Turnabout Twist Read online

  Turnabout

  Twist

  A Young Adult Contemporary Romance Short Story

  A “Chubby Chicks Club” series Spinoff Story

  Lois Lavrisa

  SunLake Press

  Turnabout Twist

  By Lois Lavrisa

  Turnabout Twist

  Lavrisa, Lois Marie (01-22-2013)

  Copyright 2013 Lois Lavrisa

  Discover other titles by Lois Lavrisa at www.loislavrisa.com

  Amazon Edition, Licensing Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission from the author.

  All Trademarks mentioned herein are respected.

  All quotes are intended as fair use and not intended to abridge copyright.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or to actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  www.sunlakepress.com

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Novels by Lois Lavrisa

  Dedication

  Turnabout Twist

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Connect with Lois Lavrisa Online

  Five Fun Facts about Lois Lavrisa

  Acknowledgments

  My sincerest and deepest appreciation goes out to my beta readers, and dear friends: Patricia Mason, Donna Shea, Nancy Remler and Charles Cory. With your very insightful and useful feedback on my stories, I know that they are much stronger and better because of you. I cannot thank all of you enough, my Savannah Pen & Ink group. And of course special thanks go to my final editor, formatter and much more, my dear husband Tom.

  However, my biggest gratitude is extended to you, my readers. Without you my stories would never be given life. Thank you, enjoy.

  About the Author

  Lois Lavrisa writes Mystery with a Twist. Her first mystery LIQUID LIES, an Amazon bestseller and Amazon Hot New Release, is set in an affluent lake town in Wisconsin. Fast paced with twists and turns around every corner, it’ll keep you guessing until the end.

  Her short story “Picture not Perfect” is in a young adult anthology called ETERNAL SPRING which was released with great reviews in April 2012. In 2013 she will write short stories for two additional anthologies.

  She’s working on a cozy mystery series, THE CHUBBY CHICKS CLUB about sassy southern sleuths, set in Savannah, Georgia. THE CHUBBY CHICKS CLUB is a rag tag group of friends (not all chubby nor all chicks) who find themselves investigating a friend’s mysterious death, with time running out for them to find the killer before the killer finds them. THE CHUBBY CHICKS CLUB, book one, should be completed next year.

  She’s been married to her aerospace husband Tom for over 21 years and they have four children - two boys and two girls. She’s a member of several writing organizations including: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Sisters in Crime (SIC). Currently, she’s serving as vice president of the Low Country RWA. For the past six years she’s been a member of the Savannah Pen & Ink writers group. She’s written for a local newspaper, a magazine, numerous newsletters and posts weekly on a blog. Additionally, Lois has worked as an adjunct instructor and a technical writer.

  If you want to contact her, please go to www.loislavrisa.com, www.liquidlies.com, www.facebook.com/authorloislavrisa, www.thechubbychicksclub.com, www.facebook.com/loislavrisa, twitter.com/loislavrisa or www.goodreads.com/loislavrisa.

  Novels by Lois Lavrisa

  Liquid Lies

  Short Stories in Anthologies

  Eternal Spring

  Her short story titled “Picture Not Perfect”

  Save Me, Santa

  Her short story titled “Christmas Corpse Caper”

  WG2E Spooky Shorts

  Her short story titled “Treat or Trick”

  Dedication

  This story is dedicated to an incredibly brilliant, wonderful and generous friend who keeps me laughing and is one of my favorite people in the entire world- Patricia Mason. You are my muse, my brainstorming partner and idea generator. Plus my away from home fun loving travel buddy. I am honored to have you in my life. This story is for you.

  Turnabout Twist

  Chapter One

  “Really Ted? Just because I have red hair you want me to play dress up? You’ve got to be kidding.” Vicky, twisted her mouth and shook a finger at me. “I’m a little too old for that.”

  “Yeah eighteen is so old. You might as well get a walker and dentures now. And maybe a pack of Depends while you’re at it.”

  “Right.” She smiled and punched me in the arm.

  She stood five six—half a foot shorter than me—and had the lean muscular build of a dancer and the left hook of a prize boxer. I rubbed my arm where she had just swung her playful punch.

  “Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry.” She kissed the spot on my arm I had been rubbing. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”

  “No kidding. But now it’s all better with your kiss.” I slung my arm around her shoulders.

  “Right I have superpower kisses, they are formidable.”

  We waited outside the movie theater. It was early summer in Savannah, Georgia and the heat and humidity already blanketed the city. My dark hair clung to the back of my neck, and my cotton tee shirt stuck to my chest, accentuating my boniness.

  “So do you want to dress like her I mean with your superpower and all, it’d be cool. You really do look like Black Widow.” I tried to put on a big smile. The Avengers played at the same theater and many waiting in line were dressed like superheroes from the movie.

