The Best Friend

by Melody Carlson

  “Come on,” Riley urged, “let’s just ask. They probably don’t have time for you anyway.”

  The next thing Lishia knew, Riley was standing there talking to the receptionist. As ridiculously impossible as this all seemed, Lishia knew that she really did want to do something different with her hair. Ever since Chelsea had come onto the scene, Lishia had been rethinking her own natural color. Maybe it was true—maybe her auburn hair was mousy . . . maybe blondes really did have more fun.

  “They can do it!” Riley exclaimed.

  “But I still can’t afford—”

  “Never mind. I’ll put it on my card and you can pay me back later.”

  “But I can’t—”

  “Do you want to catch Todd’s eye tonight or not?” Riley gave her an impatient look.

  “Well, I—”

  “If we’re going to do this, we need to get moving,” the hairdresser urged Lishia.

  “Go!” Riley put her hand on Lishia’s back as she removed her bags and purse. “Indulge yourself for once!”

  Just like that, Lishia was suddenly getting her hair shampooed. Unreal! She tried not to think about things like money and paying Riley back. After all, it wasn’t as if Riley gave her a choice in this matter. Besides, the truth was, Lishia wanted this. She wanted it badly! As the hairdresser did her work, Lishia imagined what it would feel like to walk into Todd’s birthday party and have him stare at her as if seeing her for the first time. She pictured him coming directly to her, taking her hand in his, asking her to dance . . . and that would be only the beginning!

  Todd was just getting down on one knee and asking her to become his wife when the hairdresser proclaimed, “Finished!”

  “Huh?” Lishia woke herself from her daydream.

  “With just enough time for a cigarette break before my next client.” The hairdresser grinned. “What do you think?”

  Lishia stared into the mirror. “Wow.” Her hand went up to her lightened hair. She looked like someone else. “Is that really me?”

  “Pretty chic, eh?”

  Lishia wasn’t so sure. After years of auburn hair, it was shocking to see herself as a blonde. “I like the cut,” she managed to say as she turned her head from side to side, watching the sleek, highlighted hair moving. It was definitely pretty, but she wasn’t sure that it was really her. It was like she’d turned into someone else.

  “You look fantastic,” Riley said as she came over to look.

  “Do you really think so?”

  “On with you,” the hairdresser commanded. “I have to clean up my station now. You’ll have to gawk at yourself somewhere else.”

  “I already took care of the bill,” Riley said as she handed Lishia back her things. “And now we have just enough time to get home and get ready for the big night.” She shook her head in amazement. “You really look hot, Lishia. Almost like someone else.”

  “Yeah, that’s what worries me.” She touched her hair, surprised to find that it even felt different.

  “A new and improved you,” Riley assured her.

  Lishia began to giggle as they walked through the mall. “Is it just my imagination, or am I catching more looks from guys?”

  “They’re looking at both of us,” Riley told her. “With your new ’do, we probably look pretty good together.”

  “I guess so.” Lishia wondered what her mom would say when she saw it. Not that her mother was opposed to such things, but she would question how Lishia could afford it. “I will pay you back,” she told Riley, “but it might take a while.”

  “Don’t worry about it . . . I’m not.”

  Dressed for the party, Lishia wasn’t exaggerating when she told Riley that she felt like “a million bucks.”

  “And you look like it too.” Riley seemed slightly troubled. “In fact, now I’m hoping I didn’t create a monster. You better not upstage me in front of Dayton. I know he has this twisted notion that he prefers blondes lately.”

  Lishia laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, I’m setting my sights on the birthday boy tonight.” She hoped she wasn’t going to be in for too much of a disappointment.

  “And you’re still going to deliver Todd that birthday present we talked about?”

  Lishia nodded. “I am.”

  “Cool.” She parked her car along the street, where already dozens of cars were lined up. “And you have my phone, and it’s all charged and ready in case you need it, right? And the camcorder too?”

