Wrong All Along

By Daisy Jordan

Freshman year is over. Summer is here. Jill and Hillary aren’t fighting anymore, Lorylyn is back with Brady and happier than ever, and Jill has her new best friends Hilton and Todd too – Hilton, whom she endlessly admires and wants to be more like, and Todd, with whom she’s crazily in love. After a somewhat rollercoaster year, things are looking pretty great. And on the last day of school, Hilton tells Jill an outrageous, stunning secret about her relationship with Reed, then at Landon’s party that night, Jill gets to kiss Todd in spin the bottle. And just like that, the tone for the summer is set.

Sunny days on a sparkling blue lake...an overnight stay in a hotel with the boys...trips to Cedar Point, the Bahamas, and California...the thrill of romance in the air...sneaking out late at night...one girl’s “first time”...wild nights at Landon’s. The lingering high off all of it. Giggling, stories, excitement, inside jokes. Anticipation of what’s to come. For Jill, Hilton, Lorylyn, and Hillary, it’s their dream summer. Everything is picture-perfect; nothing can go wrong.

But for some of the girls, what’s to come is nothing they would have wanted to anticipate. For things haven’t been as perfect as they’ve seemed. It’s just that the girls have ignored the signs. Signs they could have seen all along, had they been willing to look. But desperate to believe in the glimmering illusions of the summer, they close their eyes to what they don’t want to see, what they don’t want to believe. To the ominous gut instinct that everything is just a little too perfect, a little too good to be true. To the foreboding premonition that it won’t last, that control is somehow slipping away. Because everything that seems too good to be true...probably is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Jordan
• Release date: Jun 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458050083

Daisy Jordan

I am a YA and adult fiction author currently living in Fort Myers, Florida. My books include YA and general fiction, mostly about relationships and everyday life, with some extra plot twists thrown in for fun! My characters reappear from one novel to the next, and even when they're not main characters in the current book, you can still get updates on their lives. I love writing because I get to capture emotions people feel in everyday life and play with my readers' emotions! ;) I write characters people can relate to, and I almost always end a book with a cliffhanger to keep my readers coming back. Plus, life is always better with a little suspense! ;)

Book preview

chapter 1) landon’s... last day of school

June 4 was the last day of school. It was a Thursday, and Landon was having a blowout that night. Jill couldn’t wait. She and Hilton quickly cleaned out their lockers after school and hurried out to the front parking lot, where Jill’s mom was picking them up to go hang out at Jill’s until the party.

I’m breaking up with Reed, Hilton announced emphatically as soon as they were in Jill’s room.

What?! Why?

He wants to have sex and I don’t. Her tone was matter-of-fact, not upset, just as if she were telling Jill it was sunny outside today.

Oh...so is he like, pressuring you?

Well, no not really; I mean not in the sense that he’d break up with me if I don’t. But I know he’s had sex before, so he doesn’t really want a relationship where he’s not getting it, and I just think it’s gonna get really uncomfortable between us. So I just don’t wanna deal with it.

Who has he had sex with?

Jen Brown...you know...Taylor Brown’s younger sister. Taylor Brown was graduating now and had been the quarterback last fall.

Oh...she’s a junior, right? Did her and Reed go out?

Yeah, for like a year. When we were in eighth grade.

Oh. So...I mean, have you guys talked about it or anything? You’re just gonna break up with him? I thought you really liked him.

Hilton shrugged halfheartedly. Eh, I did really like him. But it’s kinda like, I don’t know, I’m not as into him anymore. I mean, he was fun, but he’s definitely not the one I wanna have sex with, you know? So I mean, why try to work things out and drag it out, if I never can see myself sleeping with him? It’ll never go to another level, so we might as well end it now.

Yeah, I guess so...

Hilton cracked a small smile and lowered her voice. "Okay...don’t tell anybody, but I actually stopped being that attracted to him when we messed around the first time. He just wasn’t that...good."

Hilton’s smile widened, and Jill’s jaw dropped in surprise. She leaned forward from her sitting position on her bed, eager to hear more. What?! Are you serious? What happened?

I don’t know. I mean, I never really did that much with a guy before him, and so maybe it’s just ‘cause I’m not used to it, you know. But something about it...I don’t know, he was just going at it, kinda, you know– Hilton and Jill both gave embarrassed laughs. And...it didn’t turn me on at all. Like when he would kiss me at first, I’d get this thrill kinda, through my whole body, you know, but then when we did other stuff, it was like I was just laying there thinking, This sucks, can we please be done soon?

Jill’s eyes widened in delighted surprise, and she covered her mouth, giggling. She couldn’t believe Hilton was telling her this; it was shocking and hilarious at the same time. It also made her a bit fearful. What if the same thing happened to her? Hillary had said fooling around was so great and Jill had to try it, but Hilton had been turned off by it. What if Jill didn’t end up liking it either?

Hilton was giggling too. Seriously, I haven’t told anyone else that. But I mean, how funny is that, really? One of the most popular guys in school, and he thought he knew exactly what he was doing...and he completely SUCKS! She raised her eyebrows and smiled a tad bit guiltily, but when Jill met her eyes they both cracked up laughing. Jill rolled on her side on the bed, clutching her stomach, and Hilton suddenly had tears running down her face from laughing so hard.