  “You’re an idiot. A cute idiot. But an idiot all the same.” She tiptoed and kissed me.

  “I mean you’re prettier than Scarlett Johansson and all. And you’d look really hot in that skin tight costume thing she wears.” I moved along with the line.

  “And you’d look hot as a vampire. Sparkles and fangs would suit you,” Vicky said.

  “No way. That wimpy vampire is so lame,” I said.

  “No he’s not.” She tilted her head. “Plus, you kind of look like Edward. Tall, thin and handsome. And he’s so romantic. Remember seeing Twilight with me? Anyway, I just melted when Edward snuck into the window of Bella’s bedroom. You don’t do anything like that. When we first dated you’d bring me flowers and do my literature homework.”

  “Don’t you know that I love you by now? You still need all of that kind stuff after dating three years? And you aced Lit, so you don’t need my help anymore. And flowers? Tomorrow I’m giving you a flower prom thing for your dress.”

  “Corsage.” She shook her head. “Sometimes, I feel like you’re taking me for granted.”

  “Not true. I’m here now with you. Doesn’t that mean anything?” Two girls dressed like Black Widow walked near us. I couldn’t help staring at them.

  “Eyes over here Ted.” Vicky tugged my shirt.

  “What?” I asked jerking my head back in her direction. Busted. Rats.

  “You’re such a guy. Hopeless.” Sh
e brushed the hair from my face.

  “You have to admit that is hot.” I pointed to the girls dressed as Black Widow.

  “Don’t point.” She slapped down my hand. “We are here for my movie, not The Avengers.”

  My body slumped. “I know.” And how I wished I could see the other movie instead.

  “You look like you’re being tortured. Your face is all pulled down in that weird expression you have when you don’t like something.”

  “Nothing is wrong. The vampire movie is going to be a blast.” My voice sort of rose to a near soprano, belying my usual alto.

  “Liar.” Vicky flipped her hair. “Shoot I forgot my team Edward shirt.”

  “Yeah I forgot my team get me the hell out of here shirt.” Darn it. I just said that out loud.

  “Heh! No filter on the brain boy- I heard that.” Vicky flicked me in the arm and laughed. “Your superpower is not tact.”

  “I mean, I’m team Edward too because I am a closeted vampire lover. Bet you didn’t know that. Plus my incisors are kind of getting pointy too.” I planted a kiss on the top of her adorable red head. “So now that I proclaimed my love of vampires, will you’ll wear the Black Widow costume to prom?” I stroked her back.

  She twisted away then crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

  “That’s a no, huh?” I asked.

  She scrunched her eyebrows and pursed her lips. The definite look of no.

  “I mean, I’m just saying. It’s our last prom. Why not go out with a bang? Make it memorable,” I said, just as we reached the front of the line.

  It was our turn at the ticket window.

  “Since you’re paying for prom, I’ll get the popcorn,” Vicky offered.

  “Then I’ll get the tickets.” I pulled out money I had borrowed from my twin Timothy and slid it under the glass. “Two tickets to the vampire movie.”

  “This is last of these horrible movies, isn’t it? I mean after today, I won’t have to go to anymore right?” I said wishfully to Vicky as I handed her a ticket. I loathed the first couple of vampire flicks and was sure this was more of the same.

  “No.” She pursed her lips.

  “There’s more?”

  “Yes.”

  “Jeez. I don’t know how much more I can take of that brooding girl who can’t decide between a wimpy sparkly dude and that dog guy who never wears a shirt.” I put my hands up.

  “Ted, he’s not a dog, he’s a werewolf. You know the whole full moon transformation and all.”

  “Yah. Whatever. I mean, why can’t she choose between normal guys, like between a nerd and a jock? Or a dude like me, who’s a little of both?” I smirked.

  “That would be boring,” Vicky said with a glare

  “I’m boring?”

  “No. But a love triangle between a girl and two unlikely hunks makes for a great flick.”

  “For you maybe. I’d rather catch the superhero movie next door. It starts in ten minutes.”

  “You think they’re better than vampires?” Vicky asked as we entered the lobby.

  “Way better. They can fly, have incredible elite powers and have kick ass fights.” I did a hand swipe thing like a sword and added a kick.

  “It’s like I’m dating a twelve-year-old.” Vicky smiled.

  I gazed into the glass case at the concession stand. “Look! Gummy bears.”

  “Point made.” Vicky hugged my arm and handed the employee behind the counter her money. “Medium popcorn, one large Coke and a box of gummies.”

  While we waited on our order, Vicky said, “So is Timothy taking that new girl to prom?”

  “Gabrielle? Yeah, I think he is.” I got two straws and some napkins.

  “I bet he won’t ask her to dress up in some sexy weird superhero costume.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. We are identical twins, after all.” I waved my hand down from my shoulders to my feet.

