Chapter 11







"Argh!" Sheridan huffed in frustration. Throwing the red dress over her shoulder as she stomped to the front door. Flinging it open and nearly scaring Ethan and a gun-shy Gwen to death. "Sheridan," Gwen said. Peering out from behind Ethan, "you're not even dressed yet. I thought you said this dinner was at 6:00." "It IS," she grumbled. Stalking back down the hall to her bedroom. "And I have NOTHING to wear." Gwen smacked Ethan on the arm when he rolled his eyes. Muttering "Women and clothes. What's wrong with throwing on the first thing you see? I do it all the time." Gwen smirked at him and gave his appearance the once-over for the third time that night. "I know you do, Darling," she laughed. "What's that supposed to mean?" Ethan yelled as Gwen disappeared down the hall. "Nothing!" she called. Smiling to herself.

"Sheridan," she laughed as she took in the clothes strewn all over the bed, the floor. Practically every available inch of the place. "It looks like World War III in here. It's just dinner. Just a gesture to let Pilar's daughter know I don't hold any grudges," she said. Rubbing the faint bump on her head. "It's not dinner with the President." "I know," Sheridan sighed. Plopping down on the bed and throwing an arm across her eyes. "Wait a minute," Gwen smiled knowingly. "This has something to do with Pilar's son. Luis. The sexy cop." "Gwen!" Sheridan shrieked in disbelief. A smile playing at her lips. "What if Ethan heard you?" "So," Gwen laughed. "I love Ethan, and I'm committed to him. But I'm not dead." Sheridan collapsed in a fit of giggles against the mound of pillows and clothes on her bed. "Here," Gwen said. Holding up a pale lavendar sundress. "This will knock Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald's socks off." "Thank you," Sheridan smiled. Hugging her then running off to the bathroom to put the finishing touches on her make- up.

"I still don't know what the big deal was," Ethan said cluelessly as they pulled into Pilar's driveway. "You look fine." Sheridan ruffled Ethan's hair affectionately and said, "It's all thanks to your wonderful girlfriend here," she said winking at Gwen. "If it were left up to you, who knows what I'd have looked like this evening." "What do you mean if it were left to me? Aunt Sheridan? Is that good or bad?" Ethan asked dumbly as he helped Gwen then Sheridan out of the car. "You decide, Darling," Gwen smiled. Taking his hand as they walked up the walkway. Sheridan leading the way. Sheridan looked back at Gwen. Blue eyes sparkling with barely contained laughter. "Are you ready Gwen? Just remember. Theresa is ACCIDENT-prone. But the girl couldn't purposely hurt a fly." As far as I can tell, Sheridan thought. But she wasn't so sure it was Gwen Theresa was intent on making good with. She had the sneaking suspicion this whole dinner was ALL about Ethan.

She took a deep breath and started to ring the doorbell. But before she could, the door flew open. And there stood a very breathless, beyond giddy Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. "Ms. Crane!" she gushed. "I'm so glad you could make it. Where's Ethan?" she asked. Standing on tiptoe to look over Sheridan's shoulder. "GWEN and Ethan are right behind me, Theresa," she laughed. Stepping inside. Smiling at Pilar. "Pilar!" she said. Hugging her. "It's so good to see you again. I've missed you so much." Pilar's brown eyes twinkled as the looked Sheridan over. Remembering the little girl she helped raise. "You've grown into a fine young woman," she said with a smile. "Theresita," she said. Noticing Theresa beaming at the confused young man. "Go help your brother in the kitchen." The dreamy look on Theresa's face fell. But she followed her mother's instructions.

"Ms. Gwen," Pilar said quietly. "I'm so sorry about the other night. My Theresita.let's just say." "She's a klutz," a masculine voice interrupted. "It was an accident. She didn't mean anything by it." Sheridan felt her heart beat accelerate, and she could swear it would beat right out of her chest as she turned around at the sound and met his deep brown eyes. Oh god, oh god, she thought. He's even more gorgeous in uniform. "Luis," Pilar said in surprise. Accepting Luis's kiss on the cheek. "I thought you had to work." "Things are real slow down at the station tonight," Luis answered. "Sam let me have the night off. I didn't know we were having guests for dinner," he said. Giving Ethan a funny look. There goes that look again, Sheridan thought. What was up with that?

