My Lucky Charm (3 page)

Brandon

Guys are already hitting on her. Aside from Parker, those dudes look like guys she’d be into. I bet I have as much in common with her, but you’d never know from looking at me. I’m sitting in the cafeteria, trying to tune out the irritating shrieks from the girls at my table.

I keep staring at Lucky Charm
, and I think she busted me doing it more than once. She probably wouldn’t like the nickname, but her hair definitely matches the cereal, and the name is cute like her.

Parker is
in my English class. I should find out what her name is from him, but then the dude might hit on me, and that’s a scary thought.

***

I struggle through English
like always. I don’t know how I’m going to keep from failing, and I have to pass first quarter if I want to play on the team. It doesn’t help that I keep thinking about
her
. This is bordering on obsessive behavior.

Unable to take the curiosity, I decid
e to ask Parker about her. Our moms have been good friends for years, so when we were young, we played together a lot, but as I got manlier and he got more girly that changed.

He’s still cool and funny, but
my friends give him a hard way to go, so I don’t talk to him much. I guess that’s kinda shitty of me.

“Parker, wait up.”

He stops right outside the doorway and turns to me, looking with wide eyes.

“Brandon Jennings is speaking to me. What did I do to deserve this honor?”

“Whatever, man. I have a question.”

He crosses his arms. “What is it?
Do you need to know if your shirt matches your pants? If so, that’s a negative.”

I glance around to see if anyone is listening.

“No, Parker. I don’t need your fashion advice.”

“I figured as much. I have to mess with you since you never give me the time of day. What is it?”

“Um, I was wondering about that girl you were sitting with at lunch. You know, the new girl. What’s her name?”

He smirks at me. “Why do you care?”

“Just answer the question.”

“She’s hot, isn’t she?”

“Yeah, whatever, but what’s her name?”

“It
’s Leah, but you better not mess with her. She’s nice, and Nicole already gave her shit and got her sent to Mrs. Grove’s office yesterday.”

“What’s her story?”

“I don’t know much. She’s from LA, seems familiar for some reason. She’s going to Scope Wednesday night with Sierra, Gabe and his friends.”

“Like a date?” I ask anxiously.

Parker raises a brow. “Not exactly. Although, Jarred Bowling was talking to her and told her he liked her hair. I do remember that part. I guess they have a class together, and he saw the whole thing go down with Nicole. He might be interested.” He smirks at me. “You like her.”

“I’m
curious. She’s … I don’t know, intriguing. See what else you can find out, but keep your mouth shut about me asking.”

“I don’t know why I should do that for you, but since we go
way back, I guess I will.”

I p
at his shoulder. “Thanks, man.”

Jar
red Bowling would have to compliment her on her hair. At least I did first.

Brandon

My friend Anthony is a great guy. He’s a trip since he’s black but loves the same rock music I do. Everyone assumes he listens to rap, so to get him riled up, our friends quiz him on rappers every day. He gets so pissed.

It’s Wednesday
, and he’s next to me in the locker room after practice. “Dude, do you want to go to Scope tonight? Some band called Circling Dundrum from Ireland is playing. Their sound is a little heavier than we normally listen to, but I heard them online, and it wasn’t bad,” I say.

“Sure, why not.”

“I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Cole pitches his nasty towel at me.

“When are you going to go to the cool clubs? You’re missing out. The girls actually grind on you there. They’re probably too busy getting thrown around the mosh pit at Scope.”

“I don’t need some skanky girl I don’t know grinding on me,” I say.

“You’re not right, Brandon. Hell, take one of the girls we hang out with to grind on.”

“None of them are going to date me this soon after Amber, especially when she’s still crying that she wants me back.”

“Screw, Amber. I’m still pissed at that girl. Don’t you dare take her back. I will personally whip your ass,” Cole says, pointing to me.

“For the millionth time, I’m not taking her back.” I slam my locker and leave the room. I’m so glad Cole a
nd I are not attending the same college next year. Our friendship has run its course.

Leah

After school, I go to the salon. I decide to change my hair to something edgier, so I take the pastels out and get strands of a deep red put in. Sometimes I miss my dark hair, but colors stand out so much better on the blonde.

“How’s school going?” Casey asks.

“It sucks, but I did make a couple of friends this week so that’s a start.”

“Things are going to get nuts around here when someone finds out who you are.”

“I’m hoping that doesn’t happen.”

“Well, if it does, I hope it’s good for my business.”

“I’m sorry this could affect you.”

“I’m not. I get to look at that studly driver of yours every time he lets you out of
the car. Mm, mm … he’s handsome, and I need to meet him soon.”

“You’re funny, Casey. I’m
glad I have family here to talk to. It’s been good to finally get to know you.”

“Same here, sweetheart.”

After my time at the salon, Paul drives me home to get ready for my night out at Scope.

“I’m giving you a heads up
, Leeza. Your mom said I have to stay at the club.”

“Why?” I ask, groaning.

“You might be trying to hide it, but you’re still the daughter of a billionaire. Do you want to be abducted and held for ransom?”

Unsure of what I want to do with my future, I’m traveling Europe after graduation, and there’ll be nothing my parents or Paul will be able to do to stop me.
I’ll be legal, and I can hardly wait until that day.

“W
ill you not let anyone know you’re with me?”

“I’ll do my best, but I’m being paid to keep you safe. Trust me, it’s the last place I want to be.”

I sigh, which I do a lot these days. Paul parks in front of our lavish home.

“Mom
,” I yell as I trek through half the mansion trying to find her. She’s in the sunroom off the kitchen and eyes me above her evening paper.

“Red now, huh?”

