Cipher

Chapter Seven

Summer put on her game face and trudged up the steps of the school. She’d been tempted to call in sick, but the Unicorn Stench show was today. No way Dad would let her skip school and still go to the concert.

Please let tonight be the night I finally connect with Ashlyn. I could really use a win.

“So,” Kendall said, stepping next to Summer. “I was thinking tomorrow night we make our boys take us to dinner. There’s this great new seafood place on the beach where The Shack used to be, and Jack said it’s really good.”

“Cody and I broke up last night.” Saying the words aloud made Summer want to start crying all over again.

Kendall came to an abrupt stop, her eyes going wide. “Shut up!”

Summer told her friend the same thing she’d been telling herself since last night: “It’s for the best. He and I weren’t working anymore.”

Kendall slid her arm around Summer’s waist and gave her a quick side hug. “I’m so sorry. I know it seems like the end of the world now, but you two just need some space. He’ll realize what he’s lost and come crawling back, you mark my words.”

“Kendall, it’s over. There’s nothing he could say…” Summer rubbed her temples, the headache she’d had since last night growing with a vengeance. “I don’t want to talk or even think about it anymore.”

“Well, it explains why you look so rough this morning.” Kendall’s gaze dropped to the T-shirt Summer had thrown on, disapproval filling her eyes. “I know how to make you feel better, though. You can come over tonight and we’ll have a girls’ night. We can eat ice cream and watch a movie.”

“Thanks, but I’m going to a show with Troy and some other friends.”

“But you’re planning on eating lunch with the girls today, right?” Kendall’s eyebrows shot up. “People are starting to wonder about you, you know. Everyone’s asking me why you’ve gone all weird lately.”

Summer pushed through the front doors of the school. “Let them wonder. I don’t have the energy to deal with it. Besides, they’ll all be happy I’m not there. It’ll give them a chance to gossip about me and Cody’s break up.” She gave a half-hearted wave to Kendall and weaved her way through the crowded hallway, headed toward her locker.

She froze when she saw Cody standing in the hall, her heart stopping along with her feet. While she imagined she looked all mopey, he seemed to be perfectly fine. In fact, he had his arm around Jenna Cambell, the very skank who’d thrown herself at him when Summer had been out of town last month. If there was any truth at all to Jenna’s reputation, Cody shouldn’t have a problem getting what he wanted from her.

Pain radiated through her chest. She wished that his being a jerk last night erased all feelings she had for him. Unfortunately, it didn’t work that way.

Doing her best to bury her sorrow deep, where no one else could see it, she retrieved her books as quickly as possible and charged down the hall. When she got into her first period classroom, she sat down and took big breaths, trying to erase the images and hurt feelings, and failing at both.

“Ready for the show tonight?” Troy asked. “It’s going to be awesome.”

Summer glanced at Troy and did her best to sound enthusiastic. “Yeah. I’m looking forward to it.”

Troy’s eyebrows drew together. “You look kind of sad, Sunshine. What’s up?”

Summer shook her head, not wanting her voice to betray her. Her throat burned with the effort to keep from bursting into tears, but she managed to choke out, “Nothing.”

Troy opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Mr. Jennings stood and started his lecture. He dove into the topic of ionic and covalent bonds, managing to add even more to Summer’s misery.

Summer stuffed her money into her pocket and hurried out of her bedroom. As she descended the stairs, Troy and Dad came into view. They stood in the entryway, their voices too low for her to make out words. When she’d first started dating Cody, Dad kept asking what had happened to Troy. He hadn’t been very subtle when it came to his preference about who he’d rather her spend time with. Even after she explained that she and Troy were still friends, but they were both with other people, Dad continued to ask about him.

Dad stuck his fingers between the blinds, creating a gap large enough to see out the window, and peered outside. “You’re still driving the Cherokee, I see.”

The first time Troy had picked her up to go to Equinox, Dad had gone out to inspect the Jeep. Instead of acting annoyed like most people did, Troy had gotten down on the ground and proved how much he knew about his vehicle. Dad ate it up.

“I am,” Troy said. “And all the maintenance is up to date.”

“Good.” Dad turned away from the window and looked at her. “Just you and Troy tonight?”

“No, we’re picking up a couple more people. It’s not a raging party unless you’ve got lots of peeps.” Summer stuck out her tongue and threw both hands up in the rock and roll sign.

Dad let her know he didn’t think her joke was funny by furrowing his brow. “You’ve got your mace?”

“Dad, they won’t let me into the club with mace.”

