Laughing Fate Read online

  She headed for the dessert isle and picked up a tray of gooey looking cinnamon rolls. She also picked up a pen, two greeting cards with funny little pictures, and a bouquet of spring flowers and a box of sugar free chocolates. She hummed to herself happily as she walked to the check out. She was a freakin’ genius!

  She swiped her debit card, the only thing besides her IPod that she had on her, and walked out of the store carrying two bags and the bouquet of flowers. She stopped at the little bench by the doors and wrote little notes in the two greeting cards, and then she separated her spoils into the coordinating bags. She picked up the flowers and the bags and then went on her merry way.

  The house in front of her was a little run down, which was understandable because the owner of the house was an elderly peanut person. It probably wasn’t the most politically correct term for the sweet old lady that lived there, but for almost as long as Puck had known the peanut lady, that’s what she had privately called her. It stemmed from the fact that the lady had had her arms and legs amputated years ago.

  When Puck had been little, she had lived a few doors down from her and had grown up knowing the sweet old lady. She had often snuck out to visit her, enjoying the lady’s stories and kind attention. When Puck was thirteen, the lady had gotten her limbs amputated and for several years Puck had avoided her. As an adult, Puck regretted that and felt guilt over her betrayal. She truly believed in respecting her elders and hated that she had temporarily neglected a friend.

  She put a smile on and rang the door bell. Pam, the lady’s nurse, let Puck in and soon she was hugging her old friend and putting the flowers in a vase. She chatted a little, but left as soon as she could. She felt good about paying the peanut lady a visit, but had felt awkward once inside. She never knew what to say, and every time she saw her old friend she was shocked by just how old and fragile she looked. She hated the thought that one day the peanut lady would be gone.

  Not to mention, that although Puck loved giving gifts, she felt uncomfortable in the role of gift giver. She didn’t want the attention that it usually she got, she would love it if someone would finally take the gift with a shrug and then let Puck go on her way. There was something about receiving unexpected gifts that made people want to get all up into your personal space and hug you. Puck grimaced a little as she walked away from the run down house. She really didn’t like to be hugged.

  She thought of Potter’s hug a few weeks ago, after their “star gazing” and smiled shyly. His hug hadn’t been so bad; he had nice strong arms, a fit body, and smelled so darned good. Puck mentally slapped herself for thinking that way about Potter. If there was any hope of them being friends, she could not think of Potter in that way. Besides, he had a girlfriend and he was WAY not her type. She didn’t like macho men, she didn’t like men period because they were all dogs.

  Puck next found herself at a cute little duplex where Sandy’s grandparents lived. Puck didn’t knock; she just left the chocolates and the card at the door and walked away. Her last stop was at Crazy Bob’s, an eccentric old man who met everyone at his door with a shotgun. Puck really liked him, he had spunk. She knocked on his door, gave him his cinnamon rolls and card, argued with him over nothing in particular, and left with a huge smile on her face.

  By now it was early afternoon, she had walked who knows how many miles and was ready to head home. She had left Crazy Bob’s about an hour ago, had wasted a little time in a nearby park, and then had continued her walk. She was walking on the side of a narrow road, singing along to her IPod (which she normally wouldn’t do in public, but she was on a road that was seldom used) when all of a sudden a loud honk came from her right.

  Puck hated loud noises; she blamed it on being traumatized by two older brothers. It was kind of like shooting a gun around a shell shocked soldier; Puck always overreacted to loud noises, which had led to many embarrassing moments in public places.

  One time she was in a store and someone dropped a big container, making a loud bang, and Puck had used the old ‘duck and cover’ technique. Maybe that’s why people thought she was odd? Or maybe it was because she had recovered her lost dignity by pushing the offender onto the ground and yelling at him to be more careful in the future? Whatever the case, Puck hated loud noises, they freaked her out.

  Puck jumped and nearly fell into the ditch on the side of the road, but was able to regain her footing. She turned around to glare at the rude driver, and was surprised to see Potter. She looked down at herself and groaned. She really was not looking that great, she was not a girl who sweated gracefully. Her armpits had probably left sweat stains on her shirt; her nose had bubbles of sweat and her entire body felt flushed. Why did she have to run into Potter now?

