"Raven likes to share," he said to her. "I didn't know you had a little sister," he said to me.
"I don't. This is Alexander's sister." I stressed Alexander, hoping that he'd pick up on not picking on her. That Alexander would seek revenge if he did. And that I'd stop him, too, if he tried.
"Oh ... so Monster Girl has a Mini-Monster."
I was ready to dump the malt on his head, but I worried it wasn't the best example of proper behavior in front of Stormy. Instead I slid my hand underneath the table and pinched his leg with all my might.
"Ouch!" he said, putting the malt down.
I let go and gave him a death stare. "You can address her by her real name. Athe Sall ="2em" na. Other than that, any name is a violation."
"A violation?" he chuckled.
"Yes, of Raven's law."
"I see. And if I break it, will you arrest me? Please?" He was as menacing as he was attractive. His blond hair flopped perfectly in place like a model's.
"It's time for you to go," I said. "Before you turn into a pumpkin."
"Fine," he said. "It was nice meeting you, Athena."
She extended her hand. He paused for a moment, surprised by her formality.
Then he shook her hand.
"Wow - you can learn a thing or two about manners from her," he said to me.
"Uh ... so could you."
Trevor walked off to the counter.
I pushed my malt away from me. I wasn't about to drink it.
"I'm sorry about that," I said. "He's been bugging me since he was born."
"I think he's cute!"
"Trevor?"
"Yes, this town is full of good-looking guys!"
"I think that's the jet lag talking," I said.
"He really likes you. That's why he picks on you," she said.
I was shocked by her keen insight into Trevor. "It's time to call Alexander," I declared.
Just then Dixie sashayed over and handed me another malt. "It's from Trevor."
"Ah," I said to Stormy. "I think your good manners are rubbing off on him."
A short time later, Alexander met us in the diner's parking lot. This time Stormy hopped in the back of the car.
"You can sit up front," I said.
"No, that's okay. I like being chauffeured," she said. I thought it was cute how she was slowly warming up to me.
"So, did you kids have fun?" Alexander teased.
"I did," I said.
"Yes, Raven gave me this dress," she said, pulling it out of the bag.
"You shouldn't be taking clothes from her," Alexander scolded. Normally the driver looks in the rearview mirror when talking to the passenger in the backseat.
But Alexander didn't. He knew he wouldn't be able to see his sister in the reflection.
"It's okay," I assured him. "I want her to have it."
"You've done enough already," he said.
"And I met her brother, Billy," Stormy added.
"That's cool. He's your age."
"I know..." Stormy giggled under her breath.
"Sounds like you guys had too much fun without me. I'm not sure you need me anymore."
"Of course we do," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder.
"Well, maybe not..." Stormy teased. I thought she liked the attention she was getting, no matter who it was from.
"And I met this guy named Trevor," she continued.
"You did?" Alexander asked. There was a hint of concern in his voice.
"It wasn't a big deal," I said.
"I think he likes Raven," she said.
Alexander paused.
"Are you trying to start trouble?" he asked.
"I'm just being honest."
"Well, he's going out with our friend Scarlet," I said. "Besides, Alexander doesn't have to worry about anyone."
"You should keep an eye on him," she warned Alexander. "I don't trust him."
"I have to keep my eyes on you," Alexander said. "One night out and you're already meeting boys and getting new dresses and hanging around the town bully."
Stormy giggled again. "Too bad you didn't come."
"Well, you've both had a full evening," he said, pulling into my driveway.
I stepped out of the car, and Stormy jumped out of the Mercedes, too. Instead of extending her hand to say good night, she smiled and leaned in to me. She wrapped her lithe arms around my waist and gave me a hug so hard I melted inside. Then she hopped into the front seat.
I was so flattered. I had had a great time, and so had Stormy.
Alexander took my hand and walked me to the door.
"I see you've made a good impression on her."
"I really had a blast," I said. "I wish I had a little sister."
We turned around and saw Stormy watching us from the car. I knew she was dying to see if her brother would kiss me.
She turned away like she hadn't been looking. She leaned over and got the dress out of the bag and began eyeing it instead.
She turned away like she hadn't been looking. She leaned over and got the dress out of the bag and began eyeing it instead.
Alexander took the now private opportunity and leaned in and kissed me. His lips were so tender that I became lost in them. Suddenly the car horn honked and we both jumped.
I tried to catch my breath, and Alexander was now frustrated with his sibling. Then we both burst out laughing.
"See, she's not so mannerly after all," my boyfriend said. "Thanks so much," he added as I unlocked the door. "This meant a lot to me."
"You don't have to thank me," I said truthfully. "I've been waiting for nights like these for all my life." d
Chapter 8 Surprise Invite
The following evening at dinner, I was chomping on grilled herb chicken when Billy asked out of the blue, "How long will Stormy be in town?"
"Why?" I wondered.
"The fall dance is coming up at school. I thought I could invite her."
I was stunned at my brother's suggestion. First, I couldn't imagine that my nerdy little brother had become brave enough to ask a girl to a dance, and two, the girl he wanted to be his date was a vampire.
"That would be so nice," my mom gushed. "I think you should."
"Sorry. No such luck," I said. "I think you should go, by all means, but you should ask one of your friends at school."
"Won't she be in town?" he asked. "It's this week."
I knew she'd be in town and I wasn't prepared to lie, even though it was the easiest solution.