Chapter 12

Ree grabbed a bag from under her bed and started shoving clothes and other things in it. She grabbed a pair of pajama pants from her closet and stopped to survey the small room’s contents. She figured she mainly needed jeans, sweat pants, and things that would be good for training, but she really wasn't sure what her training was going to be like. On an impulse she grabbed a sweater dress and leggings and her biker boots. She made sure she had a couple of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and tank tops. She was wearing her sneakers and a pair of jeans already, but she changed shirts since she was wearing the same thing from last night, and then grabbed her favorite hoodie. She looked around her room, grabbed a book from the table next to her bed and was zipping the bag shut when she heard her mother clear her throat from the doorway.

“What's up?” She was really happy her mom was going to spend time with her father. It would be good for them.

Her mother looked down the hallway before stepping in the room and closing the door. Ree arched an eyebrow, but tried to not look suspicious. It had been a long time since her mother had looked to have a private chat with her.

“Is there something going on between you and Paden?”

“Why would you ask that?” Clearly confused, Ree shook her head.

“Well, he’s wearing the same clothes from last night.” She smiled sadly.

“Um, I think he spent the night at Weylins' last night. You know, because their parents are on a cruise.” She looked around the room to try and find something to change the conversation with, but she was drawing a blank. Grabbing her MP3 player she checked the charge and added it to the stuff in her bag.

“I realize that maybe I haven't been paying attention as much as I should, but I did notice some things. Like how much time you two are spending together.”

“It isn't that, Mom. He promised Tristan he would watch out for me.” Even as she said it, she realized it hurt to think that was the only reason he hung out with her. When she looked at her mom she realized her tone must have given her away, because her mother was looking at her with a small smile.

“I wouldn't be so sure of that, Ree, darling. Looking out for you doesn't include taking you to the movies, or checking out your homecoming date.”

“He's just trying to fill Tristan’s shoes. That’s what he thinks big brothers are supposed to do.” Ree shrugged. There was no way Paden thought of her as anything other than a little sister. Ree was sure any tension she felt was all on her side.

“I'm just saying that I don't know many big brothers that take their little sisters to concerts where the tickets cost a hundred dollars each.”

“What? A hundred dollars? Well, it was only because his friend canceled on him.” A hundred dollars a ticket? She would have to pay him back.

Her mother chuckled. “Is thatwhat he told you? When he called to ask if you wanted to go, he told me he got the tickets because he knew you would like the band.” Ree looked at her mother blankly. That couldn't be right. But it was true that wasn't something that a brother did for a sister “just because.” Her birthday had been a couple of months ago, so she couldn't even chalk it up to that.

“Ree, while I'm gone, I want you to be careful, okay?”

“Of course. I always am.” She felt guilty about lying. She figured there was no way she was really safe now.

“No, sweetheart. I mean safe. If you and Paden ever figure out just what is going on between you.”

“Oh my god! Mom!” Ree was horrified about the turn of conversation.

“Sweetheart, I remember being seventeen. All of those hormones.”

“Mom! Stop! Don't ever say the word hormones again! Please. And you don't need to worry. Okay? Nothing happening. Nada. Zilch, okay?” She waved her hands in front of her in denial. There was a knock at her door and she jumped three feet into the air. She looked at her mom wildly, and her mother cracked up.

“Ree?” Paden asked through the door.

“Just a minute!” She hollered, and then hissed at her Mom. “Not another word! Oh my god. What if he heard you!?” She threw her bag onto her shoulder, but before she could walk past her mother, she was snatched into a tight hug.

“I'm sure he didn't hear anything. I left him in the kitchen icing the cake. And you know he probably ate whatever was left over before coming to look for you.” She kissed Rees’ head and hugged her a little tighter. “He can't withstand my homemade icing.” Ree gave in to the hug, and wondered if she would see her mother and father again. They had already lost so much.

“I love you, Mom. Have fun in Atlanta, and don't worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Her mother sniffed a little bit and kissed her head again before letting go. She stepped back and opened the door. Paden was standing there and looked surprised to see Mrs. McKenna.

“Oh, I didn't know you were in there, Miss Susan. I finished icing the cake.”

“I bet you polished off the rest of the icing, too!” When Paden gave her a sheepish smile, she laughed.

“Well, there was only a little bit left. I figured you wouldn't miss it.”

“Uh huh, I bet you did. Take care of my little girl while I'm gone, Paden.”

He nodded solemnly, and Ree rolled her eyes. She walked past them and headed toward the front of the house. Yep, he took his role as protector a little too seriously.

“Ree! Before you leave, grab my cell phone. I won't need it while I'm with your father. There’s a baking convention at the same hotel as his meetings.” She smiled. “That’s how he got me to agree to go, you know. That and he promised me a spa day.”

Ree grabbed the phone and charger off of the counter and gave her mother another hug. “I’ll see you next weekend, Mom.”

Paden grabbed the cake and followed her out of the house. After making sure the cake was safe on the floorboard, they headed toward the O'Reilly residence, downtown.