Dance For The Devil Read Free Page B

of ice hockey – where his opponent, a mild-mannered underling from Jake’s company had been so visibly upset that Jake ended up comforting him, alternately clapping him on the back while mopping up the steady flow of blood.
    His imperfections were evidence of his active lifestyle, a face unworthy of classical perfection yet nevertheless managing to garner admiring female gl ances. Strong, capable features which Jake paid scant regard; too busy living to concede vanity.
    So , it was with surprise that he noticed his eyes, the warm-brown orbs fairly bursting with excitement and interest. It had been a long time since he’d seen that expression.
    He became aware that his children were watching him, expressions inscrutable, brows furrowed. He cleared his throat and continued. “Definitely a family decision, guys. But think about it, okay? It might be a good thing for us, a chance to start over. New town, new house, wait... I have some photos. See? Mr. Vandercamp says this place is incredible, even has a swimming pool. That’d be cool, eh, Skeet? And Amy, there’s a home theater. You could watch Vampire Diaries on the big screen. Location is good too, close to schools and work, so I wouldn’t have to commute anymore. Did you know that Victoria hardly gets any snow? Gil said the daffodils are already blooming. Can you believe that? It’s only February for god sake! Plus, I know this is a bit early for you guys to think about, but the University of Victoria is terrific, one of the best schools in the country. They have a great fine arts program, Amy.” He realized he was overselling it, so he withdrew and let them talk by themselves.
    “It does look pretty cool, Amy,” Skeeter said, looking at the photo. “Imagine having our own swimming pool. I could do cannonballs whenever I wanted.”
    Amy shrugged. “You’d get bored pretty soon.”
    “Maybe. I wonder if it has a diving board and a slide?”
    “You’d have to leave your friends behind, you know,” Amy pointed out.
    “Yeah.” Skeeter was quiet for a moment. “So would you.”
    “I don’t have any friends.”
    “Maybe the kids are nicer there. And they wouldn’t know about Mom. You know, about Mom living with another woman.” Skeeter’s face turned red.
    “Yeah. Although they’d probably find out. Everyone always finds out things like that.”
    “They wouldn’t if we didn’t tell them. I wouldn’t say anything. And I know Dad wouldn’t say anything. I don’t think he likes that fact that Mom’s living with another woman.”
    “It’s his fault.”
    “Amy.” Skeeter’s face fell.
    “Sorry. I’m just being a jerk. What do you want to do?”
    “Well,” Skeeter thought for a long time. “I think Dad wants to go. He looked really happy when he was talking about it, his eyes went all sparkly. It might be kind of neat. If we don’t like it, we could always come back.”
    “I suppose. Let’s make that a condition, okay? If it doesn’t work out we can come home again.”
    Skeeter looked at the picture again. “Okay. You know, Victoria is closer to California. Closer to Mom. It’ll make it easier for her to visit us.”
    “Yeah, right.” Amy ruffled his hair. The dumb kid was so naive, but she didn’t have the heart to burst his bubble. Mom wasn’t coming back for a visit. Not ever.
    It took a month to pack up the house, and by the end of March, they were on their way.
    **
    Between classes, Amy found Jason Vandercamp waiting by her locker. “Hey,” he said softly, smiling. His lips were soft and sweet, and Amy tingled as she remembered last night’s kiss.
    “Hi.”
    “I had a good time last night.”
    “Me too.”
    “Did you get into trouble? I mean, for being late?”
    “No, of course not. I can handle my dad.”
    “Really? I thought you were just a baby .” But his voice was teasing, light.
    “I’m fifteen.”
    “Is that supposed to make me feel better? You’re still jail bait, and I’m still a cradle