The Ugly Stepsister (8 page)

Even though Ellie wore the same black dress and heels she had last weekend, the night was turning out completely different. She’d talked Tom into bringing Lauren, who planned to catch a taxi at eleven-thirty so she arrived home before her midnight curfew. Ellie thought it was completely crazy that Lauren’s mother accepted her word on who she was with and where she was going. Yet couldn’t trust Lauren to hang out with her. It didn’t make any sense at all. But when did parents ever make sense? Hers were a perfect example of that.

She sighed when a song with a faster beat began and she started to draw away from Tom’s arms. He smiled at her, pulling her back against him. She wasn’t about to argue if he wanted to stay wrapped around her while everyone else picked up their dance pace. She was content to pretend the song was the slowest one ever written.

“You want another drink?” Tom whispered against her ear.

“Nah, better not.” She grinned. “Or is that part of your plan?”

He laughed softly. “Looks like it must be close to eleven-thirty. Your friend’s headed over this way.”

Ellie turned in time to see Lauren before she hugged the two of them. “Are you leaving?”

Grinning, Lauren nodded. “Having the absolute best time. I don’t want to leave, but I’m on probation so I better not be late. What are you doing tomorrow?”

“I don’t know.” Ellie turned to Tom.

“Other than swimming for a couple of hours in the morning, no plans.” He turned to Lauren. “You’re welcome to come over if you want.”

Lauren nodded, still grinning. “As soon as I wake up. Directions?”

Tom explained how to find his place and told her to use the wooden gate beside the garage. He pulled Ellie back to him as soon as Lauren left.

The rest of the night seemed to fly and it was nearly three in the morning when Tom drove them back to his place. He pulled up in front of the house, turning the ignition off.

“What?” Ellie asked when he continued to stare at her.

“I’m trying to figure out if I have enough self control to kiss you when we’re inside or if I should do it out here.”

Ellie grinned. “If we’re taking into account my self control, you’d better kiss me while we’re in these stupid bucket seats.”

Tom laughed softly before his lips met hers. Ellie didn’t know how long they sat in the car, but she reluctantly let Tom go when their kiss ended.

“Time to go inside, unless you want to climb into the backseat with me,” Tom said.

Ellie laughed. “That’s a surprisingly tempting offer.” She opened the car door, but remained sitting. “But if I don’t get to bed soon I’ll probably crash here.”

“Does that mean you’d say yes if you weren’t tired?”

“Not at all.” She grinned.

“That’s what I thought.” Tom hopped out of the car and joined her on the footpath. Once he locked the car, he slipped his arm around her waist. “You can have the bathroom first.”

“Thanks dear.” She grinned when Tom laughed. “I couldn’t resist. It just sounded so domestic.”

Tom opened the wooden gate. “Try and keep the noise down. My parents are both home.”

“Would they kick me out?”

“I don’t know.” Tom shut the gate behind them.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re my first girlfriend that’s stayed the night.” Tom unlocked the door. “I’ve only been seventeen for a bit over a month. And don’t bother with the question you’re about to ask.”

“How do you know what I was going to ask?” Ellie blinked when Tom turned on the light.

He smiled. “I have a fair idea. You’re always full of questions. Now hurry up and use the bathroom. I’d like to get to bed before daylight.”

Ellie reluctantly opened her eyes. She didn’t move. She was far too comfortable. Her back was pressed against Tom’s chest and his arm was over her waist. She smiled and her eyes started to close again. Then she heard it again. This time she sat up, disturbing Tom.

“What are you doing?” he mumbled, reaching out to pull her back to him.

“I thought I heard Lauren.”

Tom glanced at the alarm clock. “It’s not even eight. You’re imagining things.”

“There! Did you hear that?”

“It’ll be Sam playing online. I bet he’s hooked it up to a speaker and mic instead of a headset. I’ll kill him. Later though. After I’ve finished sleeping.”

Ellie shook her head and clambered over Tom. “Go back to sleep. I won’t be able to until I see for myself.”

Tom groaned. “Fine. I need at least another hour’s sleep.” He rolled onto his stomach, pulling a pillow over his head.

