When the Dead Come a Knockin' Read online

  “Red, this is Cece.” Isaac introduced us. Isaac looked down at her his face softening. “Lexie to everyone else.” She gave him a nervous smile before looking over to me. I gave her a big smile.

  “Hi, want to come help slice potatoes?” I asked in my friendly voice. “It’s so fun.” Asher shot out with an elbow and hit me just under the shoulder.

  “You’re not getting out of this Ally, so stop trying.” Asher chided me. “You eat more of those chips than anyone else, so now you gotta make them.” I looked up at him and saw that he was grinning at me. He knew what I was doing. I stuck my tongue out at him. Both Isaac and Cece laugh. Yay! I turned back around and started stacking again.

  “So, how did you two get together?” I asked, hoping to get her to relax. Footsteps move across the kitchen to the counter to the right of the corner sink. Isaac hopped up then pulled Cece until she was standing in front of him between his knees, his hands rubbing her shoulders. It was sweet.

  “We’ve known each other for a few years,” Cece said, her voice was sweet and a bit uncertain. “Isaac always went out of the way to talk to me, even when he was busy.”

  “Yeah, I was kind of stalking her for a while,” Isaac admitted. Cece smacked his knee lightly.

  “Oh, you were not.” Cece chided him. I smiled. “I had broken up with my ex a couple months ago, and Isaac was there. It was just the right time.”

  “That’s a sweet story.” I looked up at Isaac and smiled “You went for the long game, huh?” He chuckled.

  “Yeah, I went for the long game,” He admitted, giving Cece’s shoulders a squeeze. “And it actually worked.” Cece rolled her eyes. I kept working. Over the next half hour, I finished slicing and had the chips in both ovens. The timer was set, and we were just standing around the kitchen getting to know each other when the front door opened again.

  “How can you say that?” A girl's voice shot out.

  “It’s very easy to say that. You're wrong.” Ethan’s voice came down the hall towards the kitchen. “See easy.” I winced as we all went quiet and listened.

  “The Gibson L-5 was the first orchestra guitar, that alone makes it better.” The girl, who must be Faith, pointed out. Ethan scoffed. I smiled, they were fighting over guitars? That was incredible.

  “The Gibson Les Paul sounds better, and it plays better. So, it wins hands down.” Ethan shot back.

  “Bullshit.” Faith scoffed. Trisha winced. I leaned over to Asher.

  “We’re going to need that swear jar,” I whispered. Asher chuckled but went looking for one anyway.

  “You know, you're cute when you get all pissed off.” Ethan’s voice changed to that smoky, low, toe curling one. He used that voice, the shithead.

  “So are you.” Faith said, the fight leaving her voice.

  “Oh, he cheats,” I mumbled. Isaac snickered. There were footsteps down the hall then Ethan stepped into the kitchen followed quickly by Faith. Faith was hot, there’s no other way to say it. She had the curves that most girls would kill for. Her black hair had red streaks running through the pixie cut. Her face was pretty, high cheekbones, small chin, angled jaw and a cute freaking nose. Her olive skin made it seem like she had a tan. I noticed the eyebrow stud and the small hoop nose ring. She looked around the kitchen and stopped when her amber eyes found me. My stomach knotted. I just wanted to get along with them. That’s all.

  “You must be Faith,” I said, from my spot on the counter. She ran her eyes over me and nodded.

  “And you must be Lexie.” She replied, she sounded like a soprano to me, but I wasn’t sure.

  “Yep, that’s me, all day, all the time.” I said, cheerfully. “You totally won that argument by the way. He cheated.” Faith raised an eyebrow at that. Ethan’s mouth dropped with fake shock.

  “I would nev-” Ethan began. I called him on in.

  “Oh, stow it, you know you did.” Ethan glared at me for a second then nodded. Faith smacked him on the shoulder. I smirked. “Ha, ha. That’s for snooping today.” I shot at him. Ethan’s eyes promised retaliation. Asher came back in and set an empty jar on the island.