  “It’s in the bag.” Lishia patted the sleek little Kate Spade purse Riley had loaned her for the evening. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was feeling a bit like Cinderella tonight. However, she knew that this party was also meant to be a mission. More than anything, Riley wanted Lishia to snag some compromising photos or video footage of Gillian—something they could use as evidence with Mrs. Glassman. Lishia had her doubts as to whether this would really happen, but to appease Riley, who’d been very sweet today, she acted like she was playing along. After all, wasn’t that what friends were for?

  Lishia felt nervous as they entered the already crowded yard, where kids were milling about and what sounded like a live band was blasting from the backyard. She had no idea what to expect, although she suspected that this was an unchaperoned party and, based on rumors she’d heard in school, those red plastic cups probably contained alcohol. Although she didn’t want to admit it (not even to herself), that bothered her some. However, she rationalized, if—and she wasn’t even sure she would, but if—Riley imbibed, Lishia would simply designate herself as their driver. Under the circumstances, wasn’t that the right thing to do?

  As she followed Riley inside the house, watching as the confident girl comfortably greeted friends, Lishia could imagine what her mother would say about this. But instead of listening, she blocked it out. After all, she had to grow up someday. This was the norm for most kids. It was about time Lishia experienced it for herself.

  Not the drinking part, of course, but she might as well see firsthand what it was all about. Never mind that her old friends would be shocked and appalled if they knew. They were probably all at youth group tonight . . . probably not even missing her. Well, she told herself as she held her head high, imitating Riley’s self-assured stride, she was a new person now. Growing up and moving on. Oh, she didn’t plan to drink tonight, but there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with being here and having a good time.

  “Hey, Todd,” Riley said pleasantly. “Happy birthday!” She hugged him, then nodded to Lishia. “I brought you a little present.”

  Lishia felt her cheeks growing warm. Why did Riley have to say that? “Happy birthday,” Lishia murmured shyly. But as he embraced her in a warm hug, her confidence grew, and without second-guessing herself, she looked him in the eyes and landed a kiss right smack on his lips. “And that’s for your birthday.”

  He let out a loud whoop of laughter. “Thank you!” Then he leaned down and kissed her again. This time her head began to swim a bit, but she didn’t protest as she kissed him back. He slipped his arm around her waist. “I think I’ll keep my birthday present handy for the time being,” he told her.

  She smiled up at him, suppressing the urge to giggle like a six-year-old. She couldn’t believe this was really happening. Riley looked almost as shocked as Lishia felt. Then she gave her a sly wink and a thumbs-up.

  For a while, Lishia felt like she was on top of the world. At Todd Reimer’s side, being admired by him, greeting his friends as if she and Todd had been dating for ages . . . life was good!

  “Let’s get you something to drink,” Todd told her as they walked over to the food and drink area. “What would you like?”

  “Do you, uh, how about a Sierra Mist?”

  He frowned like he’d misheard her. “Huh?”

  “I, uh, I mean, a Coke. I think I’d like a Coke.”

  A slow grin crossed his face. “And perhaps you’d like a little something in your Coke?”

  “Ice?”

  He la
ughed. “Here, let me take care of it.” He quietly said something to the guy who was playing bartender, and before she knew it he was handing her what she knew was a Coke spiked with something.

  She took a sniff, then shook her head. “I don’t drink alcohol.”

  He looked shocked. “Seriously? Never?”

  “Never.”

  His hand slipped away from where it had been snugly holding on to her waist, and his smile faded. “Oh . . .” He reached for the drink and took a sip with a dismayed expression. “Sorry. I mean, it’s not like I put anything illegal in it. Just a little rum is all.”

  Everything in her wanted to grab the drink back from him. She wanted to tell him she was just kidding and that she loved to drink, that she drank all the time . . . but her lips seemed to be glued tightly together. She watched sadly as he excused himself and went to greet some newcomers. It seemed that her moment in the limelight was over.

  “Hey, Lishia,” said a guy’s voice. “You’re looking all right.”