  She handed me the drink and box of gummies and then grabbed the popcorn. “Do you want to double date with them?”

  “Because we’re double?” I made a twin joke whenever I could.

  “Bad. Really bad.” She grinned and threw a kernel of popcorn at me.

  We found our seats in the air-conditioned darkness of the theater. Settling into the comfy soft velour seats it took less than a few minutes into the movie before I dozed off.

  Vicky nudged my arm, jostling me. “You’re snoring.”

  “Huh?” The side of my mouth felt wet with drool.

  “You fell asleep.”

  “No surprise. This movie sucks...and not just because of the vampires,” I whispered as my brain came out of a fog.

  “You didn’t even see five minutes of it. And if you hate it so bad, go see your stupid superhero movie.”

  “Really? That’d be great.” My glee was obvious in my tone.

  “Go.” Vicky said with a scowl.

  We got shushed from the couple behind us.

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  “Okay, Fine. Get out of here.” She pitched the box of gummy bears at me.

  I caught them. “I’ll see you in the lobby after?”

  The movie soundtrack became extremely loud, so I didn’t hear her response. This was a great compromise. I could see my movie, she could see her’s, and we’d both be both happy. Well maybe not happy. Vicky had been scowling. But she’d get over it.

  Who would have known after all of these years of dating her, and all of the chick flicks I’d seen with her, that falling asleep would get me out of seeing those horrible movie? I mentally patted my back for a job well done.

  Chapter Two

  The Avengers had everything I loved, action and superheroes. And mostly the smoking hot Black Widow. After it ended I made it to the lobby and saw Vicky walking out the front door.

  I ran after her. “Hey, I thought we were meeting up. Why did you leave?”

  “Well, I also thought we were going to a movie together and we didn’t,” she huffed. “Guess we were both wrong.”

  “We did go together but then you told me to go to the other one, and I did.” Did I miss something?

  “I didn’t want you to leave,” she sighed.

  “But you said to go.” My stomach felt like a bowling ball had lodged in it. Something was going on here. My gut said it was not good. I had a feeling I’d screwed up pretty bad.

  “You’re a moron.” She looked down at the ground and kicked a small piece of paper.

  “No, I’m just really confused.” I put my hands up.

  Her back stiffened and her jaw clenched. “Well, here it is simple enough for you to understand. I’m leaving now and I’m pissed.”

  “I don’t get it. Why?” My head began to spin. Girls were like twisted coils of emotion. I’d never figured out how to unravel the knots.

  She shrugged her shoulders. “You just don’t get it.”

  “I must not. I’m sorry.” I tried to give her a hug but she pulled away from me.

  “Teddy, let’s just cool it for a while,” she said as she walked away.

  “Cool it?” I followed after her. “What’s going on?”

  “Maybe it’s just not working.”

  “What’s not working? I work. I cut grass.” I tried to lighten the situation. I hated to fight and thankfully we rarely disagreed.

  “Not you. Us.” Her eyes filled with tears.

  “Don’t cry. Whatever I did I am so sorry. Really I am.” Placing my hand on her arm, I tried to lean in to kiss her. She jerked away.

  “See that’s the problem. You don’t get me. You just don’t.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

  “No, I do.” My chest felt like it was smashed by a wrecking ball.

  “No. You don’t. Even after three years.”

  “But I do. You’re super smart, and gorgeous. You can’t parallel park to save your life.” After all of these years, I know so much about her. “And you’re in love with that vampire dude in the movie.”

 
“Edward.” A slight grin crept on her face.

  “Yes, Edward. How could I forget?” I smiled. “And you hate palmetto bugs. Math problems and essay questions are super easy for you. You’re a perfectionist in school, but you leave your clothes in piles on your bedroom floor. And you will never eat a ripe banana, and you hate mustard. You love that song from Shrek.”

  “I’m a Believer.” She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

  “I like that song too.” I hoped that we could move on. “So are we okay now?”

  “I’m still mad at you. I think I need some time.”

  “How much time?” My whole body tightened, as though turned in a crank. “Does this mean we’re breaking up?”

  “Not sure. I need just time alone.”

  “Five minutes?” I offered, trying to joke.

  She didn't crack a smile. “It’s late, I’m tired. I’m going home to bed.”

  “I’m wide awake.”

  “That’s because you took a nap in the movie.” She touched my face.

  “At least let me walk you home.” I wanted to make sure she got home safely.

  We walked in silence except for the crickets and the stray sounds of traffic. The whole time I kept trying to think of what I could say to her that would make her forgive me. I drew a blank.

  When we got to her house, I got a peck on the cheek instead of a kiss on the lips. I waited outside until I saw her upstairs bedroom light go on. She opened the window and waved me off.

  “See you tomorrow at prom?” I called up to her.