  “Okay, guys, swear jar,” Asher announced. “Trisha isn’t comfortable with swearing, and we have Zeke, Riley, and Lexie tonight.” The guys winced like I had. “You swear, put a dollar in. We’ll use the money for next movie night snacks.” We all mumbled an agreement. Then everyone started talking, trying to get to know each other. Well, the girls were trying to get to know me, and I was trying to get to know them. The other guys seemed to have already met the girls. The knots in my stomach eased as I talked to Faith. She seemed awesome, she was a music devotee like Ethan. She was even in a band herself. She didn’t mind me being a smart ass either. Then Ethan slipped up.

  “Hey Beautiful, did you bring Monty Python tonight?” He asked, absently, stealing a chip that was still hot from the rack. My gut knotted even worse than before. My eyes flicked to Faith to see how she was taking my nickname. Her face was completely blank. I looked back to Ethan who was juggling the chip from hand to hand.

  “Yeah, I brought it. Along with the Lord of The Rings trilogy, and Hellboy one and two.” I said to the room like I hadn’t noticed anything different. When Faith didn’t say anything, I started to relax.

  “So, Lexie, are you seeing anyone?” Trisha asked, from her spot next to Asher on the far side of the island. I stopped myself from groaning. I kept my face pleasant as I answered.

  “I have been talking to a guy since October,” I said. The girls looked interested. “But I think I’ve been friend-zoned.”

  “Just talking?” Faith asked bluntly. The room went silent, the tension ramped up as all the guys frowned at Faith. My stomach knotted hard. This was Ethan’s girlfriend, I can’t just tell her off. I could see Ethan becoming angry, getting ready to say something. I answered before Ethan could say anything.

  “Yep, never even kissed the guy,” I admitted in front of everyone, which totally sucked.

  “I still don’t think you got friend-zoned,” Asher said changing the way the conversation was heading. I chuckled as the other guys chimed in.

  “You saw his texts, he’s not flirting with her.” Isaac pointed out.

  “Ouch. Thanks man.” I said, my voice pained. Isaac sent me an apologetic look.

  “He is really busy.” Ethan offered. The front door opened and closed.

  “Oh God, please stop.” I pleaded, my face going into my hands.

  “I still think he’s into you,” Asher said, confidently.

  “I think she should stop wasting her time.” Ethan countered. “And ask him out.”

  “Can we please, not do this?” I asked no one in particular.

  “And if it’s a no, he’d stop talking to her.” Isaac reminded Ethan.

  “Would that be so bad at this point?” Miles asked coming into the kitchen. His face went white as he realized there were other girls in the room. His body tensed immediately. I jumped to help.

  “Miles, as the only other almost single person here, come save me?” I asked pitifully, patting the counter next to me. Miles gave me a small tight smile then walked over and lifted himself to sit next to me. His fingers started a staccato rhythm against the counter tile. I hadn’t seen it in a while. I bumped my shoulder into his and gave him a smile. He gave me a half grin and bumped back.

  “The question still stands,” Miles told me. Traitor. I took a deep breath and let it out slow. Everyone was still listening. Fuck.

  “No, it wouldn’t be so bad,” I admitted.

  “Just ask him out.” Miles' voice was gentle and quiet, he knew I liked Dylan a lot more than I admitted to anyone else. Miles always managed to get the truth out of me. He was right. I was tired of this almost dating but not dating place I’d been stuck in.

  “Fine, I’ll get it over with and ask him out tonight.” The front door opened and closed. Big feet walked down the hall towards the kitchen. Zeke walked in and found a place to lean, Riley following right behind.
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  “So, what did we miss?” Zeke asked the room.

  “Oh, just tearing my lack of love life apart,” I answered grumpily. Zeke looked at the guys his face becoming hard. I looked at Asher, pleading with my eyes. “Can I tell him? It’ll cheer me up.” I begged. Asher grinned as he nodded. I looked at Zeke with a big smile and pointed at the jar. “We have a swear jar! No swearing tonight!” Zeke looked like he’d been hit in the head with a board. The guys and I started laughing. Even Riley joined in. Not a minute went by and the first thing Zeke said was.

  “Fuck.”