"I invited them, Luis," Theresa singsonged. Gazing at Ethan with what could only be described as adoration. Fortunately for Theresa, Gwen missed that look. She was too busy smiling up at him herself. "Theresa invited us as an apology for the little 'incident' at the Lobster Shack, and I accepted," Gwen said. "I thought it was very nice of her, and I didn't want her to think I was some terrible witch," Gwen laughed. Ethan smiled at them all. "That's Gwen for you. So considerate of others' feelings. One of the reasons I love her so much." "Oh Ethan. You are one of the sweetest men alive. How did I ever get so lucky?"

Pilar shot Theresa a warning look, and Sheridan snuck a glance at the younger girl. Just in time to catch her rolling her brown eyes, and say, "You ARE the wicked witch, Gwen. You're the only thing standing in the way of FATE. Ethan just thinks he loves you because he hasn't had enough time to fall in love with me," she finished. Mumbling under her breath. Sheridan's blue eyes widened in disbelief. She didn't just hear that, did she? She shook her head to clear her muddled brain and said, "Excuse me, Theresa. Did you just say something?" Theresa smiled at her sweetly. "No, Ms. Crane," she giggled. "You must be hearing things. Did I tell you how much I LOVE your dress?" she asked. Changing the subject. Sheridan decided to let the subject drop for a little while.

"Dinner's ready," Kay said. Peeking around the kitchen door. Waving at Sheridan. Then walking back into the cozy room. "Who's your wacko sister kidding anyway, Miguel? I thought this dinner was her idea. I guess she realized the only thing more dangerous than her and a lobster was her cooking, huh?" she smirked. Wiping her hands off on the apron she wore before pulling it over her head. "It's been interesting, but sitting down at the dinner table with my French teacher isn't my idea of fun. See you tomorrow. Tell Ms. Crane and your brother and mom I said goodbye," she said. Slipping out the back door and disappearing down the street. Miguel was still smiling after her when his mother and their guests walked through the door.

"Hi Miguel," Sheridan smiled. "Something smells wonderful." "It's the enchiladas," Theresa bubbled. "I made them all by MYSELF," she breezed. Luis quirked an eyebrow at her. Since when did Theresa's cooking turn out edible? He shrugged his shoulders at his mother. Pulling out a chair for her. Then doing the same for Sheridan. His hand brushing against her arm as he did so. He breathed in sharply. Forgetting his intentions of staying away from her. Avoiding her because was one of the hated Cranes the moment that little jolt of electricity passed through again at her touch. Just like that night on the wharf. Just like that day in the Book Café. So she's a Crane, he thought. Big deal, he told himself. Momentarily pushing all those other thoughts away as he gazed into her bright blue eyes. He wanted to hate her. But he couldn't. He just couldn't, he thought with a sigh as he gave up the inner battle for the time being and smiled back at her. It was just too hard.



Chapter 12









"Oh, Theresa," Gwen praised, "those enchiladas were scrumptious. Pilar taught you well." Miguel snickered at the blank look on Theresa's face. Her brown eyes were wide with confusion. She had no idea what Gwen was talking about. She'd been too busy memorizing Ethan's every feature. If Mama had anything to do with it, Miguel was certain this was the closest his sister would ever get to Ethan again. "Mama taught us ALL well," Luis saved. Rising from his seat and taking everyone's plates to the sink. The look on his face when Ms. Crane refused to give up her plate and said "Let me help you with that" was priceless. He watched the pair with interest. Sparks were definitely flying between his brother and Ms. Crane. Luis is done for, he thought with a smile. Watching as she got up from her seat and started helping him clear the table. He turned back around in his seat just in time to catch his mother glaring at his sister. When would Theresa ever learn?