“Right.” Dad gave Troy a stiff pat on the back. “Then I’m counting on you. Don’t let her out of your sight.”

Troy slung his arm over Summer’s shoulders, jostling her against him. “I’ll take good care of her, Mr. Davis, I swear.” He grinned, obviously happy with his over-the-top performance—she couldn’t help but smile at it either.

Dad gave one sharp nod. “I like this guy. Troy, you should come over more often.”

“Oh, I’m sure Summer’s boyfriend would feel differently.”

“You didn’t tell him?” Dad asked, glancing at Summer. “In theory, Cody’s history. Right, kid?”

Summer breathed through the sting those words caused and nodded. “Right. Now we’re going to be late if you don’t let us go. We’ve still got more people to pick up, and who knows how long their parents’ protective speeches are going to be.”

“Okay, okay. Be good, and be careful. Remember, defensive driving is smart driving.”

“Later, Dad.” Summer grabbed Troy’s arm and pulled him out the door, wanting to forget about everything and get on with this night. An entire week had gone by since she’d first seen Gabriella, and so far, she didn’t have anything to show for her efforts. Tonight’s mission was to get Ashlyn over her prejudice so Summer could start with the rest of her job, which she still had no clue how to do.

Troy opened the passenger door of the Jeep for her. He got in, and fired up the engine. “So, you and Cody are finished?”

“We broke up yesterday.”

Troy glanced over his shoulder, then pulled onto the street. “Why?”

Summer took a deep breath, trying to figure out how much to share.

“Sorry,” Troy said. “I guess I shouldn’t be prying.”

“I really just want to forget about him and have fun tonight.” She picked at a thread on her jeans, not wanting to say more, but not wanting things to be weird. “Hey, you think they’ll play Obligatory tonight? I’ve always wanted to hear it live.”

“They better. It is the song our friendship was founded on. That and the keys.”

Summer grinned, remembering the first day she met Troy.

Feeling a little lost and lonely at her new school, Summer had put in her earphones, turned up her music, and found an empty bench outside. A group of boys were skateboarding around the parking lot, jumping curbs and doing tricks. She watched them, remembering her brief stint as a skateboarder back in Chicago—she’d taken it up to impress a guy. She crashed a lot, never got a hang of the really cool tricks, and ended up realizing the guy was totally wrong for her, though he ended up being a great friend.

Troy’s tricks brought him closer and closer to the bench. After a few minutes, he rolled up to her, tapped the end of the skateboard with his foot, and caught it in his hand. “So, what are you listening to?”

“Obligatory, by Unicorn Stench,” Summer said, thinking she was hardcore. Hardly anyone had heard of the band.

“You know they’re from here. I saw them play last year.”

“Really? I bet they’re killer live.”

“It was definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever been to.” He sat next to her on the bench. “How ‘bout The Black Keys?”

Summer scrolled down her list of songs and held her iPod up so Troy could see all the Black Keys’ songs on the screen. “Not only do I have ‘Wicked Messenger’ by them, I also have Bob Dylan’s version. And while the purist in me wants to say the original’s better, I can’t help but love the Black Keys’ version. The guitar and the drums and Dan Auerbach’s voice.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “It’s just all so perfect.”

“I think that’s the hottest thing a girl’s ever said to me.” Troy grabbed her hand. “Run away with me?”

She laughed, and it came out a little nervous sounding, due to the fact he was holding her hand and her stomach was filling with butterflies.

He smiled at her, still not letting go. “Troy, by the way.”

“Summer.”

“Troy, are you coming, or what?” One of the guys in the parking lot yelled.

“Sounds like I’ve got to go.” Troy released her hand and grabbed his board. “I’ll see you around, Sunshine,” he said and then strolled toward the parking lot where his friends were holding open a car door for him. She was starting after him when he spun around and flashed her another smile.

Imagine her disappointment when she found out he already had a girlfriend.

After that first meeting, she would be walking down the halls and hear, “Hey, Sunshine!” Immediately, she’d know it was Troy, coming to update her on a cool new band he’d heard. He was much more of a music snob than she was. He hated the dance music she loved, claiming if instruments weren’t involved it wasn’t true music, and there was no convincing him otherwise.

Now, Summer stared at him again, taking in his profile in the dim interior of the Jeep. A lot had changed since the day they’d met. Yet being there with him, on their way to a show, reminded her of everything she used to love doing. Of all the little things she’d given up because of her relationship with Cody.

“Thanks for inviting me tonight,” she said. “I’m really excited to hear the new stuff.”