  Chapter 2

  Wednesday Night

  A couple hours later we were watching Romeo and Juliet, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Trisha had insisted on it, and we had to be completely quiet during the movie. Asher’s family room wasn’t huge. The green couch was under the front windows on the left wall, and two wide blue armchairs against the wall across from the pass through. With the entertainment center, end tables, and coffee table it was a comfy room. Though, with the lack of seating, a couple of us had to sit on the floor. The guys and I made a point to make sure Ethan had a spot on the couch. His back had been hurting him more lately. He never said anything, but we’ve all caught him wincing over the last week. I sat near the doorway to the foyer, watching the screen. I was miserable, and it was only halfway through the movie. I pulled my cell phone out and texted Asher.

  Alexis: I hate you for this.

  I watched as Asher pulled his cell phone out and read my message. He smirked. And typed back.

  Asher: We’ll watch something with action and shooting next.

  Alexis: We better or I will mutiny.

  Asher snorted as he read my messages. He put his cell away and continued cuddling with Trisha. My phone vibrated. I checked it.

  Isaac: Next, an action movie, please?

  I snorted, he hated this too.

  Alexis: If not, I’m planning a hostile takeover, you in?

  Isaac snorted. My phone vibrated.

  Isaac: Just give the signal.

  I smiled to myself. I got another text.

  Ethan: What are you guys doing?

  I snickered quietly.

  Alexis: We’re planning a rebellion if the next movie doesn’t have high body counts. You in?

  Ethan snickered. My phone vibrated.

  Ethan: YES!

  I laughed silently. I was about to put my phone away when it vibrated. I checked it.

  Miles: What are you three up to?

  I grinned, Miles always watched me and the twins carefully when we were snickering. Chaos usually ensued soon after.

  Alexis: Just planning a coup if the next movie is boring. Want in?

  I looked across the room to watch Miles look at my message. His lips made a half grin.

  Miles: Are there explosives involved?

  I snickered as I answered.

  Alexis: Could be...

  I watched as Miles read it. He looked up from his phone, a full grin on his face. I winked at him. He shook his head before looking back down at his phone. My phone vibrated.

  Miles: I’m in.

  I looked up from my phone and raised an eyebrow. Miles was never usually willing to create havoc, then again, this movie was boring. He gave me a small nod, he was serious. I gave him a big smile. He smirked at me. I put my phone away and watched the movie.

  We were at the part where Juliet was going to take the potion that would put her to sleep. I couldn’t take it anymore. I got up to walk into the foyer to pull my jacket on.

  “Red?” Isaac whispered. I looked at him and made a walking motion with my fingers. Isaac nodded then went back to watching the movie. I looked over at Miles, made the same gesture and pointed over my shoulder. Miles looked around the room and noticed the couples getting touchy with each other, well except for Riley and Zeke. Those two seemed to be playing a game on their phones together. His ears started to turn pink, Miles quickly got to his feet and crossed the room, apologizing as he went for blocking the television. No one seemed to notice. I waited in the foyer as he pulled his green snow jacket on over his shoulders. His green sweater pulled up as he pulled on his coat, flashing me a glimpse of hard abs. I turned away and headed outside. Miles was the State Swim Champion for the last three years, and his body showed it. Rule one of being friends with guys: don’t get caught drooling.

  The cold bit into my skin as I buttoned up as fast as possible. Miles stepped onto the porch, closing the door behind him.

  “I thought you might like to get out of sitting through the make-out session about to start,” I said, smirking up at him as we headed down the porch steps. He nodded, his ears almost back to his usual pale.

  “Thank you.” He grinned down at me gratefully. “I have been mentally calculating the odds of an asteroid entering the atmosphere and only hitting the DVD player.” I snorted as we headed down the shoveled walkway.

  “And what did you come up with?” I asked as I pulled out my black skulls scarf and wrapped it around my neck.

  “I started with the house, 1 in 4,5755,561,741,716.” He told me confidently. I smiled as he pulled out his own gloves to put on. “I was still working on the calculations for it hitting the DVD player.” I laughed as I began pulling out my own gloves.

  “Not a fan of tragedies?” I asked, watching him pull out his own gray wool beanie and pull it on.

  “If they are done right.” He admitted. “I think plays should be done in a theater, and not turned into a movie. It loses something.” I thought about that then shrugged.

