Crux by Julie Reece Page A

thought … You don’t want to talk about this do you?”
    “Not so much. Sorry. I’m not trying to go all Emo on you or, like …” I always get flustered talking about my childhood. People tend to react in two ways: pity or condescension.
    Grey rises and steps toward me. “Evasive?”
    “Yeah.” I sigh and stare at my shoes. “My dad’s name was Jon. He was killed in Afghanistan when I was eight. My mom, Lucee, died of cancer the year after. I moved a zillion times when I was little, living with different people. Sometimes life sucked, but I also learned a lot. I’m not feeling sorry for myself, since tons of kids had it worse.” Much worse.
    I can’t figure out why I’m telling him the truth. It occurs to me I’ve always been less guarded around Grey. Maybe it’s because he already knows about other, secret parts of my life, like the amulet and the guys that chased me, and he didn’t go blabbing about them.
    “In a lot of ways, I’m really lucky,” I say. “I just don’t have a bunch of, you know, stories.”
    Grey reaches for my right hand where it hangs at my side. I look up as he presses it against his chest and rubs my fingers with his thumb. “I bet that’s not true.”
    I ease my hand from his and head for the bathroom yet again. “Uh, so, how long has Kate been crushing on Scud?” I call behind me.
    “Caught that did you?”
    “Uh huh, sooo …”
    “A while I guess. Two years at least. I love the guy, but he’s a twelve-year-old. You know what I mean? He needs to grow up before he deserves Kate.”
    “Poor Kate, she’s amazing.”
    “You think so?”
    “I do. Scud’s an idiot if he can’t see that.”
    “Agreed. Hey, I’m glad you’re not one of those girls who’s always running late.” Sarcasm drips from his words.
    I stick my head around the corner of the bathroom door. “Yeah, it would suck if I made you late to save the world just because I can’t find my lip gloss. Some stellar partner I’d turn out to be.”
    “Hmm.” His face gets all serious and thoughtful. “I like the way your lip gloss looks and all that, but I have a feeling you’re not that kind of girl either, are you?”
    “No. I’m really not.” I smile. “And thanks for noticing.”

9
    Grey escorts me through the door of his Victorian home near Little Five Points. I smile inwardly as I glance around the meticulously restored house. Oak floors, pale green walls with cream trim, and walnut antiques grace the entry. Painted gold pumpkins and red pomegranates decorate a bowl on the coffee table. White candles burn in silver candlesticks while classical music plays in the background.
    The place is so them , the Mathews’—perfect little sitcom, plastic family. Who would I be if I’d grown up here—Kate? Hey, that’d be cool.
    More than ever, I’m sure Grey will not be part of Jeff’s plan to destroy the amulet tucked away in my purse. Those jobs should be reserved for damaged goods, like me.
    A family portrait hangs over the stone fireplace in the living room with Mr. and Mrs. Mathews smiling their designer smiles. Grey and Kate display their beautiful, dark features, and another, older boy stands in the photo with them. The likeness is striking. He must be related, but I can’t recall ever hearing anyone mention another brother.
    Voices ring out in the back of the house, and nerves erupt in my stomach again. I try to decide what to say to Grey’s parents. Hello, remember me? I’m the pitiful, homeless girl you met on the street. Ha-ha. Yeah, well, I’m actually a descendant of a Viking Warrior and I’m taking your son away to release the souls of two Nordic kings, who wreak havoc on humanity in general, hope you don’t mind. Oh, yeah, and he might get killed. Pass the rolls?
    Great. They’re going to love me.
    “Birdie? Is that you?” Kate’s voice comes from overhead as Scud tromps down the steps with her struggling form thrown over his shoulder. I bet she’s absolutely loving that,