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proceedings and all. I was thinking that maybe since you’re off for the summer, you might be able to help him out with that.”
    “Oh, I don’t know,” she replied, frowning. “I might be over-stepping my bounds.”
    I shrugged, my expression turning dismal. “Well, I’d do it myself except I don’t know where to begin. Jesse doesn’t have a home computer so the internet is out. I thought maybe you being a teacher and all, having a computer at your house, you might know of ways to do that.”
    I watched as she bit her lower lip thoughtfully. “You know, my brother-in-law has a business that does nothing but skip-trace work for collection agencies. Do you think that you can get me her social security number?”
    “I’m sure I can,” I replied, eager to help. “Let me check around and I’ll try and get it for you by tomorrow.”
    “Sounds good. I’ll give my brother-in-law a call as soon as you get it to me, how’s that?”
    “Perfect. And Casey? Let’s not tell him that I asked for your help. I don’t want him getting pissed off at me for dragging you into it.”
    “Trust me. This will be our secret.”
    “Great! Gotta get back home and start my spa day. I’ve got a date with Austin tonight.”
    “That’s great, honey! I think you and he will really hit it off.”
    “I know we will,” I replied, waving good-bye to her as I headed down the steps of her porch. “See you later.”

    I give myself one final look in the mirror and see that the smirk I’m wearing after thinking back to my conversation earlier with Casey is tell-all, so I lose it.
    Tonight I have plans with Austin and I’m sure that he’ll be totally down with them. After all, his aunt is financially looking after his best interests for our first date.
    I grab the condoms that I’d swiped earlier from Jesse’s room and toss them into my purse.
    Showtime!
    Jesse is in the living room playing a game of checkers with Scout when I make my appearance.
    “How do I look?” I ask, twirling around to give them a full view.
    I’ve added my brown heeled sandals, and I’ve pulled my blond hair up into a perky ponytail, to keep cool in the summer evening heat.
    “You look pretty!” Scout says, her eyes widening. “Are you going on a date with Catherine’s cousin?”
    “Sure am,” I answer with a smile.
    I don’t miss the fact that Jesse’s eyes are perusing me as well, giving me the elevator stare, up and down, down and up. I see his brow furrow in concern. “Where exactly is the boy taking you?” he asks.
    “He said something about going to a summer carnival over in Waldron,” I reply. They have rides and arcades set up—that sort of thing—and then a fireworks display.”
    “Scout, go to your room for a few minutes. I need to talk to your sister.”
    I’m stunned and Scout is pissed, not understanding why she’s been banished from the room. Her body language says it all.
    “I’m not sure what you’re wearing is appropriate,” Jesse says, his eyes lingering a bit longer than usual on my breasts. “I mean, you need to understand what guys think when they see a girl—a woman, ” he corrects quickly, “Dressed so . . . provocatively. I’m only saying this because I don’t want you having to spend your evening fighting off his wandering paws.”
    I smirk quietly. “I dress like this back home,” I reply innocently. “I mean Todd never complained.”
    “I’m only trying to offer advice. I’d hate for you to be lured into something you’re not ready for, is all.”
    He’s clearly not comfortable with my outfit. Hah!
    “Well, don’t worry. I’ve had to slap hands before. I can handle it.”
    He’s staring a blazing hole through me now. I mean it’s a burning gaze.
    “I want you home by eleven,” Jesse says.
    My eyes widen and I immediately form a pout with my lips. “Eleven? I’m almost eighteen for heaven’s sake! Besides, it’s eight ‘clock right now, and he hasn’t even picked me up yet. The