Never, he realized as she bubbled on excitedly to Ethan. Totally leaving Gwen out of the conversation. Not bothering with any pretenses. If Ms. Hotchkiss was half as smart as she seemed to be, she'd help his mother see to it that Ethan stayed miles and miles away from his loopy sister. He loved her. But he couldn't deny she had lost most of her marbles a long time ago. When she started keeping a shrine to the man seated next to her. Miguel studied Ethan curiously. What DID she see in the guy? Or Gwen for that matter? In fact, the more he thought about it.maybe Ethan Crane and his sister were PERFECT for each other. Ethan was more Forrest Gump than Albert Einstein. Miguel shook his head in disbelief when Ethan proudly told them he was a Harvard graduate. A lawyer. A small smile played at the corners of his mother's lips, and he had trouble stifling his laughter. Thank God Theresa came up with one of her bright ideas again. Theresa floated outside. Head in the clouds. Insinuating herself in the middle of Gwen and Ethan when they took a seat on the swingset. Miguel groaned. He had had enough. He said his goodbyes and left for his home away from home. The Bennett house.

"Your sister likes my nephew, doesn't she?" Sheridan asked with a laugh. Gazing at the strange trio outside as she rinsed the plate Luis handed her. "How'd you guess?" Luis smirked. "Yeah," he sighed. "She has a crush on him. It's obvious, isn't it? Well.and forgive me for saying this.your nephew isn't the sharpest tool in the shed." Sheridan laughed out loud then. Her head bowed as she shook helplessly with laughter and gasped, "You aren't the first person to make that observation. But I love him. He's the closest thing I have to a brother." Luis looked at her in slight confusion. "I thought Julian was your brother." "He is," Sheridan said. Staring at him with those blue eyes again. "But there's such an age difference between us. Julian could be my father, for goodness' sakes," she smiled. "That and the fact that we have NOTHING in common kind of keeps us from getting really close, you know." Luis nodded his head in agreement. As far as he could tell, she was right. Brother and sister shared nothing in common but a last name.

"There," she said in satisfaction. Rinsing the last dish. "All done." Luis grinned at her. The more time he spent with her, the more he liked her. "Not quite," he whispered with an amused smile on his handsome face. His brown eyes twinkling. "What?" she asked. Her face growing hot. He was staring at her, and she could kick herself. She was blushing like a schoolgirl. "Do I have something on my face?" she asked nervously as he leaned in closer. And she could feel his breath in tiny puffs on her face. He gave her that cocky grin. Just like the one he gave her when they first met. "Luis," she said breathlessly as he leaned in even closer, and her eyes fluttered shut. Sure he was going to kiss her. And boy did he want to. He stared at her soft lips. More tempted than he had ever been in his life. But.but he couldn't, he thought drawing away at the last minute. He playfully scooped up some bubbles in his hand and wiped some on her cute little nose. Bursting into a fit of laughter when her blue eyes shot open and went as wide as saucers when she saw what he had done. "Now you do," he teased. Ducking when he saw her blue eyes flash and her hands dip into the soapy water.

"Mijo!" Pilar exclaimed in astonishment. "What is going on here?" Theresa beamed at them knowingly. Skipping over to the oven to check on her mystery dessert. Sheridan hid her face in embarrassment and mumbled, "I'm sorry, Pilar. For being so childish." Luis grabbed her by the hand. "It's my fault, Mama. I was just having some fun with Sheridan and got a little carried away," he said. Smiling at her. Pilar shook her head in amusement as she walked back outside to check on Gwen and Ethan. Sheridan got lost in Luis's dark eyes. Totally forgetting Theresa was in the same room. Until she heard her shriek, "Luis! Ms. Crane! We have to get out of here. NOW! I think it's going to." But it was too late. "DIOS MIO!" Pilar cried. "THERESITA! What have you done now!"



Chapter 13







"Hi Ms. Crane," Miguel said sheepishly. Sneaking a glance at her twinkling blue eyes. "How'd your dinner go last night?" he heard Kay whisper teasingly. "Oh, it went," Ms. Crane laughed. "My evening was FAR from boring," she smiled. Miguel cracked up at the smirk Kay sported. Mama's kitchen looked like a disaster area when he walked into it last night. And he still couldn't wipe the image of his chocolate splattered French teacher out of his mind. Kay had cackled gleefully over the phone as he described in painstaking detail the way Theresa had groveled at Ms. Crane's feet. Luis had watched the whole scene in amusement His trademark lazy grin on his lips.

