The Best Is Yet to Come (34)

No chance on him backing down. “Yup. After what I’ve been through, I’m claiming every single dance.”

“Even though you hate me.” Her eyes flickered with regret.

“I didn’t say I hated you.” He almost wished he could.

“Yes, you did.”

“No,” he clarified. “All I said was that you aren’t the girl I remember, the one who used to laugh and tease me. We used to be friends, Callie. Good friends, and I thought…well, it doesn’t matter what I thought. You’ve changed, and honestly I found those changes weren’t for the better.”

“I care about my brother, and I hoped you’d be able to help.”

“You used me, Callie, and to be fair I guess I used you, too.”

“We used each other,” she agreed.

“I apologize for my part. Like I said, lesson learned.”

“It hasn’t been a bed of roses for me, either, you know,” she returned.

This was too much. “Please, Callie, tell me how you’ve suffered. I’m all ears.”

Embarrassed, she hung her head.

She had the good grace to say nothing.

“I can’t imagine what story you made up as to why you agreed to be my date.”

“I know you did your best to help me, Spence. You’re right, I used you. I probably should have gone to my parents about Ben instead of coming to you for help. Then when you wanted to take me to homecoming, I felt people would think…I don’t know what they’d think.”

“You didn’t want any of our classmates to believe you were attracted to me. The über-geek. Trust me, the message was received.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“Well, that’s progress. We understand each other. Now let’s go into the dance and do our best to have a good time.”

He waited, hoping she’d understand why this was important.

Callie looked up at him again, her doe eyes pleading with him. “Even after everything that’s happened, would you be willing to help me find out who’s supplying my brother with drugs?”

He hesitated, even now finding it difficult to refuse her.

“Ben was your friend once, and if ever he needed a friend, it’s now,” she said, her eyes wide and pleading.

Spencer found it hard to find his voice. It went without saying Ben wouldn’t listen to him and likely would resent any effort he made to reach out. “I’ll think about it.”

She swallowed and impulsively hugged him. “I knew I could count on you.”

“Callie, listen. Even if I agree, you need to understand there’s only so much I can do. Are you sure you don’t want to bring your parents in on what’s happening?”

“I can’t. Not yet. I will if I have to, but not yet.”

Spencer could understand her hesitation because of all the ramifications that would come down on Ben.

“I need to find who’s giving him the drugs,” Callie said, looking thoughtful, as if her mind was reviewing who it might possibly be.

“Come on, Callie, you have to know nothing is going to deter Ben if he’s addicted. He’ll simply find another dealer, and trust me, there are plenty of them out there.”

“He won’t,” she insisted. “I won’t let him.”

“And you’re going to stop him how?”

“I haven’t figured that part out yet. I’m hoping that once whoever is doing this is exposed, the school will step in.”

“What about Ms. Goodwin?”

“What about her?”

“Talk to her. Explain the situation.”

Automatically Callie shook her head. “I can’t. She’ll be obligated to take it to the authorities, and that would be even worse than telling my parents. Mom and Dad would never forgive me for not going to them first.”

She was right. Still, if Ben was truly addicted, he’d take his business elsewhere. The one hope Callie had was to involve her parents so they would get Ben the help he needed. “You’re convinced it’s another student?”

“It has to be. I mean, Ben’s entire life is at school. He doesn’t have a job, all his friends attend here, and he’s serious about getting a football scholarship. All the scouts are looking at him this year. I only want to help my brother.”

Spencer understood her dilemma.

“I’m sorry about everything, Spence. I really am. I’ll be your date tonight. Your real date.”

“I’m sorry, too,” he said, and he was.

They started walking toward the gym, her arm tucked in his. He heard the loud music even before they entered the building. After checking in, they stepped inside. It seemed everyone close to the door turned to look at the two of them. To his delight, Callie was all smiles.

“Hey, LeAnn and Steve,” she called and waved. “Good to see you.”

Others in the group around them raised their hands in greeting, all the while keeping close watch on Callie and him.

“Come on, Spencer, let’s dance.” She took his hand and led him onto the polished dance floor. The song was a ballad, and she looped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him.

“You know what?” she said. “After the rough way this night started out, I didn’t expect to enjoy myself.”