Inertia (Gravity Series, 3.5) (The Gravity Series) Read online

  “I’m bored,” Lainey said, pouting her full lips. Her jacket was slung down, baring her orange, tanned shoulders. Her lacy tank top plunged in the front to show off an equally lacy black push-up bra. The combined look seemed a little desperate. “Let’s wreak some havoc. I haven’t pissed off a mall cop in a while.”

  “Huh?” Madison asked with her red mouth still attached to her straw.

  Lainey didn’t answer, instead hopping off of her seat and walking away. Madison flung her cup into the trash and struggled to catch up. Jenna, whatever vague amusement she’d felt disappearing, wandered through the crowd until she fell into step with them.

  “God, fat people should be banned from jeggings,” Lainey sneered loud enough for the jegging-wearer in question to stare at her, open-mouthed. Lainey stuck her tongue out at the girl and walked on.

  Jenna kept thinking about how much more entertaining it would have been to have gone to the movies with Ariel. She felt an irrational sense of irritation at Ariel’s parents for keeping her busy and inadvertently subjecting her to this afternoon.

  “Isn’t this fun?” Madison asked Jenna as they trailed behind Lainey.

  “You’ve got a weird idea of fun.”

  Lainey was still scoping out shoppers, narrowing her eyes and looking people over. A short girl in gothy clothes that she must have bought from the clearance section of Hot Topic was walking alone, looking lost. Tortoiseshell glasses magnified her bright, sad green eyes. Her hair was a mess with black ribbons tied in it.

  Jenna could just sense panther Lainey zero in on the weird girl. “Weather forecast calls for raining dorks,” Lainey said, making Madison giggle again. Their leader skittered over in that direction and the other girls followed.

  Lainey halted in front of the girl, completely blocking her path. “Going somewhere?”

  “Um, excuse me,” the girl said meekly, and tried to get around. Jenna felt a sickening wave of discomfort, and looked down.

  Lainey backed up a little, but then kicked her foot out swiftly so that the girl tumbled over it. She let out an almost comically loud shout as she hit the floor, her legs twisted beneath her, fingers splayed out on the hard floor.

  Passersby in the crowd around them began to laugh. Madison laughed so hard that her face turned tomato and tears squeezed out of her eyes. The discomfort rolled over Jenna again in a cold sweat. She wanted to help the girl up, but she froze. Chicken, her brain chided her.

  “A job well done, ladies,” Lainey declared, and she and Madison linked arms while they strutted off. Jenna trailed behind them. She looked back once over her shoulder—the girl was still sitting on the ground crying. No one was helping her up. They just stepped over and around her.

  Jenna never wanted to be that invisible.

  ###

  “I need to have a discussion with you.”

  Jenna’s head shot up and she instantly recognized the look on her mother’s face. Wide eyes, tight lips…what Jenna referred to as the stop sign look. It meant stop what you’re doing and listen.

  Jenna finished lacing up her shoes, long immune to her mother’s expressions. “Later. I’m going out for a run.”

  “It can wait.”

  Jenna sighed and followed her out to the kitchen, making nasty faces behind her back. Things hadn’t been great between them for a long time, and she dreaded even small conversations because they turned into battles.

  “Have a seat,” Rachel said, gesturing to the tidy kitchen table.

  Jenna thumped down and crossed her arms. “Can we get this over with? I know I was out later than curfew last night. But you can blame it on Princess Lainey. I had to cancel my plans with Ariel, just like you wanted me to, just to spend the night trying to stay awake while Lainey bragged about herself to a bunch of guys at the restaurant. I kept telling her I had to get home, but she didn’t care.”

  The trip to the mall had not been the end of it. Jenna had been pushed into going out with her new “buddies” nearly ever weekend.

  “That’s not what I want to talk to you about,” Rachel said in a clipped voice. “But there you go assuming again. You think you know everything.”

  “How could I not assume that?” Jenna struggled to keep the volume of her voice down as irritation swelled inside her. “You want me to do your bidding, then get mad at me when I don’t do it exactly the right way. You wanted me to spend time with them. I could care less.”

