The Sea Taketh (Alex Singer) by Teresa Rae Page B

they watch us walk to the house. I unlock the door, and we find Jen snoring on the couch with the light on.
                  Christian puts a finger over his lips.
                  “An earthquake couldn’t wake her,” I say as I walk into the house. “She has six brothers.”
                  “Where would you like me to put this?” He holds up my backpack.
                  “I’ll put it in my room.” I try to take it from him.
                  “I’ll do it.” He heads down the hallway.
                  “Christian!” I follow behind him, furious at his nerve.
                  He peeks in the bathroom. When he comes to my room, he switches on the light. “So this is where the infamous Alexandra Singer lives?” he teases. He turns into the room and stops dead in his tracks when he sees my boarded window.
                  “That’s why I had to get the job,” I say quietly. “Gramps was going to sell his truck to pay for new windows.”
                  “You can’t live like this.” His brow furrows.
                  “Yeah, I’m aware of that fact. I’ve been sleeping in the living room, but I made enough money today to pay for new windows. I’ll call first thing tomorrow morning so I can surprise Gramps on Tuesday.”
                  “Marjory told me Thomas is a very good fisherman. I don’t understand this!” He points to the boarded window.
                  “He is a very good fisherman, but there are bigger operations than ours. Those big ships take in larger catches and drive down the price of fish. Even when Gramps brings in a good catch, it doesn’t sell for that much, and he usually ends up giving his money to his deckhand, Joe.”
                  “I’ve got to go.” He unexpectedly turns around.
                  “Let me get you your money, first,” I say, going to the pickle jar in the kitchen.
                  “Isn’t it customary for the boy to pay for the date?” he asks.
                  “That wasn’t a date!” I reply defensively. “Your cousins were with us!”
                  “That doesn’t matter; you went to dinner with me. I’m pretty sure that qualifies as a date.” He goes to the door.
                  “Christian Pedersen, we are not dating!” I yell at him.
                  “And I say we are.” He smiles as he shuts the door behind him.
    *     *     *
                  “He is the most insufferable pain!” I pace the kitchen.
                  “Alex, he’s hot,” Jen shrugs her shoulders.
                  “Yeah, and some girls think Jackson’s hot, too. It doesn’t mean I’m going to date him!”
                  “Your windows sure look nice.” She points to them.
                  “Don’t try to change the subject!” I smolder.
                  “I’m not. Look out the window.”
                  Following her gaze, I frown when I see Christian looking in the window. I open it. “Are you a peeping tom?” I say angrily.
                  “You’re going to be late for swim practice,” he says.
                  “I’m riding with Jen!” I shut the window.
                  “We’re actually riding with them. Mom is taking Merlin to the shop for a tune-up.”Jen grabs our backpacks and heads out the door.
                  “Great,” I grumble as I follow her.
                  “Good morning, Alexandra, Jenifer.” Christian holds up a paper bag. “We picked up Danishes.”
                  “Awesome!” Jen gets in the car behind Sven.
                  “How was your weekend?” Sven asks Jen in the rearview mirror as Christian and I pile