Ellie smiled as she watched him. The sheet was pooled around his waist, his bare back tempting her to run her hands over his tanned skin. Another shout from the lounge room had her moving. She opened the door and stared at Sam and Lauren. They both wore headsets. Only Sam had a controller.

Lauren leapt to her feet and pointed at the television. “Red dot on your back. They’ve snuck up behind you. Don’t let them kill you. Yes! Brilliant!”

On the screen, Sam’s character spun and shot the man that had been sneaking up on him. Sam grinned. “I’d seen you before Lauren spoke. Face it, I always kick your arse at this game.”

Lauren laughed. “So what excuse do you use when I’m not here?”

Ellie guessed they were talking to someone only they could hear on the headsets. Closing the door, she moved further into the lounge room and saw two plates on the floor. Both were empty. Her stomach grumbled and she wondered what Sam had made to eat. She was halfway across the room before Lauren noticed her.

Lauren removed her headset, bent close to Sam to whisper in his ear and then hurried to Ellie’s side. “I was wondering when you were going to wake up. Half the day is gone.”

“Not everyone has an unnatural liking for early mornings like you do.” Ellie glanced towards the bathroom. “Give me a minute.” When she returned to the lounge room, Sam was turning his game off.

He looked over to Ellie. “Breakfast?”

“Are you cooking?”

“Sort of.”

Ellie frowned. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“I’ll teach you how to make pancakes.”

Lauren put her hand on Sam’s shoulder. They were the same height. “I don’t know if anyone has warned you what Ellie is like in the kitchen.”

Sam nodded. “I won’t let her burn the place down.”

Ellie worried at her lip with her teeth. “Ahh… well… I don’t know.”

“Is the place insured?” Lauren asked.

Sam nodded. “Don’t you want to learn, Beth?”

Ellie shook her head, nodded and then frowned. “I want to learn. I just don’t want to burn the place down in the process.”

“You won’t. Come on.” Sam headed for the stairs.

Ellie and Lauren looked at each other, shrugged then followed him. When they reached the top of the stairs, Lauren froze.

Lauren gazed around, eyes wide in surprise. “Wow. You were right about the ‘keep off the carpet’ sign. I guess they forgot to put it out. I thought you must have been exaggerating when you told me.”

Ellie grinned, linked her arm through Lauren’s and took her to the kitchen. “You can see why I’m worried about burning the place down.”

“A lot of stainless steel in here. That doesn’t catch fire,” Lauren said.

Sam placed a bowl on the counter. “Wash your hands.” He continued to pull out ingredients and utensils as they obeyed.

By the time the batter was mixed and they waited for the first pancake to cook, Ellie smiled at Sam. “This is surprisingly fun.” She dipped her finger in the batter and popped it in her mouth.

“Hey!” Lauren protested. “We’ve all got to eat that.”

Ellie held the bowl out to Lauren and grinned when her friend dipped her own finger in. “Tastes good, doesn’t it?” She squealed when arms went round her waist and she nearly dropped the mixture.

Sam rescued the bowl, returning it to the counter. “No wonder things catch on fire. You get distracted too easily.” He flipped the pancake.

Ellie turned in Tom’s arms, sliding her hands across his chest to link them behind his head. “I thought you were going to sleep for an hour.”

He whispered against her ear, “I missed you.” He pressed his lips on the pulse point below her ear.

“I’m meant to be having a cooking lesson,” Ellie said as his lips moved to hers.

Tom looked past Ellie before his eyes met hers again. “Trust me, you’re not being missed.”

Ellie was about to look and see what he meant when his lips met hers. Then she couldn’t have cared what Sam and Lauren were doing. She opened her mouth, pressing herself against Tom. Time became meaningless and the kitchen faded. When they finally broke apart, Sam was setting the table and Lauren had taken over flipping pancakes. She grinned when Ellie looked towards her.

Ellie suddenly frowned and turned back to Tom. “Where are your parents?”

Tom laughed. “You weren’t very concerned about that question before.”

“You did tell me not to wake them last night.”

Tom nodded. “They left about seven this morning. Well, I assume they did since they told us that’s what time they planned to leave.”

“When will they be back?”

“This afternoon. Why? Did you want to make use of their spa bath?”