  “Stop guessing. I do want you to spend time with them. That’s not the issue. You know it’s very important that we all get acquainted. Cliff Ford is a top member of Thornhill.”

  Jenna sighed, anger deflating like a burst balloon. “I thought they didn’t have top members. That they were all equal.”

  Rachel snorted impatiently. “That’s a joke. Don’t get fooled.”

  “So, what is this conversation about?”

  “I know you’re not going to like this.” Not a good way to start a discussion. Jenna bristled. “But I think we need to have a talk about your friend Ariel.”

  “What kind of a talk?”

  “Don’t get all defensive on me. I don’t think you should tell her anything about spending time with Lainey.”

  “Why would you suspect that I would? She’ll think I’ve gone insane.”

  Rachel appeared pleased, her posture easing up a bit. “That’s for the best. I just think it would be a good idea right now if you took some time apart.”

  Jenna jumped back up to her feet. “Look, I know you’ve never liked her. But that’s not fair. It’s not like she’s a bad influence.”

  “She is when it comes to these matters.” Rachel was wringing her hands, and for the first time Jenna noticed how fidgety and nervous she looked.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I think it’s just important that you stay close to home and stay with your new friends.”

  “They’re not my friends,” Jenna insisted, accentuating every syllable. She bounced on her legs, eager to get out of the warm kitchen and away from this argument. All they ever did was run in circles.

  “Just think of the stress you’re putting on your father by making us argue,” Rachel said. Hmm. That’s a new tactic.

  “What? You two are producing your own stress just fine.”

  Rachel’s eyes went cold, and she moved closer to her daughter, the cords in her neck sticking out. Jenna felt a cold shot of fear and stepped backwards. “You will have respect for me, Jenna. I would have no problem sending you to Sheffield. You wouldn’t be able to even send emails to your little friend.”

  Sheffield was a private girl’s school in the middle of the state. It wasn’t the first time Rachel had threatened her, but she was serious this time.

  “Fine,” Jenna said, biting down on the word. “I’ll do what you say.”

  Jenna jogged out before her mother could protest. The air was warm and fresh outside, and she sped down the street in the afternoon light. She caught speed, running faster than she realized. People stepped out of her path so as not to get hit.

  Why was her mother so intent on this Thornhill thing? What kind of tricks was she up to? It was one thing to spend a day or two with Lainey, but she expected them to be like sorority sisters. It was never going to happen.

  Yet, Jenna knew that her mother’s threat was real. Rachel wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of Jenna if she stood in her way. She probably already had her bags packed somewhere in the attic. Mothers and daughters, huh?

  Jenna ran faster, ran until she had to use all of her effort just to breathe.

  ###

  Later that night, Jenna stood in front of her mirror. She was getting dressed up, something she hardly ever did. A flowing turquoise shirt and a pair of jean shorts showed off her best assets—her thin but toned legs. She’d already done up her curls with hairspray.

  When Lainey had asked her out on yet another excursion, she’d almost been tempted to decline. Until she heard who else would be there, that is.

  Her phone vib
rated, demanding attention. She picked it up, frowning at Ariel’s text. They’d made plans to go to Rollerama that night. She’d totally forgotten. Holding her purse beneath her arm, she quickly texted out a hasty reply that she wasn’t feeling well. Hopefully Ariel wouldn’t see right through it.

  A horn honked from out front and she shoved the phone into her pocket. Racing down the stairs, she went out to the car waiting for her. Lainey and Madison were in the front seat, both wearing skimpy dresses that put Jenna’s outfit to shame. But Jenna didn’t notice much. She smiled at the guy in the back seat.

  Ambrose smiled back and scooted over as she got in next to him. Jenna held her breath, feeling a delicious sense of anticipation come over her at being near him.

  “Hope you’re ready to get wasted off your ass,” Lainey said crudely as she smashed the gas pedal and the car lurched forward. Jenna didn’t pay much attention to her. Madison pushed a half-empty bottle of Bacardi in her direction.

