sure? They recognize you.”
    “Of course I’m not sure. I just want you to do this with me.”
    “I’ll think about it,” I said, looking back to the tray fiasco across the cafeteria. The red-headed Dane flailed his arms around and explained something to the custodian, who leaned on a mop.
    “Think right now.”
    “I should have said I’ll sleep on it.”
    “No, please, just say yes.”
    “When is it?”
    “This weekend.”
    “Fine.”
    And so I would be in a car dealership commercial.
    ***
    I was taking out the trash when Dalton appeared out of nowhere. While I was dressed like a shlub—old worn-out sweater and slippers—he wore a snug thermal and a knit beanie. I tried not to let my mind wander to how good he looked.
    “Hey,” he said, looking up at me from under his lashes and digging the toe of his shoe into our driveway.
    “Hi,” I said, glancing down at my slippers. Why, oh why, of all days did I have to dress like that? I shouldn’t have been concerned with how I looked in front of Dalton, but I really was.
    He sucked on his lip and stood up straighter. “I was going to offer you help, but it looks like you have it covered.”
    “My grandma is leaving for bingo soon, and she’d probably just shit, seeing you out here.”
    “Is that a normal reaction for your grandma or is shitting reserved just for me?”
    I sighed. “Dalton, we’re going to get in trouble, or more like you’re going to get in trouble.”
    “Why?” he asked.
    “Your family wants you nowhere in the vicinity of me and my family. My grandma told me about the restraining order the other day. They can’t see us together.”
    “Oh.”
    “See what I mean?”
    “Well, my family doesn’t have to know,” Dalton said as he grabbed my hand and swung my arm. He had this mischievous grin on his face, and then it dawned on me that we were holding hands for the fourth time. I wanted to say I wasn’t keeping track, but I was. I wanted to let go, but I just tried to pretend that I didn’t notice. But dear lord, did I. His hand entwined in mine seemed so perfect, and he gently squeezed my fingers as if to say, “Hey, we’re still connected. Don’t let go . ” I tried to let go for years, but deep down, I knew it was impossible, despite all of my protests. God, I liked him. I liked him so much – it even felt like more than that. We had some sort of bond that couldn’t ever be broken, but I had to try my best to keep that bond apart. Then the front door opened. Dalton jumped back and darted across the lawn.
    My grandma came out of the house and locked the door behind her.
    “Win me lots of money,” I said as she opened the car door.
    “I’ll see what I can do. Leftovers in the fridge,” she said.
    I waved as she pulled out of the driveway and drove off down the street. I walked back up to the house, where Dalton stood at the top of the driveway.
    “How long does she usually stay away?” Dalton asked, his shoulder leaning up against the house.
    “Somebody will see you,” I said, standing in front of him.
    He straightened up and stepped in close. “This doesn’t have to be so difficult,” he said, taking my hand again while totally invading my personal space, which I didn’t mind much really. I looked up into his dark eyes.
    “Dalton,” I said.
    “It’ll be okay,” Dalton said.
    “Maybe when we were eleven, whatever this is between us would have worked out, but it’s not going to,” I said.
    “And why is that?”
    “Because I’m not going to let it,” I said, even though I really liked being around him.
    “You can’t deny what we have forever, Lexie,” Dalton said, taking a step closer, causing me to step back against the house.
    “I’m a strong-willed girl. I think I can.”
    “You sure?” Dalton put one hand over my shoulder, our bodies so close to touching. This overwhelming urge to be in his arms