“Looks like you escaped her just in time,” Lishia said to him as she snatched his drink cup. “Thanks!”
He grinned.
Carrying the cup, which appeared to be half full of beer, she made her way to Todd. She could see Riley nearby and knew this was her one big chance. When she reached Todd, she gave him a curious look, then shook her head as if disappointed. “I thought you had better taste in women,” she said as she casually pretended to drink from the half-full cup. Then, making a face, she handed him the cup. “And beer too. What is this cheap stuff, anyway?”
He looked surprised, then amused. “You’re right, it is cheap beer,” he admitted.
“I thought so.” She barely tipped her head toward Gillian, who was glaring at her like she wanted to tear Lishia’s hair out by the roots. “But it all seems to add up.” She gave Todd a tolerant smile. “Thank you for inviting me to your party. I’d like to say it’s been fun, but it hasn’t.” She turned away.
“Wait!” Todd called out.
Lishia turned back with an innocent look. “What?”
“Don’t go yet!” Todd was trying to peel Gillian off of him.
“What’re you doing?” Gillian demanded, grabbing onto his arm. “You said you wanted to—”
“Leave me alone,” he told her.
“But we were gonna go upstairs,” she said pathetically.
“Maybe you should have some coffee,” Lishia suggested.
“Maybe you shoul’ go an’ . . .” Gillian staggered as she narrowed her eyes and spewed out some bad language.
“Really?” Lishia feigned shock. “I’m sure you wouldn’t talk like that if you weren’t drunk, Gillian.” She resisted the urge to make sure Riley was getting this all on camera.
“I’m not drunk,” Gillian slurred.
Lishia pointed to the drink in Gillian’s hand. “What is that, like your fifth drink?”
“You don’ know what you’re talkin’ ’bout. I can hold my liquor, you little shlut!” She staggered toward Lishia, letting loose with some really off-color words as well as personal threats.
“I know you don’t mean that,” Lishia said as she cautiously stepped back. “That’s just the alcohol talking. You really should consider a treatment program. I think you might need professional help.”
Gillian made a sloppy lunge toward Lishia, but Todd and a couple of his friends blocked her as she sputtered and swore, spilling her drink all over them.
“Somebody needs a little time-out,” Lishia said, and several of them laughed.
“Or maybe a little dunk in the pool,” Brandon Procter yelled. “That’d cool her off.” Just like that, several of the guys hoisted Gillian up and carried her, kicking and screaming, out to the pool, where they heaved her into the water with a big splash, followed by roars of laughter and clapping. Riley was getting the whole thing on the camcorder, and everyone was acting like this was the best entertainment ever.
However, Lishia actually felt sorry for Gillian as she floundered in the water. She was also worried that in her drunken state, Gillian might actually drown and even suggested someone help her out. But the cold water must’ve sobered her up some, and Gillian managed to claw her way out. Dripping and angry, she pointed at Lishia. “You are dead meat!” she yelled.
“Come on,” Todd said as he grabbed Lishia by the arm. “Let’s get you away from her before there’s bloodshed.”
With the sounds of Gillian screaming horrible threats behind them, Lishia let Todd lead her through the house, down a hallway, and up some stairs until they wound up in what appeared to be the rather luxurious master bedroom suite. “Is this your parents’ room?” she asked as he closed and locked the door.
“Yes.” He nodded. “But she won’t find us here.”
Lishia looked around the elegant-looking room and shook her head. “That’s right, she won’t.” She turned for the door, ready to make her getaway.
“You’re not going back out there, are you?” He looked alarmed.
Lishia managed to laugh. “Well, it might be safer than in here with you.”
He laughed. “Do you seriously think I’d try to get you into my parents’ bed?” He made a disgusted face. “Gross!”
“It does seem a little creepy.”
“You got that right.” He pointed to a pair of easy chairs by a set of French doors. “Want to sit and talk?”
“Sure,” she agreed. “In fact, I’d like to ask you some questions.”