"Kay," Simone asked in trepidation. "WHAT happened last night?" Kay's dark eyes shone with mischief. "Why Simone! You ask that as if you think I had something to do with the explosion that rocked the Lopez-Fitzgerald house last night. Pas moi," she said dramatically. "It was FATE that Theresa's little plan to impress Ethan Crane backfired. I had NOTHING to do with that oozing, sticky mess. Scout's honor," she swore. Simone rolled her eyes when she caught a glimpse of Kay's crossed fingers. "Ugh! Kay Bennett!" she huffed. "You're impossible," she muttered under her breath with a smile.

"Hi Kay," Charity said sweetly. "Simone," she smiled. A genuine smile came over Simone's face as she said 'hi' back to Charity. And they started talking about last night's homework assignment. "Pollyanna," Kay grumbled as she watched Miguel's eyes light up at the sight of her. Ugh, she thought in disgust. I'm getting a cavity. She groaned as the image of Charity all dolled up like Shirley Temple popped into her head. Her blond curls bounced as she sang.oh, she didn't know what she was singing. One of those sappy songs the disgustingly cute moppet was always grinning her way through. She slouched farther in her desk. An unhappy scowl on her face. The girl had only been at Harmony High less than a week. And it was already Charity, Charity, Charity. She wished she'd go back to Candyland where she belonged.

Her eyes widened in horror when Reese proudly produced a handful of pitifully crumpled daisies from behind his back and presented them to her with an oblivious, goofy smile on his face. "For my love," he gushed. Leaning down to plant another one of his sloppy kisses on her cheek. She barely ducked in time. Wishing she could disappear when Reese lost his balance and fell across her desk. "If you wanted a 'real' kiss, why didn't you just say so?" Reese grinned. Closing his eyes and pooching his lips out. Oh god, she blushed in embarrassment as everyone around her laughed raucously. Would someone please buy him a clue? "Thank you God," she whispered when Ms. Crane came to the rescue. Announcing it was time for class to start.

More than an hour later, she stuffed her books in her backpack and fled the room like it was a crime scene. Stomping her foot in anger. Was this God's way of getting her back, she wondered when she ran smack-dab into Theresa, and 'Harmony's Klutz' crashed to the floor. "Nobody move," Theresa yelled. Bringing the entire student body to a halt. "Nobody move!" she shrieked. Frantically snatching at the literally millions of pictures of Ethan Crane that went flying from her binder. "Oh my goodness Whit!" she said. Her voice rising in panic. "I can't find picture number 485! It's gone! Whitney! You have to help me find it. Kay Bennett," she shook, "this is ALL your fault."

This is SO not my day, Kay thought as Theresa pulled her down to her knees. Forcing her to join her and Whitney. Looking like blithering idiots searching for ONE missing picture of Ethan Crane. "You really are loony toons, you know that?" she grumbled at Theresa as Jessica passed by her. Smirking. "Huh?" Theresa asked dazedly. Peeking behind the trash can. "The laughing stock of Harmony High. The Queen of Cluelessness. You know what? Why don't you and Reese get married? You're perfect for each other." "I found it!" Theresa squealed. Clutching the picture to her chest like it was Spanish treasure. "Oh Ethan," she gushed. Planting a big one on the glossy photograph. "I knew FATE wouldn't let me down," she sighed dreamily. Floating down the hall to her next class. Whitney racing after her. "Yeah, she's CRAZY," Kay said to the petite red-headed teacher watching them curiously. "She should come with a warning tattooed on her forehead. BEWARE!"



Chapter 14







"Argh!" Kay groaned. Sprawling across her twin bed and dropping her French textbook to the floor. "I'm so sick of studying!" "It's not that bad, Kay," Simone said absentmindedly. Munching on an apple. "At least it's not on Friday." "Yeah," Kay agreed. "I can't wait to see Miguel out there on the field," she said with a devilish twinkle in her eyes. "In those tight little pants. Doesn't he." "I don't hear you," Simone chanted. Her hands over her ears. Giggling when Kay pounced on Jessica's bed and tried forcibly removing her hands. "Admit it, Simone. Come on. You know you want to. Don't be embarrassed. You... are... not... alone," Kay said slowly. "No," she laughed. "You're the insane one, Kay Bennett," she gasped. Backing away from her. "Kay.Kay.Kay! Stop it," Simone squealed as Kay advanced on her with a determined look on her face.