  “Hi, didn’t mean to scare you. You want a ride? You’re kind of far from home.”

  “Nah, I’m enjoying my walk. What are you doing way out here?”

  “I just got done dropping off a custom made surfboard at Bob Wilson’s. Crazy old guy shot a warning shot at me before he recognized me. By the way, he said that a sweet little girl with big boobs had dropped off some cinnamon rolls and a card. That wouldn’t be you, would it?”

  Puck looked down at her boobs, they weren’t small, but they weren’t what you would call huge. They were a size C, which was just the right size in Puck’s opinion. They were big enough to add a little shape to her body, otherwise she’d have no shape at all (she had no butt and no hips, so if it wasn’t for her boobs she’d look like a boy), but not so big that they got in the way of sports.

  “He said WHAT?” Puck asked incredulously. She knew Crazy Bob was crazy, thus the nickname, but a perverted old man? She wouldn’t have guessed that of him, maybe she’d have to change his nickname…

  “He also said that if he was just a few years younger he’d marry you and that together you two could rule the world. So do you make it a habit of walking along bringing gifts to horny old men?” Potter was definitely amused by the old man’s comments. He was grinning ear to ear and enjoying teasing her way too much.

  “I can’t believe he said that! I’m never bringing him desserts again! So Crazy Bob wants to surf? That’s weird. How’s your day going, besides getting shot at?”

  “Oh, I can’t complain. I’m just finishing up my work day. Hey, you want to come over for Dinner tonight? You should bring Perri too, it’ll be fun. My Mom and crazy Aunt Rose, I don’t think you know her, is in Seaside with my other aunt, so I’m going to have the house all to myself.”

  Puck tried to hide her surprise. This was the first time Potter had invited her over to his house, it seemed a little intimate. However, they were friends now, so maybe it was just a friendly gesture. Man, she really needed to get her hormones in check; of course Potter didn’t mean anything by his invitation. This wasn’t a date for heaven’s sake! Potter had a girlfriend, how many times would she have to remind herself of that little fact?

  Still, a little added insurance couldn’t hurt. Puck made up her mind quickly, not allowing herself to think anymore on the subject, and smiled brightly up at Potter.

  “Sure! I’d love to, but I have to check with Tony first. I think he may have plans for us tonight.” Tony was her long time friend; he had been her brother’s best friend and was a shameless flirt. He was the only guy whom Puck felt completely comfortable with, he was crazy and fun, and best of all Tony wasn’t in to relationships. He was also the only guy who Puck ever sort of flirted with; he was completely safe, just like a brother.

  “Tony? Who’s that?” Potter asked with a slight frown across his brow.

  “Oh, he’s just a guy. His last name is Morris; he lives about fifteen minutes out of town. He wasn’t in school with us; he was in James’s class. He’s crazy fun and gets a little mad if I forget about our plans together.”

  There, let Potter think that Tony and her were an item. If they both had a significant other, then there would be no misconceptions about what their relationship was. Potter was her friend that was all. It
was okay to have a hot friend; it was even okay to think they were hot, just as long as you didn’t want their hot body. Reassured, Puck smiled up at Potter again and was surprised to see what looked like jealousy on Potter’s face.

  She looked up at him in confusion, why was he jealous? She shifted awkwardly on her feet, and fidgeted with her IPod. Maybe she had made a mistake by lying to Potter…

  “Um, well anyways, I have to get going. I still have several miles to go…talk to you later?”

  “Sure.”

  “Okay, then.” Puck smiled a little weakly and wondered what to say to fix things. She really wasn’t the best in social situations. She usually just said whatever was on her mind or she said nothing at all.

  “Look, I got to go too. Don’t worry about dinner tonight, it was just an idea. I don’t want to get in the way of your plans with your boyfriend,” Potter said, his voice coming out clipped and a little angry. He knew he had no right to be angry, but this Tony guy had come out of the middle of nowhere. He hadn’t thought Puck was dating anyone, how come Puck had so many secrets?