“Questions?”
She nodded as she sat down. “For starters, where are your parents?”
He chuckled. “Vegas, baby.”
“They went to Vegas on your birthday?”
“It’s not actually my birthday until Wednesday.”
“Oh, you decided to celebrate early.”
He nodded. “You only turn eighteen once. I wanted to do it up big.”
“Do your parents know you’re having this party?”
He shrugged. “They probably have an idea . . . and the neighbors will tell them.”
She couldn’t believe how nonchalant he was. “And you won’t get in trouble?”
“Everything will be all back together by the time they get home Sunday night. I put away everything that’s breakable. And I have a cleaning service all lined up for tomorrow morning.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “My older brothers used to do the same thing.”
“So you’re just following their example.”
He shrugged.
“And are you having a good birthday party?”
He grinned. “I am now.”
She smiled and relaxed a little. “Well, thanks for saving me from Gillian.”
He slowly shook his head. “If I were you, I’d watch out for that girl. She looked like she wanted to put you six feet under, and I doubt that she’ll cool off too easily.”
“Kind of unbecoming for a cheerleader.”
He laughed. “I’ve seen worse.”
“Really?” She leaned forward. “Tell me more.”
He began relaying some other crazy stories about cheerleaders. Even Riley had pulled some embarrassing stunts. “They’re only human,” he said finally. “Just like all of us.” He pointed to her. “Except for you. You seem to have some kind of superiority complex. Like you really think you’re better than the rest of us. What’s up with that?”
Lishia took in a slow breath as a small wave of guilt washed over her. What was the goody-goody “Christian” girl doing at a party like this? Really, who was she trying to fool?
“You got to ask me your questions,” he said. “Now I want to know what you’re up to. Why are you here tonight?”
“To celebrate with you.” She used a big smile to cover her anxious feelings. Why shouldn’t she be here? Except that her conscience was trying to get the best of her. The problem with a conscience was that it could be a pest sometimes. Like it had a mind of its own. Maybe the only choice was to simply block it out. That’s what she would do.
“So why did you go after Gillian like that?” he persisted. “And why did you act like you don’t drink and then complain about the quality of my beer, which I do admit is substandard?”
“I could tell you the truth”—she smiled slyly—“but then I’d have to kill you.”
He laughed.
“And that would be a shame to do at your birthday party.”
Todd peeked out the window—then swore. “The cops!”
“No way.” Lishia felt sick with fear as she stood.
“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and turned off the light. “Out here.” He led her out the French doors and onto the terrace. Then, after helping her climb over a railing, he guided her onto a low, sloped roof. They both climbed down a trellis, and with him holding her hand, they streaked across a dark side yard, through an opening in the hedge, and out onto the dark street.
“Just keep walking like we’re out for a nice evening stroll,” he calmly told her as he continued to
hold her hand. “No big deal.”
“Works for me,” she said in relief. Her heart was still pounding, but the truth was, this was the most fun she’d had all night.
“Are you hungry?” he asked when they reached a corner with a bus stop.
“Come to think of it, I am.”
So they waited for the bus, rode it into town, and ordered a late dinner at a little Mexican café. Lishia couldn’t believe how relaxed she felt around Todd now. It was as if they’d been friends for ages. Maybe that happens when you elude the police together. She shuddered to think of the trouble she’d narrowly avoided tonight. But then, like she was getting so good at, she decided to block that out too. Stay in the moment, she told herself. Enjoy this! So she did, eating and laughing and making jokes about the party getting crashed by the cops.
“Okay, tell me the truth,” she said finally. “Isn’t this better than getting totally wasted and watching all your friends acting like idiots?” She stuck her spoon into the custard flan they were sharing for dessert and smiled.
He nodded. “Now I just have to think of some kind of explanation for the cops. I’m sure they’ll want to question me . . . eventually.”
“You could always tell them that it was a surprise party,” she teased.
