Chapter 16
Taking things slow proved to be more of a challenge than we could have ever imagined as February faded away and March began. Even with Kevin acting as a chaperone, the air around us seemed to sizzle from the need we both acutely felt. We planned our dates in group settings to help us both behave, but that only proved to frustrate us further since even our chaste kisses made me ache. I knew Max was suffering as much as I was with the constant smoldering looks he shot my way, making it impossible to think of anything else but his lips and hands on me.
School at least helped to some degree as we prepared for SATs and our college applications. Mr. Graves and the other teachers stepped in to help me pull my transcripts together so I would at least be eligible to apply to a community college, wherever I might be. Mr. Graves remained optimistic about getting approved to become foster parents before Lucinda could move us, so he encouraged me to check out the community college in Bozeman. Max was applying to the University of Montana in Bozeman, so I grudgingly agreed, even though I still felt a long way off from being ready for any kind of college. Max and I took Kevin with us to check out the campuses on his birthday, March twentieth. We planned to take him to a local comic book store and out to eat once we were done.
Max and Kevin hung out together while I met with a counselor at the school. By the time we met back up, I was loaded down with forms and school catalogs the friendly woman had given me.
“So, how did it go?” Max asked, giving me a quick peck on the lips in front of Kevin’s eagle eyes.
“She said she felt I’d have no problem keeping up with college classes,” I said happily, sliding my arm around his waist as we headed toward the parking lot.
“See, told you. Piece of cake.”
“Well, I’m still uber nervous, but if I study hard, maybe I’ll make it,” I said, still not overly confident.
“Babe, you got mad skills. You’ve just never had the chance to fine-tune them,” he said.
“Hey, you say that to me,” Kevin piped in.
“Yeah I do, punk,” I said, ruffling his hair. “Now it’s time for some birthday fun. I have a hard-earned twenty-dollar bill with your name on it,” I said, grateful to finally have money to my name. I had been working afternoons at Max’s dad’s store, doing what Max used to do while his dad began to train him in management. Karen stepped in and volunteered to pick Kevin up each afternoon while I worked since most evenings we were at their house for dinner anyway. The new arrangement worked out perfectly since Max and I could drive to work together. I was a little apprehensive he would get sick of me, but he seemed to crave my company as much I did his.
“And I plan on matching that twenty,” Max said, reaching in his wallet to pull out a twenty.
Kevin’s eyes went wide with shock as we both handed him his birthday money. “Seriously?” he asked, not daring to believe his good fortune.
“Seriously,” we said in unison.
Kevin spent more than an hour at the comic book store as he happily pawed through endless cartons, looking for just the right comics. His head was already buried into one of the comics as we pulled out of the parking lot.
“So, what would you guys like for lunch?” Max asked, maneuvering out of the crowded parking lot.
“McDonald’s is good,” I said, looking back at Kevin. “Right bud?” I asked.
“Can we go someplace where we get served?” he asked hopefully.
“Of course we can,” Max said, making a left at the light. “I know the perfect place. My parents used to take me there for my birthday.”
Max took us to a swanky place called Starky’s. It was packed when we arrived, but the wait line moved fast and before we knew it we were shown to a table. The décor of the restaurant was simple, but had an elegant look to it. I instantly felt out of my element, looking around at the well-dressed people around us as we made our way to our table. A string quartet played their instruments quietly on the far end of the room and many of the male diners wore suits and the women wore trendy skirts and dresses. I felt underdressed in my worn jeans and hooded sweatshirt. I opened my menu and gulped uncomfortably when I saw the higher prices.
“You okay?” Max asked as I took a nervous drink of my water.
“Yeah, I think this is a little nicer than what Kevin wanted,” I said, hoping he would suggest we try somewhere else.
“No way, this is perfect,” traitorous Kevin said, taking in our surroundings.
I shot a glare his way, but he was oblivious to it as he resumed reading the comic he had carried in.
“Katelyn, it’s good. Okay?” Max asked, reaching for my hand.
“Ugh, how do you know me so well?” I grumbled, searching the menu for the cheapest item. Sheesh, even the burgers are pricey. Where’s the ninety-nine cent menu? I thought to myself.
“Okay, you’re over thinking this,” Max said, plucking the menu from my hand. “I’ll order for you. The burgers here are as close to heaven as you can get.”
“Okay, a burger sounds good,” I admitted grudgingly.
Max quickly took my mind off of how out of place I felt and soon we were laughing and joking around with Kevin. The meal was every bit as good as Max promised and we all dug in with gusto.
“Can we go to your house now?” Kevin asked Max as we piled into the vehicle.