Troy glanced at her. “Me too. I’m glad we’re hanging out again.”

A spark of happiness broke through the sadness she’d been feeling all day. If only it could carry through the night and help her accomplish her mission, she might just survive the week after all.

Equinox was busier than normal. People lined the bar, and there was room to walk, but just barely. As usual, the black floors of the old building were slightly sticky. Small tables dotted the back half of the room and ran up along the sides. Flashing lights lit the dance floor in the middle. Up front, the stage stuck out in a semi-circle.

The place brought back memories of Summer’s first few months here, when she’d been all about coming to the shows with Troy and his friends. Whenever Kristen had come with them, she’d stare Summer down, keeping herself draped around Troy the entire time.

“It feels good to be back,” Summer said, even enjoying the familiar scent of stale, sweat-tinged air. After the big blowout fight she and Cody had about her going places with Troy, she’d stopped coming to Equinox altogether.

Who needs him? It’s nice to be free again.

“Let’s go find a place close to the stage,” said Kevin, a friend of Troy’s they’d picked up on the way. “Then we can see how they set up.”

Troy bounced on the balls of his feet, the way he did when he was especially excited about a show. “Sounds good.”

Summer wanted a read on Ashlyn, so as they followed the guy toward the front, she bumped into her, making sure their arms brushed. No grim scenes flashed before Summer’s eyes, but Ashlyn shot her a dirty look.

“Sorry,” Summer mumbled. “It’s kind of crowded.” Well, at least Ashlyn should make it through the night. Next step, getting the girl to stop hating her. “So, what’s your favorite song by these guys?”

“Finding Me. It got me through a hard time in my life.”

“That’s a good one. My personal fave is I Should.”

“Yeah, every poseur likes that song.”

Summer’s mouth dropped open. Before she could respond to that accusation—she was so not a poseur—Ashlyn moved to the other side of Kevin. Clearly, she was never going to like her.

Maybe I should just give her the stupid relationship brochure and feel good I’ve done my part.

Troy glanced back at her, then jerked his head to gesture her over. “Can’t take my eyes off you, remember?”

It took her a moment to realize he was echoing Dad’s orders. “Right,” she said, stepping next to him.

“Hey.” Troy put his hand on her back and leaned close enough to be heard over the guy announcing tonight’s line-up. “We’re about to watch one of our favorite bands. You shouldn’t look so sad.”

Summer glanced from Ashlyn back to Troy. “Ashlyn hates me. I’ve tried to be nice, but she’s determined to keep disliking me for whatever reason.”

“So? Why do you care if she likes you? She’s a cool girl and all, but you have other friends.”

It would be nice to be able to tell the truth. The whole truth would be hard to swallow, though. Summer struggled to get it down herself, and she’d started seeing…whatever Gabriella was. She shrugged. “I just got a feeling that we would be friends. I have excellent intuition you know.”

“Well, I’ve seen who you hang out with most of the time, so you’ll understand if I doubt your intuition.”

Summer elbowed him. “Hey, I hang out with you, Mister Bond. Apparently, I’ve chosen some of my friends well.”

A grin spread across his face. “You’ve got me there.”

The crowd around them erupted in cheers as Unicorn Stench took the stage. Summer went ahead and hollered along with them. She yelled even louder when they opened with I Should.

Francie’s scratchy voice echoed through the room as she sang out the lyrics.

If I told you I missed you, would you change your mind

If I begged you to stay, would you still leave me behind

I know I should move on, I should try

Instead of sitting here alone, asking why

I should go back and change the day we met,

delete the day our paths first crossed

Maybe then, oh maybe then, I wouldn’t feel so lost

I should’ve kept my guard up instead of letting it down

Shouldn’t have given my heart away

But there’s no point in should’ves anyway

I should let you go now

I should

But we both know that I’ve never been any good

At doing what I should

I’m not a poseur, Summer thought again. “I Should” is just a good song. Anyone who listens can see—well, hear—that.

During intermission, Ashlyn headed toward the edge of the crowd. A mix of determination, fear, and this weird feeling in her gut drove Summer to follow. Tonight might be her last chance to get through to the girl, and she planned on giving it all she had.

“They played your song,” Summer said when she came up blank on anything else to talk about. “I’m gonna listen to it more now. Maybe it’ll help me through my rough spot.”

Ashlyn gave an exaggerated sigh. “What could you possibly have in your life that’s rough? You’re on the dance squad, and your boyfriend’s a football star and one of the best-looking guys in school. Forgive me if I doubt your problems are real problems.”