"You can't make me! No! No!" she shrieked as Kay grabbed Jessica's pillow and held it up threateningly. "Say it," Kay warned. Simone shook her head defiantly. Grinning broadly. Kay threw the pillow over her shoulder and lunged at Simone. And they landed in a heap on Kay's bed. Eyes widening comically as the bed creaked dangerously beneath them. "Whew," Kay said wiping her brow. "That was clooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeee!" The bed gave way and crashed to the floor. "Kay!" they heard Mrs. Bennett call in a concerned voice. "Is everything alright?" "Yeah, Mom," Kay yelled. "I was just helping Simone. She's thinking about trying out for the marching band." Simone's entire body quaked with laughter when Mrs. Bennett answered, "Oh, that's nice, honey. Keep up the good work."

"Come on, Simone," Kay said. Rising to her feet and holding out a helping hand. Let's get out of here before the toxic fumes from my mother's kitchen go to our head." Simone giggled and took her hand. "What about the bed, Kay?" she asked. Kay waved her off. "It'll be here when we get back. Simone," she said. "Let's go. I'm in the mood for ice cream." Simone's eyes lit up at the mention of the treat, and she raced Kay for the door. Nearly knocking Jessica down at the head of the stairs. Kay stuck her tongue out at her sister's questioning look and jabbed Simone in the ribs when she caught up to her. "I give Tilly Tattle five seconds. We better get out of here. Quick," she hissed. Slamming the front door on Jessica's "Mom!"

"I can't believe we ran all the way here," Simone whined. Plopping down beside Kay with a sigh. "Kay. Kay?" she repeated. "What are you looking at?" she pouted. Licking at the dripping mess in her hands. "Don't look now," Kay said in a whisper, "but Ms. Crane and Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald are giving flirty teens like us a bad name." "What?" Simone asked with interest. "Where?" She craned her neck in the direction Kay indicated. Yelping when Kay pinched her on the arm. "I told you not to look now. Oh god," she groaned. "She saw us. Thanks Simone. Now she's coming over here to grill us about our reasons for not being at home studying like we should," Kay said through clenched teeth.

"Hi girls," Sheridan said cheerfully. Sneaking a glance back at Luis. Kay followed her line of sight. Laughing at the look on Luis's face. These two had it bad. Very bad. She didn't know why they didn't just admit it and go for it. "You know, Ms. Crane," she said in a teasing voice. "I think Luis kinda likes you." A brilliant smile lit up the older woman's face as she looked over at Luis uncertainly, and he smiled back at her. "I.I'm not really sure," she said softly. "Maybe he's just a real nice guy. I'm sure he doesn't feel the same way.Oh, I can't believe I said that," she said sheepishly. Cute, Kay thought. She's blushing. "Aha! I knew it. You DO like Miguel's brother."

"Why don't you just ask him out?" Simone asked curiously. Yeah, Sheridan, her brain screamed. Come on. Do it. You know you want to. "Just do it," Kay advised with a smile. A happy French teacher could only help her. Besides.they DID make a cute couple. Sheridan watched Luis with a wistful expression on her face. Why not, she thought to herself. What could it hurt? They'd been tap-dancing around each other for weeks now. "Okay," she breathed. A nervous smile on her face as she rose to her feet. Okay, Sheridan. You can do this. Just breathe. In. Out. Calm down. You've asked lots of guys out before. Luis is no different. Oh yeah, the annoying voice in her head jeered. If you believe that, Ethan's going to be President someday. She couldn't help the slight laugh that escaped her lips at that one. Her feet felt like lead as she walked slowly over to where Luis stood. She took a deep breath. Willing her heart to stop hammering in her chest and said, "Luis?"