Ellie stared at him. “You’re kidding me, right?”

Tom shook his head. “Do you want to see?”

Ellie hesitated. “Ahh… yeah?”

Tom grinned, taking her hand. “Come on then.”

Ellie stood in the doorway of the ensuite. It was nearly as big as her entire bedroom. In one corner was the spa bath, a shower in the corner opposite and a vanity with two sinks ran along the wall across from the door. The toilet had its own separate area.

Tom’s arms went around her and he pulled her back against his chest. His chin rested on her shoulder. “What do you say? Want to try it out?”

Ellie met his eyes in the mirror above the vanity. She didn’t know if she should take him seriously or not. Especially with the way he grinned at her. “Maybe another day. I believe I was promised a swim.”

“Chicken,” Tom said softly.

Ellie laughed. “You’ll have to do better than that to make me change my mind.” When he turned her in his arms and started to kiss her again, she was more than tempted. She was relieved when Lauren yelled from the kitchen.

“Breakfast is served!”

Ellie pulled away from him. “Looks like I just got a better offer.”

He walked with her back to the kitchen. “I’m beginning to learn that nothing can compete against food in your eyes.”

“And people say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.”

Tom rolled his eyes. “All these compliments are going to have me dragging you back to bed.”

“Not before I’ve eaten my share of pancakes.” Ellie sat at the table.

“Of course not. I wouldn’t dream about getting between you and food. I’d be terrified for my life.” Tom put a pancake in his bowl.

“Only good food.” Ellie waited for Lauren to finish helping herself to the ice cream before she piled some on her pancake.

“Considering what your diet is like at home, I’m going to be sensible and let you feed first,” Tom said.

Lauren handed the maple syrup to Ellie. “Smart move. That’d also mean she’ll be too well fed to put up much of a fight.”

Ellie forgot all about talking when she had her first bite of breakfast. Her eyes closed and she moaned.

Lauren laughed. “It’s good. Maybe not as good as you’re acting it is.”

“Shh! Sacrilege.” Ellie had another mouthful.

Sam divided his time between watching Ellie and Lauren. He remained quiet as Ellie, Lauren and Tom carried the conversation. Once breakfast was finished, Sam cleaned up while the three of them returned to the lounge room downstairs.

Lauren flopped onto the couch. “I think I ate too much.”

Ellie brought the beanbag out of Sam’s room and dropped it onto the floor. “Tell me about it.” She lay back on the beanbag, wriggling to get comfortable.

“Does this mean no one’s up for a swim yet?” Tom sat on the floor, leaning against the lounge chair closest to Ellie. He linked his fingers through hers.

“Does it involve moving from this spot?” Ellie closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

“What about this afternoon?” Tom asked.

“Sounds good. But you don’t have to wait for us. I know you’ve got to train,” Ellie said.

Tom brought her hand to his lips. He smiled slightly. “I’ll wait.”

Sam entered the room, noisily tripping on the last couple of steps. “Are we going swimming now?”

Lauren giggled. “We’re all busy collapsing. Any ideas on something unenergetic we can do?”

Tom grinned. “Sam’s first thought is always computer games.”

“Sounds good to me. How about teams. Sam and I against you two,” Lauren said.

“Only because you know he’s the best player,” Ellie said.

“Why would I want to be on the losing team?” Lauren asked.

Ellie laughed. “Someone better give me a controller if they want me to play. I’m not moving for any reason.”

The morning passed rapidly. Ellie was surprised the game was fun when they all played. Sam put together a salad for lunch and late afternoon found them heading for the pool.

Ellie and Lauren were last to walk outside. When they rounded the corner of the house and could see Tom and Sam, Lauren clutched Ellie’s arm and they came to a stop.

The boys dove into the water, swimming for the opposite end. Lauren’s free hand covered her heart.

“Did you see them?”

Ellie nodded. “Can you understand why I stared at him when he was in a towel?”

“Forget about Tom. What about Sam? I bet if the kids at school ever saw him without his shirt they wouldn’t be calling him Baby Face.”

“Well…” Ellie watched as they surfaced, grinning at each other. Tom splashed water at Sam who ducked back under the water. “You can’t exactly argue that comment. He does have a really young face.”