  Sunny Cove was a small town, so everyone knew everyone’s business whether you liked it or not. The only person to be immune to that was Puck. She showed the town one aspect of her personality, the hellion who caused problems, and that was all the town knew. Yet, she spent her days off from work walking miles into the country to bring lonely old men gifts, and had secret friends, secret belly rings, and secret boyfriends. This town didn’t know her at all.

  He chastised himself when he saw Puck flinch. For someone who was tough as nails, she sure looked vulnerable right now. Potter mentally called himself all kinds of fool and quickly tried to fix things. What did it matter to him if Puck had a boyfriend? He was acting like a jerk; he hated it that he had put that look in her eyes. She looked hurt and uncertain and he was a damned fool.

  “Oh, ok. Sure.” Puck said softly, turning away.

  “Puck, wait. I’m sorry, why don’t you bring Tony with you to dinner too? It’ll be fun, I promise. Maybe we could go do something after dinner, your choice. What do you say?” Potter called from his car, real remorse showing in his voice.

  He watched Puck pause and then slowly turn around. She still looked uncertain, wary as if she was afraid of Potter. Damn. He still wasn’t completely used to the idea that Puck wasn’t the tough girl that she wanted everyone to believe she was. Inside she was vulnerable, and seemed to take every dumb remark he said to heart.

  “Yeah, that sounds like fun, Potter. I don’t know if Tony will be able to come, but Perri and I will be there. Thanks for the invite, catch ya later, okay?” Puck’s voice wasn’t up to her normal plucky self, but at least she had lost the kicked puppy look.

  Potter smiled at Puck, glad to have made up for his earlier comment. It was a sobering thought that his words had such an effect on her; he’d have to be more careful in the future. He waved goodbye to her, knowing better than to try to force her to accept a ride, and headed back to the shop. He grimaced when he thought of the upcoming dinner. He really hoped that this Tony didn’t show up.

  ****

  Puck stood next to Tony and Perri outside of Potter’s house. She had in her arms a dish covered in aluminum foil and a bottle of wine. Tony was standing a tad too close with his arm around her. Puck had briefly told him that he was her “boyfriend” and he had been amused about the whole thing. She sure hoped he didn’t go overkill on the whole boyfriend thing. Perri was standing a little behind them, looking distracted.

  Perri hadn’t wanted to go to dinner with them, but had no excuse not to, so in the end Puck had been able to convince her to come. Puck wondered what was going on with Perri; she seemed a little off lately. She told herself not to worry so much, and put a smile on when the door opened.

  “Oh, hi.” Puck said a little confused and not entirely happy. In front of her was Baby wearing a skin tight dress that molded her perfect body and exposed her DD breasts for the world to see. Baby gave Puck a slow once over, raised one eye brow and then pushed past Puck to hug Perri.

  “Perri! Hi, how are you, honey? I missed you so much! It’s been days since I’ve seen you! Let’s go inside and chat! You look great!”

  Perri smiled apologetically to Puck and followed Baby inside. They sat on the couch and started to gossip about all the latest happenings.

  Puck looked down at herself and shrugged. Obviously Baby didn’t approve of what she was wearing. She wore a pair of jean shorts that she’d had since she was a teenager, they were a little short and a little worn, but back in the day had been the style everyone wore. She also had on a Nike sweatshirt that was a little too big, and was long enough that they almost covered her shorts. This outfit had been all the rage when she was younger, what was wrong with it? Her hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail and in honor of the special dinner she wore a little make up and even had some Love Spell on, her favorite perfume from Victoria Secret.

  She smiled at Tony and said, “Shall we go in?”

  Tony was frowning at Baby, but at Puck’s question he smiled and with great flourish, gestured toward the door and said, “After you, my love.” Puck rolled her eyes and followed Tony inside; finding it curious that Perri had frowned at Tony when he’d called Puck his love. Had she forgotten to let her in on their little game? Oops.

  Puck heard some banging in the kitchen, so she followed the noise with Tony following closely behind her. She poked her head in the kitchen and smiled when she saw Potter wearing a frilly apron and an oven mitt with country flowers on it. He was opening up the oven and pulling out a pan that smelled darn good. She didn’t know Potter could cook.

