The Next Door Boys Read Online Free Page A

closed. I heard footsteps on the stairs, I cracked me eyes just enough to see Evan sit and quickly closed them again. I readjusted myself a little as Jaron and Evan exchanged words. I didn't pay attention.
    “Leigh, how's school going so far?” Jaron asked.
    “Math is harder than I expected,” I answered from my hammock. I didn't move.
    “I can help with that,” Evan said.
    I opened my eyes to look at him. I didn't want to encourage the guy, but help would be great. “Are you sure?”
    He laughed. “Yeah, I'm sure. I'm nearly an accountant. We love that stuff.”
    “Thanks.” I relaxed again, closed my eyes, and tried to look disinterested.
    “I have to run. My parents are in Salt Lake and want me to come up for dinner tonight, but I'll be around tomorrow,” he said.
    “You just got here.” I opened my eyes, confused. It seemed like a wasted trip to stop by for five minutes. Then I realized I was probably doing it again—being too nice.
    “Oh, I was just stopping in to say hello to everyone on my way out of town.” He stood up.
    “Okay.” I didn't see how an hour away qualified as out of town, but whatever.
    Jaron looked over his book and waved as Evan got into his car. Then he looked over at me. I could see his dimples start to grow in the beginnings of a smile.
    “What?” I asked.
    “Nothing.” He went back to reading. I flopped over on the hammock and enjoyed the warm breeze.

     
    Evan came the next night, as promised. We sat at the outside table. I didn't want him in my house. It seemed too personal. Kim joined us with homework of her own. I was grateful. The more people there, the less personal it would be. I wondered if she did it on purpose.
    “I hear we're having a little homework party tonight,” she said as she sat down.
    “Something like that.” I set my texts on the table. “Evan is going to try to help me understand calculus—which I used to understand in high school,” I added.
    Evan chuckled and sat next to me, turning the book so he could see what I was working on. Jaron must have heard the noise because he came up too. My phone rang as he reached the top of the stairs. I checked the ID. Mom.
    “Hey Mom, I'm working on homework right now.” I really didn't want to talk to her with an audience.
    “Are you okay? You sounded tired on the phone the other day.” Her voice had the same worried edge to it that it always did.
    “Yeah, I'm great, but I have a lot of math to get done, and Jaron is pretty strict about starting family night on time.” I wrinkled my nose at Jaron. He made a face back.
    “Okay, well call when you get a minute. I'll let you get back to it.” She sounded hesitant, as if she wasn't ready to be done.
    “Thanks. Love you, Mom.”
    “Love you too.” Though she hung up, I could tell she wasn't satisfied. I set my phone down and looked at Jaron. “One… two… th—” but I didn't get it out. Jaron's phone started to ring. “Guess who!” I laughed.
    Jaron stood up and walked slowly off the porch as he talked to Mom. If Evan or Kim thought the calls were odd, they didn't let on. He was off the phone in minutes. I was still hunched over my math text.
    Evan scooted closer to me, and I wasn't sure how to scoot away without being obvious. Or maybe I should want to be obvious. I didn't want Evan to get the wrong idea, though I wasn't sure at this point if I'd be able to discourage him. I kept hoping I saw things that weren't there. Kim sat quietly working on something for a writing class while Evan walked me through a few more problems. It was fuzzy, but I started to remember.
    “Thanks.” I took the opportunity to sit back and scoot away. I wondered how I'd get through it next week. Math with Evan could not turn into a regular thing.
    “Anytime. I'm happy to help.” His smile made it look like he was still completely undeterred.
    I looked away, having absolutely no idea how to discourage Evan without being mean, which I really didn't want to