“That’s it!” he declared. “You’re a genius, Lishia. I’ll say it was a surprise party, and when I saw it was getting out of control, I decided to split.”
“You’re really going to lie to the police?” She tried to conceal her disappointment. After all, she’d practically suggested it. Still, she had this old-fashioned longing for Todd to be a stand-up kind of guy, to own up to his mistakes. Of course, that would get him into trouble. Might even get her into trouble. Perhaps he was right.
“It’s not completely a lie,” he said. “I mean, it was originally going to be a surprise party. It was actually Tyler and Dayton’s idea to throw this little gig in the first place. When they heard my folks were out of town, they decided to do it at my place. I went along with it.”
She nodded.
“And who knows, maybe the cops won’t ask. Especially since I’m nowhere to be found.”
Lishia tried to appear in agreement, but some of the magic was wearing off. Not only that, but now she remembered that she was supposed to spend the night at Riley’s house. But what if Riley was in jail now? Where would she stay? What would she tell her parents if she had to come home? She decided to try Riley’s cell.
“Hey,” Riley said cheerfully, like nothing was wrong.
“Did you get busted?”
Riley laughed. “Nah. Dayton and I made our exit long before the cops arrived. Then I drove him over to my place. We’ve been hanging here while my parents are still at their movie. What about you? Are you in jail?”
“No, of course not.” Lishia shuddered to imagine how that would’ve felt—to be making a phone call from the police station. She didn’t even want to think about it. Instead she explained how they’d gotten away and where she and Todd had landed, and the four agreed to meet up at Riley’s, where Riley said they’d continue to party. Lishia wasn’t too sure what she thought about that idea, but shortly after they arrived, Riley’s parents got home, and it seemed a good time for the guys to call it a night.
“What a bizarre evening,” Lishia told Riley after they were back in her bedroom. “At first I was scared to death I was going to get taken to jail and my parents would kill me. But then it’s like everything turned completely around and Todd and I ended up having a really great time.”
“Life’s funny.” Riley was flipping through DVDs.
“But seriously, if Todd hadn’t looked out the window just when he did . . . we’d have been toast.” She shook her head. “I can’t even imagine how I would’ve explained it to my parents. Do you think other kids got arrested?”
“Probably.”
“Like Gillian?”
“I hope so.” Riley gave a mischievous smile. “Then I wouldn’t even need to show Mrs. Glassman my evidence.”
“How did you and Dayton know to get away?”
Now Riley got a funny look, like there was something she was holding back . . . some information she was keeping.
“Did someone tip you off?” Lishia asked curiously.
“Not exactly.”
“How then?”
Riley narrowed her eyes. “Do you swear you’ll never tell a soul?”
Lishia blinked. “Uh . . . okay.”
“I’m the one who called the police.”
“No way!”
Riley suppressed giggles. “Uh-huh.”
“How is that possible?”
Riley explained how she and Dayton left the party and drove into town, where she used a pay phone and tipped off the police anonymously.
“I can’t believe you’d do that! What were you thinking?” Lishia demanded. “You knew I was still there! I could’ve gotten—”
“I knew you were with Todd, and I knew he’d get you out safely, Lishia. Lighten up, okay?”
“How could you possibly know that?”
“Because he’s Todd, and it’s his house. Of course he’d have a backup plan. And I was right. He did. And you already told me you had the best time with him. So, really, instead of being mad, you should thank me.”
Lishia did not feel like thanking Riley. “You could’ve gotten me arrested.”
“But I didn’t.” Riley made a pouty face. “I can’t believe you’re getting mad. Especially when I think of all I’ve done for you.”
“What?” Lishia folded her arms across her front.
“First I helped you and Todd get together, right?”
Lishia shrugged, then nodded.
“But even better, I’ve secured you a position on the cheerleading squad.”
Lishia looked skeptical.
“You know Gillian will get suspended if she’s been arrested.”
“Maybe she got away too.”