“But those muscles.” Lauren shook Ellie’s arm that she still clutched. “What about those muscles? You can call me shallow. I don’t care. But please hand me a tissue to wipe off the drool.”

“What about the creepy stare?”

“He forgets to do that when he’s occupied. Like when he’s cooking or playing games.”

“You can’t spend all your time cooking or playing computer games.”

“Can’t I?”

Ellie looked at her friend in surprise. “You like him?”

Lauren shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s odd. But when he forgets to be self-conscious he’s actually pretty funny. You should have heard him talking to his mates online earlier. I was in stiches half the time.”

“Yeah, but…” Ellie’s voice trailed off when the brothers climbed out of the pool again.

Lauren grinned. “Did you forget what you were going to say?”

Ellie laughed. “You could say that. Uh-oh. That doesn’t look good.”

Tom and Sam started to walk towards them, grinning.

“I bet they’re planning on throwing us in,” Lauren whispered.

“Can’t throw us in if we’re already in the water.” Ellie glanced at Lauren who nodded. They ran towards Tom and Sam, dodging to the side at the last second. When they reached the edge of the pool, they jumped in, breaking the surface grinning. Seconds later, Tom and Sam dove into the water with them.

Ellie tread water, watching Tom swim over to her. “So what did you pair think you were going to do?”

“You looked like you were having trouble making it to the pool. We were just going to give you a hand.” Tom reached out to grab hold of the pool edge and pulled Ellie to him.

“We were a little distracted.”

“By?”

Ellie ran a hand down Tom’s chest and smiled. “I wouldn’t like to say. I wouldn’t want you to get an over inflated ego.”

Tom’s lips met hers. “Really? Are you planning on ending the conversation just when it’s getting interesting?”

“Yep.”

“I’m sure I could make you talk.”

Ellie grinned, certain he meant by kissing her. “Do your worst.” She squealed when he started to tickle her instead. “Okay! Okay! I’ll talk.”

Tom pulled her close. “So what was the distraction?”

“You. I was busy telling Lauren that you are burn-the-picture-in-your-retina gorgeous.”

Tom laughed. “That good, hey?”

“You don’t need me to tell you. I’m sure you already know.”

“And I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you the same. Unless you’re playing at being the bride of Frankenstein.”

“You’re going to have to pay for that comment.” Ellie tugged Tom’s arm so he lost his grip on the side of the pool, pressing against his shoulders to make him go under. Spinning away, she started to swim to the other side of the pool. She doubted she’d reach her destination before he caught her. He’d already been getting over her surprise attack when she’d spun away from him.

She felt a hand wrap around her ankle, pulling her back. Tom held her close to him and she barely had time to take a deep breath before they sank under the water. His lips met hers. They kissed until they needed to surface for air.

Grinning, Ellie tread water. “I thought the whole idea of getting in the pool was for you to practise.”

“Are you going to swim a couple of laps with me?”

Ellie shook her head. “I’ve got no chance of keeping up with you.”

“So I’ll keep up with you.” Tom grinned. “Come on. Just two laps. What do you say?”

“Sure. Why not?”

After the two laps, Ellie stayed in the shallow end, reclining on the steps. Lauren joined her while Sam did laps with his brother. She watched Tom for a while, fascinated by the way his body moved through the water. She turned to Lauren to see her watching too.

“Which one?”

Lauren frowned as she glanced at Ellie. “Huh?”

“Who are you watching?”

“Sam. You know when you’re little and you have an Easter egg hunt?”

“Yeah?” Ellie dragged the word out, uncertain what her friend was trying to say.

“And at the end of it you’re left with a handful of chocolate eggs, all wrapped in different colours, looking pretty much the same other than the different clothes.”

“Clothes?”

“Play along.”

“Okay.” Ellie drew the word out, shaking her head. “Easter eggs dressed in different coloured shirts. Then what?”

Lauren giggled. “Now you’ve got me picturing them with buttons down the front and empty sleeves ’cause they don’t have arms.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “We’re getting off track. What has this to do with Sam?”

“Well, you open up one of those little eggs and take a bite and it’s chocolate, all the way through. Absolutely delicious.”