  “Here’s something if you’re thirsty,” she said, slurring already.

  Jenna screwed off the metal cap and took a liberal gulp, feeling it burn her throat and chest. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

  “Now we’ll see how well you hold your liquor,” Ambrose said, smirking at her. The wicked look glimmering in his pale blue eyes made her stomach drop. She smiled back at him.

  His hand sneaked across the space between them to rest on her thigh and a warm thrill went through her that had nothing to do with the liquor. She struggled to breathe normally.

  Lainey babbled away in the front seat, showing off her terrible driving as she swerved through red lights. “Have you heard about the fresh meat? Some new guy, he’s going to be at the next meeting. According to Molly, he’s really hot.”

  “How hot?” Madison croaked as she cradled the Bacardi bottle between her knees and slouched. She was a lightweight champion.

  “Think inferno,” Lainey said. “Apparently his father is some bigwig lawyer. I looked him up online and he has his own Wikipedia page. Pretty cute himself, I’m guessing the new guy will be just as hot. I’ll have to try him out myself.”

  Jenna could hear the lie in Lainey’s voice, hamming it up so Ambrose would care. Ambrose’s hand was still resting warm and light and very there on her thigh.

  He started to slide his hand slowly back and forth, massaging the muscle beneath her skin. Jenna breathed slowly and swallowed the moan that had risen up her throat. Lainey was still talking about this new boy, obviously trying to make Ambrose jealous. Jenna locked eyes with Ambrose and rolled hers, smiling liquidly. He smirked again and slid his hand further up her thigh, making her shiver and get goosebumps on her arms.

  The thought crossed Jenna’s mind that if Ariel knew she was out doing this, she would freak. Ariel was very anti-drinking, anti-drugs. And something of a boy repellant.

  She didn’t have to know.

  ###

  The party ended up being as lame as Jenna had suspected, thrown by some mutual friend of Lainey and Madison’s that Jenna didn’t know. The bitch scowled at her the instant she arrived, and Jenna scowled right back.

  There was a lame Hawaiian theme and colorful leis hung from the walls and doors. Cardboard palm trees had been set up in the corners. It was cheesy, and Jenna hardly knew anyone, but it wasn’t too bad because she got to be around Ambrose.

  He had drunk just enough to be goofy and was cracking jokes, trying to get her to laugh. At one point a lame song from the 80s started up and he grabbed her and started dancing, making her chuckle so hard she almost choked.

  Only then did Lainey notice their attraction and narrowed her eyes. She came forward and put her arm around Jenna, leaning towards her ear. “I think it’s time to cut you off, honey, wouldn’t you say? Wouldn’t want anyone to think that you’re a whore.”

  Jenna blushed red. She’d said it loud enough for the entire party to hear.

  “Yeah, wouldn’t want to steal your crown, huh Lain?” Ambrose said dismissively and walked off to talk to his friends. Jenna felt a surge of excitement that he’d stuck up for her. Like he’d protected her. She watched his tall frame even though he had his back to her.

  Anger flared on Lainey’s face, along with raw embarrassment. She dropped her arm unceremoniously from around Jenna’s shoulders and crossed the room to Ambrose, poking the back of his jersey. He turned around, handsome features set in an irritated glare.

  “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy what we did,” Lainey hissed. Madison made a disgusted face and guzzled the beer in her hand.

  “Do us all a favor and get over yourself,” Ambrose barked, leaving the room. Lainey sulked back to where Jenna and Madison were frozen, watching her.

  Lainey looked back at Jenna. “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t get involved with him. He’s trouble,” Lainey warned. “He’ll just use you up and then dump you and pretend like it never happened.” She went back into the kitchen, presumably to get more alcohol to dampen her embarrassment.

  “You really ruffled her feathers,” Madison observed, bulging eyes bloodshot. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone do that. Bravo.”

  Jenna really didn’t want to be at the party anymore. Not just because of Lainey’s display. Everyone was being cliquey. There were a lot of couples making out and most of the other guests were playing a messy game of truth or dare that she wanted no part of. But the house was located a little outside of Hell, and she didn’t know her way back.

