Vampire by Richie Tankersley Cusick

sigh.
    â€œJust ask yourself,” Kyle advised, “what Dracula would do in a situation like this.”
    Brandon rolled his eyes. “He wouldn’t waste his appetite. She’d just be a quick hors d’oeuvre.”
    Kyle grinned over at Darcy as Brandon disappeared through the crowds.
    â€œWow. You’ve really made an enemy, and you haven’t even tried.” And then, at the look on her face, he leaned over, contrite. “Hey, I’m sorry. Believe me, it doesn’t take anything for Liz to hate you. She doesn’t have any friends.”
    Darcy felt both angry and near tears, and she took a long swallow of Coke. “Why does she act like that?”
    â€œâ€™Cause she’s the queen bee at home. My parents have made her believe she can have anything she wants and everything she doesn’t have.” He gave a tolerant smile and reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “You feel like riding?”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œI don’t know. Anywhere. You like motorcycles?”
    â€œI’ve never been on one. They look dangerous.”
    â€œNot mine.” He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get out of here.”
    â€œBut maybe I should tell Jake—”
    â€œI’ll tell him. Just wait for me by the door. Hey, don’t you want your flowers?”
    â€œUhhh … actually they look really nice here. I think I’ll leave them.”
    While Kyle headed off to Jake’s office, Darcy pushed her way through the crowds and out the front entrance. The damp air felt good as she stood there on the sidewalk. Pulling her clothes away from her body, she fanned herself, turning her face up to the sky. A light drizzle still hung in the air, and the street lay around her, a gray illusion. She lifted her hair from her neck and let her eyes wander over the fog.
    And then she saw him.
    A thin face … lanky blond hair … the dark glasses like two deep holes where his eyes should have been …
    â€œElliott …”
    She turned back and felt Kyle’s arms go around her, and with a startled cry she jumped out of his grasp.
    â€œOkay! Okay!” Kyle held up both hands, his eyes wide. “No touching! I promise!”
    â€œNo!” Darcy grabbed his arm and tugged him out to the curb, gesturing toward the foggy street. “Look! It’s Elliott! Over there by that building!”
    Kyle looked all around the deserted street and sidewalks, scratching his head. “Darcy—”
    â€œHe was here,” Darcy said, dismayed. “He was! Just like he was there the last time you didn’t see him!”
    Kyle nodded, his shoulders moving in an amicable shrug. “I mean, Elliott’s working—”
    â€œAcross town,” Darcy finished. “At his night job. But what if he’s not? What if he’s not even there tonight? Then would you believe me?”
    â€œOkay.” Kyle began walking. “Okay, if it’ll make you feel better. My bike’s right over here. We’ll drive over to the station and see if Elliott’s there.”
    â€œNo.” Darcy stopped, shaking her head. “No, you’re just humoring me.”
    Kyle thought a minute … ran one hand through his hair. “But, hey, wouldn’t you love to prove me wrong? Liz delights in it.”
    Darcy stared at him, feeling a smile creep across her face. “Actually, I would.”
    â€œSpoken like a true female.” Kyle grinned. “This way, m’lady. Your trusty steed awaits you.”
    â€œSteed?” Darcy laughed.
    â€œYeah.” He looked down at her, poker-faced. “If it was Brandon, then it’d be your trusty stud, but since it’s only my bike—”
    She gave him a playful shove and followed him to where he’d parked.
    It took about twenty minutes to go across town. As they pulled into the gas station, Darcy saw Elliott working in the garage, and her heart