Free Luke's Crazy California Christmas by Cindy K. Green Page A

out to the private patio. Once outside, I sucked in a deep breath and let it go. I hoped Charli wouldn’t follow me out. For once, I hoped she would please give me some privacy.
    Warm sunshine filtered through slits in the overhead awning and made designs on the cement beneath my feet. The mild temperatures and the cooling breeze had me feeling nearly calm. Then my cellphone buzzed, and I almost jumped out of my ankle-length sports socks.
    It’s Alisha. Hate to bother you. Emergency!
    Another one of Andrea’s friends, Alisha Andrews. What was Alisha texting me for? Hadn’t Amy bashed me enough already? I got the message. I’d do something.
    Hey, what’s up?
    Andrea.
    So, you know.
    She called. Amy and Angie are out of state on a missions trip, so it’s harder to get ahold of them. Sorry about the breakup.
    Yeah, me too.
    What was Alisha’s angle in texting me? She’d never texted before. I didn’t even know she had my number. I doubted Andrea would have sent it to her. Of course, she could have gotten it from any of the other guys from school who I was friends with. They never could say no to Alisha.
    Andrea needs your help. She won’t call, so I am.
    What’s wrong? My stomach swirled.
    She can’t get to her audition today. Her aunt’s car broke down this morning. Said she’s taking public transportation. Worried me.
    LA Metro?
    Yeah, I guess.
    Andrea could not take the LA Metro bus to USC. And Dad would flip if he heard I’d been to the USC campus—they were UCLA’s rivals, after all, but Alisha was right. I couldn’t let her go alone.
    Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.
    I rushed back indoors to the living room and right past where Charli waited on the couch.
    “Luke…are you…OK?”
    I glanced at her as I jogged on through. “Can’t talk. Got to go help Andrea.” Once in my room, I shut and locked the door. I did not in any way trust Charli not to bound in here and question me further.
    I grabbed my cellphone and began texting Andrea. Coming to take you to your audition.
    I don’t need your help. How did you even know?
    I’m coming.
    After that, I turned off the phone and jumped in the shower. Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from my room dressed and ready to drive over to see Andrea. Except I had no idea how to get there. I had also just remembered I didn’t even have a car. My car was back in North Carolina, parked in front of my mom’s little cookie-cutter row house.
    Charli met me in the hallway. She had a huge smile on her face. “I’m so excited! I have no idea what’s going on, but you are doing something. I love it! It’s so romantic.”
    “Charli, I need a car. Andrea needs a ride to her audition, and I’ll take her…except for the fact that I have no idea where she’s staying.”
    “Can’t you ask her for directions?”
    “No, she doesn’t even want me to come.”
    “Oh, she’s still mad, I take it.”
    “Seems like it.”
    “Well, who told you she was in trouble?”
    “Her friend Alisha.”
    “So, call her and see if she has the address.”
    “Perfect, thanks.” I took out my cell and was just about to text Alisha when I remembered my other problem. “Charli…”
    “You need a car. Find out the address, and I’ll ask Mom if you can borrow her car.”
    Charli had been the annoying little sister I never wanted, and yet she’d suddenly come to my rescue just when I needed it.
    ~*~
    I stood in front of the door at 1274 Sleepywell Avenue, but I didn’t have quite enough courage to actually knock. Especially when I viewed the bright yellow, sporty SUV in the driveway. Did her mom’s cousin have a backup vehicle? I raised my hand, held it up to the door, and…nothing. Man up, Luke Ryan.
    What could she do to me besides hate my guts for all eternity and slam the door in my face?
    After knocking, I stood back and waited with my arms crossed.
    Less than a minute later, the door swung open a crack. Andrea’s face peered out at me with her greenish eyes in full