“She was too wasted to get away.” Riley firmly shook her head. “No, I’m sure she’s been arrested and booked down at city hall. And when they check her alcohol level, she’ll be in serious trouble. But even if she didn’t get arrested, I’ve got enough on my camcorder to cinch the whole thing. She is definitely history when it comes to cheerleading.”
“You’re sure about that?”
She reapplied her lip gloss with a smug expression. “So instead of being so mad, you should thank me.”
Lishia didn’t know what to say.
“Look, I’m sorry I had to put you in harm’s way for a little bit,” Riley conceded. “But you weren’t even drinking, Lishia. You didn’t break the law, so you couldn’t have gotten into trouble. Don’t you get that?”
“I guess so.”
“I had to do this for your own good. And for the good of the cheerleading squad. Gillian was bringing us down. Now she’ll be out. Can’t you see this is something to celebrate?”
“I guess so.” But even as she said this, Lishia wasn’t so sure. Something about the whole evening felt off to her. The old Lishia would’ve been appalled at what had transpired . . . the new Lishia was simply dazed and confused.
“Tomorrow we’ll start going over the routines,” Riley told her. “We’ve got to get you into tip-top shape before the basketball games begin.” Riley stood up and started to teach her a yell, forcing Lishia to make an attempt to go through the motions until she finally blew it so badly that they both collapsed to the floor in giggles. It was hard to stay mad at Riley for long.
seven
Riley spent most of Sunday teaching Lishia routines and texting friends to see who’d gotten in trouble last night. “This is perfect!” she exclaimed as she held her phone in the air.
Lishia threw the pom-poms she’d been borrowing onto the floor, then turned down the music and collapsed onto the sofa. She was ready for a break. “What is it?”
“Gillian got arrested last night.”
“Uh-huh . . .” Lishia shrugged. “But th
at’s what you expected would happen.”
“But listen to this.” Riley went over to check the basement stairs, making sure the door was closed. “Gillian was found by the police in one of the bedrooms, and she was stark naked!”
“Huh?” Lishia sat up straight. “You gotta be kidding.”
“Remember she’d been thrown in the pool?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“She must’ve been getting out of her wet clothes. Anyway, Vanessa says they checked her alcohol level, and it was probably high since Gillian was totally wasted. Any way you look at it, Gillian is in big trouble!” She gave Lishia a high five. “Now back to work!”
Lishia let out a groan. “I’m tired.”
“You need to be ready to take Gillian’s place—and don’t forget we have regionals right after Christmas. Last year we took fifth, and we’re determined to do better this year, maybe even qualify for state.”
Lishia felt slightly sickened by this thought. It was one thing to replace Gillian, but the idea of competing at the state level was overwhelming. Was she really up to this?
Finally it was getting late in the afternoon, and Lishia knew she should go home. “I have homework,” she explained as she started to gather her things. “And you don’t want me to ruin my grades before I even have a chance to replace Gillian.”
“Good point.” Riley patted her on the back. “But then you’ve always been more academic than me. We probably don’t need to worry about your grades.”
“Except that I’m taking harder classes,” Lishia pointed out, “including some AP ones.”
“Maybe you should drop those, you know, just to protect your GPA.”
Lishia frowned as she shoved some clothes into her duffle bag. She didn’t want to drop her classes.
“Anyway, think about it,” Riley said as they went to the car. “We need committed cheerleaders.”
Or cheerleaders who need to be committed, Lishia thought wryly. Really, was she ready to obsess over this? Did she have a choice? However, she kept her thoughts to herself as Riley drove her home. “Thanks for everything,” she told Riley as she got out of the car.
“Thank you!” Riley grinned. “I can’t wait to see Gillian’s face tomorrow.”
Lishia nodded, but as she went into her house an image of Gillian’s enraged face flashed through her imagination. The last time she’d seen her, Gillian had looked like she wanted to kill Lishia. Hopefully, she’d cool off by Monday.
The Best Friend Page 6