“Of course. Chocolate always is.” Ellie nodded.

“You have another one. Yummy, creamy chocolate.”

“Yeah.” Again Ellie drew the word out.

“Then you unwrap the next one and take a bite expecting to find chocolate and your mouth is filled with caramel as well.”

“Are you meant to be going somewhere with this? Because you’re starting to make me hungry.”

Lauren laughed. “Just saying the word food makes you hungry. But yeah, I’m going somewhere. Sam’s like that. He’s not what you expect when you start to peel away the layers.”

“Are we talking his body or his personality?”

“Well, I certainly can’t ignore that body.” Lauren grinned. “But I was including his personality in that too.”

“What were you pair up to in the kitchen when Tom and I were a little oblivious to the rest of the world?”

“A little?” Lauren looked sceptical.

“Okay. Completely and utterly oblivious to the rest of the world?”

“I rode over here this morning on my bike. Sam said he’d ride home with me this afternoon when it’s time for me to go. I said it’d take about an hour. I was worried he might collapse along the way. I mean, he doesn’t come across as a very active person. But he said that wasn’t a problem. He often goes riding with his brother for a few hours at a time.”

“Tom seems to love sport. All sport,” Ellie said.

“Yeah, well I asked Sam if he played any sport and he said he wasn’t really interested. He seems pretty fit considering he’s not interested in playing sport. I got the feeling he joins his brother in things because they’re friends.”

Ellie watched the brothers as they kept pace with each other. She smiled as she recalled Tom keeping pace with her. “Yeah, I think they are too.”

“You know what?”

Ellie looked over to Lauren. “What?”

“We haven’t played Marco Polo for ages.”

“I’m guessing you’re not talking the version we played in primary school?”

Lauren grinned. “What do you say? Think we can round up two blindfolds? I’m interested to see how keen Sam is to catch me when the prize is a kiss.”

Ellie laughed. “You’re just keen to see what he kisses like without committing yourself to anything. Just in case he kisses worse than a puppy.”

“So? Sue me.”

“I’m guessing I’m the one who has to suggest the game.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. “What do you think? You’re the one who spends half her time attached at the lips with Tom. And you better be persuasive, particularly when I’m reluctant.”

“The things I’m called on to do in the name of friendship.” Ellie grinned.

“Well?”

“Of course.”

Ellie was glad they’d finished their game of Marco Polo when Teresa came out on the patio and called to Tom.

Tom waved to his mother to let her know he heard her and swam over to the side of the pool, closest to the patio. Sam followed him. Ellie and Lauren shared a look before they swam over too.

“I was just letting you know we’re home,” Teresa called down when Tom and Sam were out of the pool.

“Mum, this is Beth’s friend, Lauren.” Tom gestured towards them as they pulled themselves out of the pool.

Ellie guessed she should probably tell Teresa that she was going by the name Ellie now. Although she wondered if it really mattered since Sam still called her Beth.

“Hello again, Beth. Lauren.”

Ellie said hi at the same time as Lauren said hello.

“How many will be here for dinner? Your father will need to know,” Teresa said.

Tom glanced towards Ellie and Lauren. Ellie nodded while Lauren shook her head. He looked up towards his mother again. “Only one extra.”

Teresa nodded and then frowned. “It looks like you need a haircut, Sam. Do you want me to make an appointment for you next week?”

Sam blushed and shook his head. “I’m growing it.”

Ellie wondered if that decision had anything to do with her comment on how he should wear his hair.

A man joined Teresa on the patio. His sandy brown hair was nearly as short as Tom’s. He had sharp blue eyes and similar features to his oldest son, but his nose was hooked and his cheekbones more prominent. “Afternoon everyone.”

Lauren grabbed Ellie’s arm with a gasp. Ellie looked at her friend in surprise. Lauren continued to watch the patio.

“Dad, this is Beth and Lauren. My father, Gregory.”

“Hi,” Ellie said, nudging Lauren who still didn’t reply.

“You’ve all got the right idea for a warm day like this,” Gregory said.

“When doesn’t Tom find some excuse to drag everyone into the pool?” Sam asked.

Gregory laughed. “I’ll let you get back to your fun.”