“I like it.” I pull a silky strand around to my face, so I can look at it.

“I’m glad one of us is enjoying this identity change.”

“Mom, when are you going to get out and do something?”

“I joined the golf course and country club.”

“Excellent. You need to meet some people.”

“I’m going to. How was
school?”

“I
made a few friends this week. That’s who I’m going out with tonight. They’re not snobby like my old friends.”

“That’s nice, dear.
Martha made dinner for you.”

“OK. I’m going to
eat and get ready.” I kiss her on the cheek and go to the kitchen. Martha is our cook and housekeeper. She’s in her early sixties, has salt-n-pepper hair and is a little on the round side. I imagine it’s because she eats her awesome cooking.

She’s widowed, so it didn’t take much convinci
ng to get her to move with us. Mom gave her a raise, and I think she likes the change of scenery. It makes me feel more at home to have her here. I throw my arms around her neck from behind.

“Martha, thank you for dinner.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Leeza.”

“I’m going out tonight with some new friends.”

She gives me a warm smile as I take my plate from her.

“Good for you. I’m glad you’re making some. I like your hair, by the way.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s still an adjustment to see such a different look on you, but I’m glad you’re expressing yourself.”

“Thanks. It’s not as e
asy as I thought it would be. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t fit in anywhere. I hope that’s changing.”

I finish eating, get ready
, and meet Paul at the door. He pulls our Mercedes-Benz S-Class around and lets me in. How cool it would be to drive myself right now. People stare at our car as we park, and I’m quickly realizing it’s not what we should be driving if I want to keep a low profile.

He insists on walking in with me, so I stay
a few people ahead in line. He’s at least in jeans and a t-shirt, so he won’t stand out as badly. He’s tall and buff like a bodyguard.

I’
ve already warned him that he’ll be introduced as my big brother if the need arises. I have on a red, baby doll tee paired with black skinny jeans and black Saint Laurent Rangers boots.

I think they’re expensive enough that people here won’t even recognize the brand.
I’m also wearing some jewelry I made myself. It’s become a hobby of mine since all this went down with Maxwell. I’ve definitely had the free time.

“You came!” Sierra says
, squealing before throwing her arms around my neck. After letting me go, she grabs a hunk of my hair.

“Your hair is sick, Leah
. You’re going to have to do mine. Parker will have a fit tomorrow over the red.”

“You think he’ll like it?”

“Most definitely. It’s sexy.”

I look up and see Gabe, Jarred and
Troy walking toward us. “He showed, Sierra.”

“Are they behind me?”

“Yes,” Gabe says in her ear as he puts his hands on her waist. The look on her face is priceless. I think I see goose bumps on her arms.

He most definitely
likes her, and I’m guessing he’s going to show it more outside of school. The three of them say hi to me and Jarred grins.

“
Your hair is killer.”

“Thanks. I plan on changing it a lot.”

“I plan on checking you out a lot.” He winks at me. Wow, they’re being more forward than at school. I wonder if they were drinking before they came.

C
hewing on my thumbnail, I look around the club. Paul is leaning against a wall with his arms crossed all bodyguard like, positioned so he could get to me quickly.

If Mom was so worried about my safety, you’d think she would’ve hired someone with some military, combat exper
ience rather than a guy who makes films and lifts weights.

I think be
ing a Boy Scout is the extent of his survival training. I sure hope he’s at least been in a few fights. He needs to stop staring me down.

I turn back around when the opening band comes out. They are some freaky looking dudes. This show is sixteen and over, and I’m surprised
we’re allowed in after looking at some of the older weirdos who came to watch.

I grin
thinking about the coronary Mr. Lane would have if he knew I was here. It wouldn’t surprise me if he has someone watching me. Now that I think about it, he could easily afford to have someone follow me.

“You OK?” Jarred asks, yelling in my ear
. I turn to him and nod before directing my attention back to the band. They’re really good, so I finally loosen up and enjoy the show. Music is such an escape for me. I focus on the sound and let the lyrics take me somewhere different than my pathetic life.

The first band finishes, and considering how good they
are, the next band must be impressive. The group of us are discussing music when I see Jarred staring off. He swats Gabe on the arm.

“When did Brandon Jennings start coming
to Scope?”

I watch Gabe look the same direction, so my ey
es follow theirs. Oh, the attractive football player is here, and once again, he’s piercing me with a stare. Did he come here because of me?

“Brandon likes this kind of m
usic. I’ve seen him here before,” Gabe replies.

Jarred smirks. “I would’ve never guessed that, and
it’s even funnier that Anthony is with him.”

“Which one is Brandon?”

“The one in the grey shirt,” Jarred replies.

Wow, Leah. Why don’t you
be a little more conceited? I can’t believe I thought he might’ve came here to see me. It’s not like he’d even have a way to know I’m here.

I glance to him
again, and I swear I think there’s a smile playing on his lips. My eyes go back and forth from his to Paul’s. Great, now Paul is staring him down. Geez, he really is like a big brother. At least I know Brandon’s name now. Why does he have to be so gorgeous?

Paul
is holding his finger up, bending it toward him as a way to tell me to come over. Why would I want to do that? Is he trying to blow my cover?

“Leah, that older dude keeps staring at you,” Sierra says.

“Yeah, I see. Don’t worry about it.”

I’m not going to have a fingernail left after tonight. I have Jarred way into my personal space, hottie at two o’clock, and stalker Paul at three.

I glance his way and see him signaling me again, and this time he’s giving me a look that says, “If you don’t get your ass over here and talk to me, I’m throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you out.”

I let out a groan. “I’ll be back.”