Chapter 15







"Luis?" Sheridan breathed. Barely above a whisper. "Yes, Sheridan," Luis smiled. Reaching forward with his hand and gently raising her chin. So he could look into her blue eyes. "Luis," Sheridan repeated. Wringing her hands nervously. "I was wondering.I was.Would you.Nevermind," she rushed. Turning to go. Gasping in surprise when he stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Just spit it out, Sheridan," he laughed. "Come on. It can't be that bad," he said. His dark eyes smiling at her. Sheridan flashed him a nervous smile. She looked down at his hand where it rested on her bare arm and chewed on her bottom lip.

Oh Luis. If you only knew the thoughts running through my head right now. If he didn't move his hand, she was going to grab him and kiss the living daylights out of him. Luis followed her gaze. Embarrassed when he realized he hadn't let go of her yet. "Sorry," he said quietly. Keeping his hands to himself. Damn, Sheridan thought. Shutting her eyes. Her arm was STILL tingling from his touch. "Sheridan? Sheridan? Are you okay?" Luis asked in concern. And Sheridan's eyes shot open when she felt him tuck a strand back behind her ear. "I was wondering if you'd like to." "MS. CRANE! LOOK OUT!"

It happened so fast, they didn't have time to think. And just like that Sheridan found herself staring down into Luis's dark eyes. Breathless. Speechless. "All you had to do is ask," Luis chuckled. Running his hands up and down her arms. "I didn't take you for the type that threw herself at men, Sheridan," he teased. "I'm not," she huffed. Finally finding her voice. "Somebody screamed, and I.I never meant to fall on top of you, Luis," she said. Her cheeks burning hot.

"Ms. Crane! Are you alright? I am SO sorry. I don't know what happened," Theresa babbled. Nearly falling on top of Sheridan trying to pull her to her feet. "Theresa," Luis groaned. His eyes taking in the skates on her feet. "Should I even ask?" he muttered under his breath. Climbing to his feet and reaching out a steadying hand for his sister. "It's a long.whoa!" she squealed. Her legs starting to fly out from under her again. "Long story," she finished. Grabbing onto Luis for support. Sheridan hid her smile as Luis rolled his eyes and said, "Theresa. Get those things off before you kill somebody."

"Ain't that the truth," Kay smirked. "Kay," Simone scolded. Smiling despite herself. "Come on," she said. Tugging Kay by the arm. "We need to get back to your house. And studying," she sighed. "Excuses, excuses. You just want to be out of harm's way when Theresa gets rolling again. Can't say I blame you," Kay laughed. Throwing the rest of her sundae in the trash. "Bye Ms. Crane," they waved. Passing Sheridan and Luis. And Theresa. "Bye Ms. Airhead America," Kay mumbled under her breath as Theresa smiled at her cluelessly. Tottering on her feet.

"I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Theresa asked. "As a matter of fact..." Luis began. "No. No, you didn't," Sheridan answered. Chicken! You might as well be walking around with one of those ridiculous chicken suits on, girl. Was that disappointment in Luis's dark eyes? She didn't know. But her heart leapt at the mere possibility. "I guess not," Luis said softly. Giving her a funny look. And she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from taking it all back and making a fool of herself right then and there.

She was saved with the arrival of Jenn and Lisa. Two girls from the cheer squad. "Oh my goodness! Ms. Crane!" Jenn said. In a panic-filled voice. "We've been looking for you everywhere." "It's an emergency," Lisa cried. "This lunatic came flying out of nowhere. Shrieking like a banshee on skates. And Amy...it was so awful, Ms. Crane. Amy had to jump into the bushes to get out of the way. She sprained her ankle, Ms. Crane," Jenn whined. "We can't do the pyramid without her. There's no one else light enough."

"You just have to help us," Lisa begged. "Please. We need someone that knows all the cheers, too. There isn't time for her to learn them all by Friday." Theresa listened. The smile on her face growing by the minute. Visions of wowing Ethan dancing in her head. She was so sure he'd be proud. "I know the PERFECT person to help you," she squealed excitedly. "Who?" Sheridan, Lisa, and Jenn said in unison. "ME! Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald at your service. I know ALL the cheers. Plus, I'm very light on my feet," she bubbled. Letting go of Luis. And in the process falling flat on her behind. "Ouch!"