Lying on her bed, she stared at the dark ceiling. Thoughts of California, her neurotic mother, Dodge Wheeler and all the parties she'd held so dear.
Now, she liked a boy that could turn into a wolf. Whining, she rung her hands to her face and prayed for time reversal.
Her father at the door interrupted her wishing, “Chloe, I want to talk to you.” the door opened, Henry not taking further invite.
Sitting up, they both stared at each other. He must have been reeling for a good opener to the conversation.
“What, Dad?” she snapped.
“I thought this would be a better start for you, Loe. What were you doing tonight?”
“I don't even understand what happened,” Chloe pressed. “Who called the police?”
“Two girls. A Dayna White and Annie Elk.”
Chloe rolled her eyes, “Traitors.”
“What were you doing out there?” Henry snapped.
“I was with Grayson.” She admitted, at least her father appeared to like Wolf-boy.
“I understand,” he nodded. “But you were at a party. You did lie to me.”
“Well, in all fairness, you said no when I asked you.”
“Chloe!” he shot. “Look, I'm not a fan of what the kids do in this town. I see a lot of things.”
She rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah.”
“I'm not kidding.”
“I was fine! I didn't do anything, Dad. I just went to the damn party to see Grayson!”
Henry raised an eyebrow at her, “What's that mean?”
She realized what it sounded like, “Okay, no, not like see Grayson.”
Henry grunted, “Okay.” Pacing the room, he laid it down for her, “You're grounded for one week.”
“Dad!” She shouted.
“Nah!” he pointed at her, stopping his pace. “You deserve it, Loe. School and back. That's it.”
“What about Grayson?” she pouted.
“Well, he can still give you a ride.”
She crossed her arms, “This is ridiculous, Dad. I'm not twelve. You can't...”
“Deal with it. I'm going to bed, too much excitement for one night.”
“How does that make sense, you're a cop!” she called after him as he slammed her door. Her eyes tossed back with her body, crushing into the pillows, “This is beyond idiotic.”
The pinging of her laptop broke her pillow ranting.
Lunging out of bed, she made it to the computer quick, tapping the keys till the screen flashed on. She dropped into the rickety chair and clicked on the new message.
Grayson Holtz
Are you in trouble, Little?
She smiled and went to type a reply, her fingertips jittery.
Chloe Pryce
I am. Grounded for one week.
She hit send and drummed her fingers to the desk, waiting.
Grayson Holtz
What are his guidelines? Especially, how they involve me?
Her stomach whirled, smiling like a wicked little kid as she replied.
Chloe Pryce
I'm allowed rides but no date.
She pressed his name and his profile page opened in her browser. Yes, it was time to befriend Wolf-boy in social networking land. Her vigorous finger clicked the friend request button.
Her screen pinged. Grayson Holtz has accepted your friend request.
Smirking to herself, his new message came in.
Grayson Holtz
A friend request? I'm flabbergasted, Chloe.
Her bubbling happiness paused, “Oh god, I'm sick...”
Chloe Pryce
I had to think long and hard about it.
Grayson Holtz
Did you?
She knew he was teasing and she liked the bit of attention he was giving a simple conversation.
Chloe Pryce
It was a difficult decision.
Grayson Holtz
Ouch. You know how to hurt a boy, Chloe. So no date? You're making me sad.
Chloe smirked and shook her head, making him sad?
Chloe Pryce
Dad said no.
Grayson Holtz
That sucks.
Chloe Pryce
Sorry.
Grayson Holtz
I'll live... but barely. So I guess that leaves my second date option to be a first date.
She snorted through her humour.
Chloe Pryce
Second date? Did I agree to that?
Grayson Holtz
Ha... funny, Little.
Chloe Pryce
What is this second date – what's it involve?
She thought, maybe taking her back up the mountain and turning into the grey wolf again? That'd be kinda cool.
Grayson Holtz
You'll have to wait and see.
Chloe Pryce
Come on...
Grayson Holtz
Begging? Now we're getting somewhere.
Chloe Pryce
I'm good at begging. I am also good at getting what I want.
Grayson Holtz
I really hope you want me.
Chloe's cheeks set fire, thrown by the comment.
Chloe Pryce
I'm not sure yet, big wolf.
Teasing him, unsure if he would respond favourably to it.
Grayson Holtz
I need to go. I will pick you up Monday.
She swallowed, the conversation was at its end and she wasn't positive on why.
Chloe Pryce
Why are you going?
Grayson Holtz
I need to.
Chloe Pryce
Why?
Grayson Holtz
Night, Chloe.
Annoyed, she wanted to know what more interesting things he had to do that close to midnight.
Chloe Pryce
Fine goodnight, wolf-boy.
Grayson Holtz
Talk to you later.
Chloe Pryce
Fine. Bye.
Rolling her eyes, she looked away from the screen. Her laptop pinging once more.
Grayson Holtz
Have a good night.
“Good night, my butt,” she slammed the laptop shut. Mad at him for being flirty then shutting down like a typical boy.
From her feet, she launched to the bed, “Dumb boys...”