  She leaned against the patio door, shutting her eyes and swaying from the Bacardi in her bloodstream. A hand grabbed her arm and her eyes whipped open. Ambrose was leaning in from outside, holding her arm tightly.

  “Come on,” he whispered. Making sure no one was watching them, Jenna slipped outside into the cool night air with him.

  She was so surprised she didn’t know what to say, so she just followed him onto the long patio. He grabbed one of the leis hanging from an outside light and put it around her neck. She laughed.

  He reached down and pressed his lips to hers. He tasted salty and sweet at the same time, and ran his tongue gently over her bottom lip. A little shock went through her from his boldness, but she grabbed the sides of his shirt and pulled him closer as the kiss deepened.

  Drawing back from the kiss, he pressed his forehead to hers, shutting his eyes.

  They had been messing around for over a week without talking much about it. It had started one day when they were all watching TV and he was telling jokes about their teachers. Lainey and Madison had left the room to get snacks, and without warning, Ambrose had reached across the couch and kissed her.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time,” he’d said.

  “What is this?” she asked him finally.

  He pulled back and turned away from her, staring up at the night sky. “I don’t know. I’ve thought about it over and over. You’re like a song stuck in my head. I can’t get you out.”

  “You know it’s not a good idea for us to be together,” Jenna said softly. He turned around, his perfect, chiseled face caught in conflict.

  “Of course I know that,” he snapped. “I’m not blind.”

  “Hey, it’s not my fault people are acting crazy,” Jenna shot back. “Don’t get pissed off at me.”

  She turned around to go back inside. She could hear people talking faintly and wondered if someone would find them together. Ambrose rushed to her and grabbed her arm, spinning her gently to face him.

  “I’m sorry. My temper is like a bear, it’s hard to get a hold of.”

  “Well, you need to get a hold of it,” Jenna said. “Why is everyone acting so strange? My mom, Lainey…I wish this whole Thornhill thing would blow over.”

  “Me too, but it’s not gonna happen.”

  “Don’t you feel like something is in the air? Like something is about to happen?” Jenna asked. She’d hesitated to speak it aloud, even to Ariel, since she knew it would sound weird.r />
  Ambrose tilted his head and stared at her, running his hand through her hair. “Like what?”

  “That’s just it, I have no idea. But I think whatever it is, it has something to do with Thornhill.”

  “Don’t worry about them. Don’t worry about anything. I’m done analyzing. Let’s just spend this time together.” And he silenced her thoughts with another kiss as he wrapped his arms around her.

  Out of the window, a melancholy song wafted through the air. I didn’t see the crime, in staying up for a while, just watching you…

  ###

  The next day’s hangover wasn’t as bad as Jenna had expected. But she hadn’t cleared anything up with Ambrose, just complicated things more. She was glad that school was over, that she could sleep in until her late morning run. Her mother poked her head in once, but she didn’t even turn on the light.

  She went out shopping with Ariel and spent a little time with her, but they didn’t talk much and she could sense that her friend knew something was up. She bowed out early and spent the rest of the day in her room with her earphones turned up high.

  The rest of the week she avoided everyone—Lainey, Ambrose, and Ariel, despite all of the texts from the last two. She ran her usual mile a day and kept to herself. The strange feeling in the air intensified each passing day, and the summer sunshine just made her more gloomy.

  R U mad?Ambrose texted on Friday.

  No.

  Why u been avoiding me?

  Because I don’t know how to handle you. Us.

  Your still stuck, song. Lemme take you to a party this weekend.

  Sounds like fun, I guess.

  I’ll make sure it’s fun Meet me at the gas station on hush lake rd. U know the place?

  Ya. K

  ###

  Jenna had never felt more nervous, the pit of her stomach churning. She didn’t know why, but she felt like this was really going to take things to the next level with Ambrose. They’d been exchanging playful texts all day, in which he hinted at the night he had in store for her. Her anticipation grew until she could hardly stand it.