And he so totally gets it.

262.

Am I Sick or What?

I mean, how many guys do I need on the line?

I haven't seen Mick in several days, but he left a voice message on my cell: Are you mad at me or what? Call me. You'll like what I've got.

I assume he's talking weed. It's been a couple of days and the truth is, I'm so wanting a buzz.

I could call Ty, ask for a bit steeper high (low?).

Oh yeah, how low can we go? Loaded question.

But even without those two on my "available"

list, why would I even consider Mr. Lawler?

He's not only "mature," but a frigging teacher.

Cute teacher, sure, but that's not the point.

The point is: Why do I think he'd consider me?

263.

It's a Game, That's All And I'm good at games, and betting Lawler is good at them too. I watch him **

lecture, trying to reach these dimwads who couldn't care less about why yesterday **

influences today, thus creates tomorrow. He's so sincere, so well-learned (so disgustingly **

cute), and I seem to be the only one who even bothers to notice.

More power to me, I guess.

And power, after all, is what I'm after. At last, the bell rings and once everyone leaves, **

I decide to up the ante a little.

(Okay, a lot.) I corner Mr. Lawler.

"Excuse me. I've got some **

questions about the term paper.

Could we possibly get together to discuss the direction I'm taking?"

264.

Cat and Mouse That's the name of this game, old as the Garden of Eden.

I lead. "I'd appreciate your advice. Maybe after school?

His eyes flash interest.

After school? Why not now?

I shrug. "Have a lunch date."

He smiles.

I see. Well...

"Please? I'll buy you a cup of coffee." I lock his eyes.

He does not look away.

I can give you some time, I guess.

Ka-ching! Damn, he is fine.

Where should we meet up?

"How 'bout the library in town?

I'll be doing some research.

Sounds like a plan. Maybe around four o'clock?

"Perfect." He so totally is.

And he so totally knows it.

265.

I Really Do Have a lunch date. I haven't seen Mick since the scene with the cop. Can't believe I miss him, but I do. He's not the brightest guy out there, for sure. But he knows how to show a girl a good time.

Truth is, more than missing Mick, I miss catching a lunch- time buzz. I wish I could just buy a personal stash, keep it around. But no way do I dare take that kind of a chance. Not sure who would kill me first (or worst)--Daddy or Mom.

Not to say I won't taunt fate just a little. Or maybe a lot.

I refuse to smoke in transit.

That cop probably looks for the Avalanche. And me. So after Mick and I rendezvous, we will take a little spin to the Gardella residence, which, hopefully, will be vacant.

266.

While I Might Taunt Fate I will not taunt Madison, who seems ever more determined to interfere in my life. Not to mention Kaeleigh's life, like she needs any more drama! I couldn't help but notice her with Ian this morning. If she could be like that with him more often, they both just might find a big scoop of happiness with each other. But that won't happen if Madison has her way. Guess she thinks fucking with Kaeleigh is fucking with me. And she's right.

Anyway, I'm not in the mood for her stupidity, so instead of Mick picking me up at school, I told him to pick me up at El Rancho. The market has served the fine folks here in the valley since before I was born. Glad to know some things have staying power. In my admittedly limited realm of existence, El Rancho has outlasted every relationship I've ever had. Then again, in my realm relationships are meaningless.

267.

I Hoof It North A hundred or so yards, pause before crossing the highway.

And who should happen to go screaming past but my unique (if meaningless) relationship, Ty.

Taillights flash red and brakes squeal displeasure. Guess he saw me standing here. Guess he has something to say because he flips a dangerous U-turn, pulls over **

opposite me. I look both ways three times, decide it's safe to cross, and walk real fast (running would not be cool) in his direction.

I bend into his car. "What's up?"

He looks into my eyes, licks his lips.

Give me your hand.

I'll show you what's up.

I do, and he does. And it is.

Haven't heard from you. I'm really **

surprised. Thought you kind of liked the play. Was I wrong?

He reaches up, strokes my cheek gently.

No encore?

268.

Rough Play, He Means And I really did like it because I'm sicker than he is. Giving is one thing. Taking--and enjoying--is something else altogether. "An encore would be nice." I smile. "Maybe nice is not the right word, though."

Nice works. So how about it?

When can we get together again?

He winds his fingers into my hair. Tugs gently, brings my face right down against his. Opens his mouth.

We are tongue on tongue **

when the beep of a passing peeping Tom reminds me I'm standing beside a quite public thoroughfare. Any- one could pass by and, oh yeah, I'm supposed to be hooking up with Mick.

For once, I'm glad he's late, although if he doesn't show pretty soon I might just have to take off with Ty. Sheesh.

I really am sick, aren't I?

269.

Guess the best thing is to play coy. "I'll check my schedule and get back to you, okay?"

He looks like I slapped him.

Hurt? Pissed? Totally surprised?

What? Does every girl he asks jump straight into bed (cuffs) with him? Has he never been on the far side of "coy"? The game moves to level two.