  She looked down at her own dish and grimaced. Potter hadn’t said that she had to bring anything, but it was rude to show up empty handed so she had cooked the only thing she really knew how to cook. She inhaled the delicious aromas that filled the kitchen and sighed. She didn’t think that her nachos would cut it. They weren’t even that great of nachos, they consisted of chips, cheese, and salsa. She quickly handed the dish to Tony, who took the dish no questions asked, and turned back around to greet Potter.

  “Hey there, Mrs. Sanders, is your son home?” Puck asked cheekily and grinned at Potter when he swirled around in surprise. He took her teasing gracefully and after putting his dish down he leaned against the counter and sized up Tony.

  Tony smirked and with his free hand, wrapped an arm around Puck’s waist possessively. He did that idiotic head nod guys were prone to do, and pulled Puck even closer.

  Potter’s eyes narrowed a little bit, but he put on a smile and took the bottle of wine from Puck’s hands.

  “Some fine wine for dinner, thank you! I love this stuff!”

  “It’s Arbor Mist you big butt, what are you cooking? It smells really great!” Puck gently untangled herself from Tony and walked over to the counter where all the food was sitting. Potter had really been busy, there were cut up veggies on a serving platter, a fresh apple pie, the mystery dish he’d just pulled from the oven (it was still covered) , and a dish with mashed potatoes that had been made from scratch. Potter could not be allowed to see her pitiful nachos!

  Potter preened himself and faked modesty, “Oh that, it’s nothing. It’s just some of my famous cooking. What’s that?” He was looking at the casserole dish, stupid man! Did he have to be so darned observant?

  “Oh, it’s really nothing, nothing at all.” Puck watched helplessly as Tony handed Potter the dish while she was talking. Stupid men!

  “Tony cooked it for you!” Puck blurted out before Potter could lift the tin foil.

  “I WHAT?!” exclaimed Tony. Tony had graduated from some stupid chef school and so was affronted at being linked to her nachos. What was it with men and learning how to cook? It was making her look bad!

  Potter tried to manfully hide his reaction to the nachos, but didn’t quite succeed. The chips were burnt, the cheese was turned into plastic, and salsa had been dumped on the top of the pile. He replace
d the tin foil, looked directly at Puck and thanked her for the nachos.

  “Um, why are you thanking me? Tony brought them.” Puck wasn’t one to admit defeat, even if it was a loosing battle.

  Potter smiled at Puck’s awful lie. She really couldn’t lie very well, but he let her believe she’d convinced him. He placed the plastic nachos on the counter with the rest of the food and then snuck a brief look at Puck. She was wearing a long sweatshirt that almost made it look as if that was all she was wearing, and a pair of shorts that he barely saw peeking under the sweatshirt that made her legs look long and sexy. She had some kind of perfume masking her natural scent, and Potter was surprised to find that he kind of missed it. He could easily get addicted to the smell of flowers and wine that always seemed to be on her skin.

  He examined Tony again, not liking what he was seeing. Tony was touching Puck way too much. He was standing too close to her too, and acting very possessive of Puck. He was a clean cut guy, had hair that was died bleach blond, a common enough face, and wore a 49ers jersey and a pair of jeans. He looked like a guy that Puck would like, athletic and adventurous, but willing to let Puck take the lead. Potter disliked Tony on sight.

  He stared at Tony a little closer and realized that he did know him. He was the boy who had had the reputation as a huge flirt and a terrible driver. Mothers had warned their kids not to get in the car with him. The guy was reckless and had always found ways to get into trouble. The moron had broken three axles in his bronco in only a year! He was exactly Puck’s kind of guy, Potter thought sourly. They could get into scrapes together and die an early death from some stupid stunt one of them thought up.

  Potter forced his mind to leave that subject alone. He had a girlfriend; he had no claim on Puck. He smiled at Puck again and told them to make themselves at home. He then excused himself and went over to sit next to Baby on the couch, whom had been shooting angry glances his way.