  She turned to see Dayton studying her closely. “Where’s Gillian?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “It’s not like I keep the girl on a leash. Besides, we’re not really going out, you know. Not officially anyway.” He moved closer, like he was really checking her out. “You’ve changed, Lishia.” He smiled approvingly.

  “It’s Riley’s influence,” she said quickly. Then she smiled. “Remember her? Your ex-girlfriend?”

  He grinned sheepishly. “Don’t remind me.”

  “Riley is a really cool girl,” Lishia said defensively. “We’re becoming good friends, and I’m starting to see there’s a lot more to her than I realized.”

  Dayton looked surprised. “Really?”

  “Really. For one thing, she’s a loyal friend.”

  He nodded like he was thinking about that.

  “And believe it or not, she’s still into you.” She thumped him on the chest.

  Now he looked skeptical. “Tell me another one.”

  “She is, Dayton. She told me so just today.”

  “Get out of here.” He took a sip from his red plastic cup.

  “Seriously, she wishes you guys had never broken up.”

  “You’re full of it.”

  She looked directly at him. “I swear I’m telling the truth, Dayton.”

  “Does she know you’re talking to me?” he asked quietly.

  Lishia glanced around the crowded room. “No.”

  A slow smile crept onto his face. “So old Riley still has a thing for me?”

  Lishia hoped she hadn’t made a mess out of this. “I think she does. But I also think you’ve hurt her, Dayton. It might not be that easy to get her back.” She looked over his shoulder to see that Gillian and a couple of her friends had just come into the room. Bad timing.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Nothing.” She forced a smile and concocted a quick plan. “I just spotted your new girlfriend.”

  “Huh?”

  “You know who.”

  “Like I said, Gillian and I aren’t really together. We went out a couple of times, that’s all.”

  “Then you’re not aware that she goes around telling everyone you’re madly in love with her?”

  “What?” He looked confused.

  “Or maybe you are aware? But, seriously, Gillian Rodowski? I’m surprised you’d settle for someone like that.” She acted like she wanted to escape now. “Seriously, she’s coming this way and I’m so outta here.”

  “Wait.” He put a hand on her arm. “What you said about Ril—”

  “Hey, Dayton,” Gillian said in a silky voice, linking her arm into his in what was clearly a territorial gesture as she gazed into his eyes. “What’s up, my man?”

  Dayton looked uneasy, and Lishia tossed him a knowing glance. “See what I mean?” she said quietly.

  “What?” Gillian turned to Lishia, then blinked in surprise. “Lishia Vance?”

  Lishia smirked. “Gillian Rodowski?”

  Gillian reached over and flicked a strand of Lishia’s hair. “I see you took my advice and got that dull ’do revived.” She laughed in a mean way.

  Lishia remembered Riley’s list. “Speaking of advice . . .” She sniffed the air, then made a disgusted face. “I hear there’s a new deodorant that’s guaranteed to tackle the toughest odors. Maybe you should give it a try.”

  Dayton actually chuckled, and Gillian punched him in the arm.

  “Ouch!” He frowned at her. “Take it easy.”

  “Since we’re sharing advice, here’s a beauty tip for you . . .” Gillian narrowed her eyes. “I know a plastic surgeon who’s a magician at breast implants, and you could certainly use some help in that—”

  “Ladies, ladies,” Dayton erupted in laughter. “Let’s keep this civilized.”

  “Don’t worry,” Lishia assured Dayton, then turned to Gillian. “I really can’t trust your recommendation of a plastic surgeon”—she pointed at Gillian’s face—“seeing how you’re still stuck with that nose and all.” Now she smiled at Dayton. “I think it’s sweet that you’re able to overlook that sort of thing.” She patted his cheek for drama. “It speaks highly of your character.”

