The Shore by Todd Strasser Page A

said April, who probably didn’t realize how Polly felt.
    â€œI’d be nicer if I were you,” Lucas teased April. “Otherwise, no dishwasher.”
    â€œYou’re right!” April pretended to gasp. “It’ll be paper plates for the rest of the summer.”
    â€œI’ll write them on the list,” Avery offered with a wink.
    After that they grew quiet and concentrated on the dishes. Avery wished that Curt hadn’t left. She’d had such high hopes for this summer, but they were mostly based on Curt not running off to be with the band all the time. Besides, despite all the tensions from earlier in the evening, the wine coolers had left herfeeling kind of warm and fuzzy and in the mood for something physical.
    Finally, the dishes were done. Lucas turned off the water after handing the last plate to April to dry.
    â€œIt’s a good thing this is the last dish,” April said. “I’m tired. I’m going upstairs.”
    â€œSleep tight.” Avery waved.
    â€œNice doing dishes with you,” Lucas joked.
    â€œI’m going to bed too,” Polly said with a yawn. “See you in the morning.”
    A minute later Avery and Lucas were alone in the kitchen. She hopped up on one of the counters, not feeling at all tired. “That seemed to go well. I mean, except for Owen.”
    â€œYeah.” Lucas leaned against the opposite countertop.
    He’d changed into a white T-shirt and khaki shorts. “I’m glad we got together.”
    They exchanged smiles. Avery had a fleeting image of Curt rehearsing with his band. Should she have gone with him, to be supportive? The truth was, she’d rather be here. She glanced again at Lucas. The dreadlocks were a shock the first time you saw them, but it didn’t take long to get used to them. And there was something sexy about the contrast of his light-colored shirt and shorts against his tan.
    â€œJust graduate high school?” Lucas asked.
    Avery blinked and realized she’d been drifting. “Yes,” she answered. “You?”
    He nodded.
    â€œCollege in the fall?” she asked.
    â€œI . . . guess.” Lucas seemed to hesitate.
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œNot sure yet. How about you?”
    â€œI’ll be going to a JC,” she said. “There aren’t any four-year schools close enough that I can commute to. If I start out at a JC, I can still be close to Curt.”
    â€œYou two been together long?”
    â€œA couple of years.”
    â€œThe two of you could go away to college together.”
    â€œCurt go to college?” She laughed, and in so doing, leaned back and hit her head hard on the edge of the cabinets. “Ouch!” she said, her hand flying to her head.
    Lucas stepped toward her. “Here, let me take a look,” he said.
    â€œNo, I’m fine. I just bumped it,” she said.
    â€œSome bump,” he said. “You hit the cabinet so hard, I’m surprised the whole thing didn’t fall down. I better take a look. Besides, I used to be a lifeguard. I’m trained to look for dangerous bumps and bruises.”
    And just like that, his hands were on her head, gently parting her hair. Their faces were only inches apart. Avery’s heart suddenly began to pound, and she licked her dry lips. She imagined him taking her in his arms and kissing her. It was just an idle thought, but she wanted him to do it.
    â€œSo you’re not sure if you’re going to college, or is it where?” she asked, trying to focus on something else. His touch was almost a caress. This wasn’t supposed to be happening, but at the same time, she didn’t want him to stop.
    â€œDepends on who decides,” Lucas said. “If my parents have any say in it, the if and where are already a done deal.”
    His hands found the place where she had hit her head, and she winced. “You don’t sound too excited.”
    â€œLet’s