Summer kept trying to tell herself she didn’t need Cody, but her heart still clenched whenever she thought of her recently-exed-boyfriend. “For your information, my boyfriend and I broke up because I wouldn’t have sex with him. So maybe it’s not a life-threatening problem, but it sucks, and I’m trying to have fun tonight if that’s all right with you.”

Summer spun around and almost bumped into Troy. His jaw was clenched and he looked ready for a fight, fists clenched at his sides. She lowered her eyebrows. “Why do you look so mad?”

“What did you just tell Ashlyn?” he asked. “Tell me I heard that wrong.”

“It’s nothing. And it doesn’t matter anyway. Any boy would be the same way.”

“That’s not true,” Troy said. “That guy’s just a loser.”

“Actually, it’s pretty true,” Ashlyn said, and Summer whipped her head back to the girl, her mouth hanging open. “Come on. You’re supposed to be a dancer, right?” She motioned to the dance floor, where several people were moving to the beat of the music they played during intermission. “Let’s go dance.”

Summer followed Ashlyn as she moved through the crowd to the center of the room. The next song started and they moved to the beat. The bass line vibrated through Summer until her body hummed with it. The music, the dancing, the fact that Ashlyn wasn’t scowling—tension leaked out of Summer’s body, until she felt floaty and light.

That was the magic of music and dance. They were a language all their own. Speaking of dancing, Ashlyn knew how to move.

“You’re a good dancer,” Summer said. “The squad’s full right now, but we’re going to add a few more girls for basketball season. You should…” It hit Summer then. Ashlyn might not have that long.

Ashlyn cupped her ear. “What? I can’t hear over the music.”

Summer raised her voice. “I said you’re a good dancer.”

Ashlyn swung her head from side to side. “Unicorn Stench’s new stuff was so awesome, right? I’m totally buying a CD before we leave.”

“Me, too. You’ll have to let me know which song is the most poseur-like, so it can be my favorite.” Summer grinned to let Ashlyn know she was kidding.

Ashlyn’s smile lit up her face. “You know, I think I misjudged you. You might just be okay.”

It wasn’t exactly where she needed to be for her supposed job, but she’d take it.

Troy parked his Jeep alongside the curb of Summer’s house. “Hey, Sunshine? You’re not going to get back together with Cody, are you?”

Summer shook her head. “Definitely not. It’s over for good this time.”

“Good. Then you won’t mind when I kick his ass.”

“Don’t. Seriously, Troy. Just leave it alone. I didn’t even want you to find out why. I didn’t want anyone to know, actually. I just kind of blurted it out.”

The streetlight came through the windshield, illuminating Troy’s green eyes. He looked at her, the stripe of light shifting to his cheekbone and jaw. “I never could figure out why you were with him.”

“Oh, he wasn’t all bad,” Summer said. “Besides, it’s not like you’re an expert at picking gems, either. Kristen was mean. Like punch-you-in-the-face mean. I had no idea why you were with her. Or most any of the girls you date for that matter.”

“I broke up with Kristen a long time ago.”

“Right. And I broke up with Cody.” Summer tucked her leg under her as she twisted in her seat to face Troy. “Now, promise me you won’t do anything. It’s bad enough, and I just want it to be over. I’m done with guys, relationships—the whole stupid mess. I have enough other stuff going on anyway.”

Troy continued to stare out at the street, his posture still rigid.

“Please leave it alone,” she said. “For me.”

“Fine.”

“This night was exactly what I needed. I got to hear awesome music, got a new CD”—she held up the signed case—“and I made progress with Ashlyn.” She placed her free hand on top of Troy’s bicep. “Thanks for letting me come, and picking me up, and being my friend. All that good stuff.”

Troy’s expression softened as he looked at her. “You call me anytime you need me. Tonight reminded me how much fun we used to have together.”

“I was thinking that, too. And now it’ll be even better because there won’t be other people getting in the way, getting mad anytime we try to do stuff together.” Summer glanced at the house and saw Dad’s outline in his bedroom window. “I better go.”

She lunged across the console and gave Troy a quick hug. “Later.” She climbed out of the vehicle and walked up the sidewalk. As she approached the house, she replayed the night, from dancing with Ashlyn, Unicorn Stench ending their killer show with Obligatory, and being able to spend time outside of school with Troy again. For the first time in a week, she didn’t feel completely crappy.

But then she remembered that, according to the Angel of Death, the girl Summer was starting to really like was going to die.