  Dayton seemed partly stunned and partly amused. Meanwhile, Gillian looked like she wanted to shred Lishia to pieces. Lishia decided not to stick around to find out. She gave them both a little finger wave and turned and walked away—hoping that Gillian didn’t have a knife on her. As Lishia made her way across the crowded room, she realized her knees were actually trembling. She couldn’t believe what she’d just said, what nerve she’d shown (or was it stupidity?), and all without the aid of alcohol either! She did feel a little uneasy about something . . . something she couldn’t really put her finger on . . . or maybe she didn’t want to. But Gillian deserved that. She had it coming. And more.

  six

  Is it true?” Riley asked Lishia when they met up again in the backyard. Lishia had slipped out, retreating into the shadows back behind the area where the band was playing. She still couldn’t quite believe what she’d done in there, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to face Gillian again. Instead she’d found a lawn chair, making herself comfortable while listening to the music, and it turned out the band wasn’t too bad.

  “Is what true?” She sat up straight and peered at Riley.

  “That you and Gillian got into a big fight?”

  Lishia shrugged. “Not exactly a big fight.”

  Riley looked disappointed. “Brandon Procter said it was spectacular.”

  “Really? Spectacular?” Lishia giggled.

  “Brandon is known to exaggerate.”

  “Well, we did exchange words,” Lishia admitted. “It got a little ugly.”

  “Did you get any photos?”

  Lishia frowned. “How was I supposed to get photos when I was in the middle of a conversation? Where were you anyway?”

  “Busy.” Riley’s mouth twisted to one side. “At least you had witnesses.”

  “And you can be sure I’m on Gillian’s most hated list now. She looked like she wanted to kill me.”

  “Well, you’ll never guess what happened after you disappeared.”

  “What?”

  “Dayton publicly dumped Gillian.”

  “Seriously?”

  She nodded. “And he wants to get back with me.” She grinned. “But I’m still playing hard to get.” Lishia told Riley a bit of what she’d said to Dayton.

  “Oh, Lishia, you really are my best friend.” Riley threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. “Thanks!”

  “But now I better watch my back when Gillian is around.” Lishia glanced over toward the pool area. “Is she still around?”

  Riley nodded. “You’d think she’d take a hint, but no, she’s still here. Right now she’s flirting shamelessly with the birthday boy. Poor Todd.”

  Lishia rolled her eyes. “Poor Todd?”

  “Gillian’s had way too much to drink, and she’s throwing
herself at him.”

  “Maybe Todd likes that.” Lishia was still feeling the sting of his rejection. Just because she wouldn’t drink. She’d had a higher opinion of him.

  “No, he doesn’t like it.” Riley reached for the purse. “In fact, I should get some photos of that.”

  “Have at it,” Lishia told her. “But I’m not going back in there while Gillian’s still around. Who knows what she’d do to me while under the influence?”

  “But I need your help.” Riley reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet.

  “What am I—”

  “Just continue your conversation,” Riley said. “Get Gillian to show her true colors while I’ve got the camera running. I’m going to pretend to be getting a shot of Todd for his birthday. But you’ll bait Gillian, and we’ll see what kind of fit she’ll throw. If we get lucky, she’ll use some bad language.” She pointed at Lishia. “And maybe you can mention something about how she’s drunk—you know, get her to deny it by saying what she’s had to drink. Meanwhile the camera will be rolling.”

  “You really think you can get away with that?”

  “If we stay apart like we originally planned—so she doesn’t guess that we’re working together on this.”

  Lishia was already feeling tired of this game. She’d even been feeling guilty for missing youth group tonight. And for what? Todd had quickly grown tired of her. Gillian had turned into a mortal enemy.

  “You’re the best friend,” Riley gushed as she gently nudged Lishia with her elbow. “I mean it!” Then she hurried on ahead so it wouldn’t look like they were in cahoots. Still, those words warmed Lishia. If nothing else came of tonight, she had shown her loyalty to Riley. And Gillian deserved what she got.

  Lishia straightened her spine as she entered the room. Ready for Act Two. She zeroed in on Todd to start with. Just like Riley had said, there was Gillian, draped all over the poor birthday boy. Todd actually looked slightly desperate now, but his friends were just standing around laughing at the spectacle Gillian was making of herself. Lishia walked past Dayton, who was looking on with an interested expression.