My Life With the Walter Boys

“I’ve seen the way you look at me when you think I won’t notice. But the thing is, I’m always paying attention to you, Jackie. It’s like—you’re gravity and I’m just a little blip on your radar.”

“Loving you just crept up on me, and before I knew it, I was head over heels for you.”

“I want to go home,” I said softly.
“All right,” he said, pushing back my hair. “I’ll take you.”
But he couldn’t. Not really.

“My oldest is Will,” she began, and I started writing.
The Walter Boys:
Will is twenty-one. He’s in his final semester at the local community college and is engaged to his high-school sweetheart.
Cole is seventeen. He’s a senior in high school and a talented auto mechanic.
Danny is seventeen. He’s also a senior in high school and the president of the drama club. He’s Cole’s fraternal twin.
Isaac is sixteen. He’s a junior in high school and is obsessed with girls. He’s Katherine’s nephew.
Alex is sixteen. He’s a sophomore in high school and plays way too many video games.
Lee is fifteen. He’s a sophomore in high school and a skater. He’s also Katherine’s nephew.
Nathan is fourteen. He’s a freshman in high school and a musician.
Jack and Jordan are twelve. They’re in seventh grade and twins. They believe that they will be the next Steven Spielberg and always have a video camera with them.
Parker is nine. He’s in fourth grade. He looks innocent but loves tackle football.
Zack and Benny are five and are in kindergarten. They’re twins and crazy little monsters with potty mouths.

“Don’t feel embarrassed, Jackie,” Riley said, and when I glanced at her a little too sharply, she added, “We’ve all been swept away by a Cole Walter crush.”

“Is not! It’s the truth. Jackie has crash-landed in boy heaven. I mean, think about it. It doesn’t matter what type of boy she’s into because there’s one of everything. First there’s Danny, who has the whole mysterious brooding thing going on. Isaac is the classic, sexy bad boy. Next is Alex, your typical geeky, shy guy.” Heather was ticking off the boys on her fingers. “Nathan is the laid-back musician. Lee’s the edgy skater, and then there’s Cole—the golden boy.”

Everyone sighed and nodded in agreement when she said his name.

Then I caught Olivia sneaking out of Cole’s room. It was such a shock, seeing her standing in the hallway with rumpled hair and wearing one of his shirts, that I was instantly snapped awake. We both stared at each other with the same deer-in-the-headlights look, and then Nathan stepped out of his room, making the situation even more awkward. Even worse, we all had to walk down the stairs together.

“You’re wrong. He’s just being nice.”

“Oh my lord, you are so toast,” Riley said, sounding sympathetic as she shook her head. “Cole Walter doesn’t do nice unless he’s getting something out of it. That’s boy’s gonna eat you alive, and you won’t see it coming.”

“I wouldn’t mind if he ate me alive,” Heather said, her eyebrows waggling.

“Would you keep your dirty thoughts to yourself?”

“Okay then, Miss Popular, but you have to promise you’ll join me tomorrow.”

“Maybe I can pencil you in,” I joked.

“Fine,” he said, laughing. “At least let me walk you to your table.”

“Sure.”

Danny can help you bring the boxes up and unpack.”

“Why can’t Lee help?” Danny asked.

“Because he’s going to help Parker with her math homework.”

“I am?”

“Would you rather carry boxes up to Jackie’s room?”

“Right. Two plus two. I’m all over that shit,”