  “I’ve never seen a play, so, I will take your word for it.” He looked down at me his brow furrowed.

  “You’ve never been to a play?” He asked slowly, in his ‘careful what you say, don’t insult her’ voice. I had to bite back a smile as I shook my head.

  “Never had a lot of extra time,” I admitted as I pulled my black beanie out of my coat pocket. “I was always working or trying to dodge the dead.” I watched his grin fade out of the corner of my eye. He pulled out his phone and started typing. “Miles? What are you doing?” I asked in my sweet voice, already having a hunch. His lips moved to a half grin.

  “I’m looking for any upcoming plays in Missoula.” He said matter-of-factly. I snorted.

  “You don’t need to take me to see a play.” I felt the need to it point out. His half grin turned into a smile.

  “Yes, I think I do.” He said simply. He took his eyes off his phone to glance down at me. “Maybe if you saw a play, you’d like it.” I snorted as we crossed the street.

  “I will never be a fan of tragedies, Miles.”

  “Not all plays are tragedies, Lexie.” He countered. “In January, the university is doing a Midsummer’s Night Dream.” He continued tapping his phone.

  “Miles, it’s in Missoula.” I pointed out. He smirked.

  “Yes, which is an hour away.” He reminded me. When he was done with his phone, he looked down at me grinning. “It’s not a tragedy, and I’ve already bought the tickets.” I chuckled. The shithead knew me too well. If he already spent the money, he knew I wouldn’t let that ticket go to waste.

  “You cheat.”

  “You started it.” He countered. I shook my head, smiling as I pulled out my beanie.

  “How are you going to get the guys to go?” I asked curious now. He chuckled.

  “I didn’t even bother buying tickets for them.” He admitted shaking his head. “It’s not something they’d really try.” I thought about Zeke watching a play and snickered as I pulled my beanie on over my head. He smothered a grin before looking away.

  “What?” I asked. He looked back, smirking now.

  “Your cross bones are off center.” He told me. I reached up and tried to find the small patch. “Here, I’ll get it.” Miles reached over and adjusted my beanie until the patch was at the center of my forehead. “There.”

  “Thank you, sir,” I said in a fake British accent. His grin spread to a smile.

&n
bsp; “Anytime, my lady.” His gallant voice always made me smile.

  “You are so OCD.” I pointed out as we started walking again. He sighed.

  “A little, yes.” He agreed. “I like things put away, in their place and easy to find when I’m distracted.” I glanced up to see his ears a tinge of pink.

  “I’m the same way,” I admitted. He grinned down at me.

  “You’re not that bad about it.” He reminded me. I shrugged. We walked for few minutes in comfortable silence.

  “How are you doing, Miles?” I asked quietly as I moved to avoid a patch of ice.

  “I’m alright.” He said using his smooth, silky voice I loved to hear. “The house is... just quiet.” I bit my bottom lip. Miles’ Mother hadn’t been home since October, and frankly, I was starting to not like her for it.

  “If you ever need some noise, call me.” I smiled up at him while meeting his emerald eyes. “I’m noisy as hell.” Then I had an idea. “Or, you can come over to my house and play video games with Rory and me.” He smiled, it was a sad smile. I wrapped my arm around his and rested my head on his shoulder. “If you need anything Miles, you know you can call me, right? Anytime?” I asked, seriously. His other hand went to mine on his arm, he gave my hand a squeeze then left it there.

  “I know Lexie.” He sighed. “I just don’t want to bother anyone-”

  “You’re never a bother, Miles.” I reminded him, not so gently. “Definitely not to me.” I peeked up at him to see a small half grin on his face. “So, if you want company?” His warm eyes met mine.

  “I’ll call you.” He mumbled, sounding resigned. I gave him a big smile making him laugh. It warmed my heart to hear it. It wasn’t long after that when his cellphone rang. I let go of him so he could answer it. “It’s Autumn.” He told me. Autumn was Miles’ on again off again girlfriend who lived in Nevada. Since we were in Montana, they took breaks from dating each other. They got back together a month ago.

  “Go ahead and head on back.” I gestured down the road. “I’m going to walk for a bit more.” Miles looked around the deserted street frowning.