Oh...my gosh! Jill gasped. The next time I see him...tonight!...that’s all I’m gonna be able to think!

Oh, shit! More tears spilled down Hilton’s face. Oh, shit, I’m such a bitch! Oops! She rolled onto her back on the floor and pounded her feet into the ground, unable to stop laughing. Oh, that’s gonna be so weird seeing him! I have to break up with him as soon as we get there! Oh my gosh!

Oh, that’s so hilarious, Jill said, finally calming down a little. It should be a fun night. Then she burst out laughing again.

***

Jill and Hilton rode to Landon’s party with Cassidy’s mom, as they’d always done. Hilton and Cassidy had been friends since elementary school; Jill had just met Cassidy last summer. Since Cassidy’s mom had a minivan, she always gave several people rides to the parties. She also knew there was drinking at Landon’s, and most of the other parents didn’t, so she was the perfect one to take them there.

On the ride up to the lake, Jill and Hilton couldn’t stop looking at each other and giggling.

What are you guys laughing at?! Sam asked finally, looking at them with wide eyes.

Nothing, Hilton said quickly. Then she glanced at Jill, and they both lost it again. Sam shook her head and rolled her eyes at Kat, and Jill laughed even harder, feeling special because she and Hilton shared an inside joke and Sam obviously wanted to know what it was. Sam was on the outside this time...served her right for not inviting Jill, Hillary, and Lorylyn to that party last fall and trying to act all superior and popular and rub it in their faces.

It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and the temperature was in the seventies. When they got to Landon’s and went around back, everyone was outside and Brady was cooking burgers. Jill smiled. This was the way Landon’s parties had been last summer, when they were fun. All his parties during the school year had been too much drama! She hoped this one would be fun and nothing bad would happen. She looked around for Landon and didn’t see him.

Reed spotted them and left a group of guys to approach them, a beer in his hand. Hey, baby! he called easily to Hilton.

Hilton looked at Jill and scrunched up her face. Jill grinned, covering her mouth to keep from laughing, and turned away, practically slamming into Todd as he approached the trash can.

Hey, Jilly! He reached around her to throw away an empty paper plate and Coke can.

Jill looked up at him, shaking with silent laughter.

What the hell’s up with you? Todd gave her a weird look.

Jill shook her head helplessly, unable to talk, and turned to look at Hilton over her shoulder. Hilton had taken Reed’s arm and was leading him down by the lake to talk. Her eyes met Jill’s, and Hilton flashed a sly grin. Jill, thinking of what Hilton had said about Reed, shuddered exaggeratedly and stuck out her tongue.

Hilton stuck her tongue out too and pretended to be gagging. She pulled her hand quickly from Reed’s arm and wrung it out at her side, as though so turned off she had to shake off the grossness. Reed didn’t notice; he just put his arm around Hilton’s shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Hilton shot Jill a save me! look, and Jill turned back to Todd, laughing hysterically.

What the hell is up with you girls?! Todd said, looking bewildered.

Nothing, nothing, Jill said, wiping at her eyes.

"Oh my gosh, you’re crying? You girls are crazy."

No, no, it’s nothing, really. Just a little joke. Jill giggled again, still wiping her eyes.

Girls, Todd said, shaking his head. He grabbed a beer from the cooler by the patio door and headed back toward Bennett and a couple guys from the baseball team.

Jill quickly caught up with him, not wanting to be left standing by herself. So are you glad school’s out? she asked, wiping away one last tear and managing to keep a straight face, even though her mind was still on Hilton and Reed.

"Hell yes." Todd popped open his beer and took a sip. He offered it to Jill.

No thanks.

Have you ever been drunk?

No.

Why not?

I don’t know. I just don’t want to.

Why? Are you scared?

Jill was reminded of the conversation they’d had last winter in which he’d said she was too uptight. No, just never really wanted to get drunk before.

Um...okay.

"Um...okay," Jill mimicked. She hated feeling like he was making fun of her or looking down on her.

Todd threw his arm around her shoulder and shoved his beer bottle up to her mouth, tipping it up so it spilled all over her face.

Todd! Stop it! she shrieked, giggling. She wiped her mouth and chin with the back of her hand.

Yummy, yummy! Todd said, raising the bottle to her mouth again.

Jill ducked out from under his arm and spun around out of his reach.

He held the bottle out and waved it tauntingly at her. Come get it...you know you want it...come on.

Jill glared teasingly at him and kept her distance. As she stared him down, she thought how hot he looked tonight, with his light brown surfer hair that angled down across his forehead and reached just past his ears, and his mesmerizing chocolate eyes that she’d gotten lost in more than once…

He stepped slowly toward her and she inched backward. He was still holding the bottle out and grinning. Jill was trying to keep her glare in place, but she was having trouble not breaking into a smile.

Suddenly Todd lunged at her and whisked her off her feet, tossing her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing. Jill’s stomach did a little jump, and she grinned into the back of Todd’s shirt. This was great! Then she started pounding on his back, pretending to be upset. Todd! Put me down! Damn it, put me down right now!

She expected him to carry her over to where Bennett and his other friends were standing and put her down there, since that’s where they’d been heading before he picked her up. Suddenly, though, she realized they were going downhill. Oh no! He was taking her toward the lake!

Todd! Put me down right now! Seriously! I will be so pissed if you throw me in the lake!

Todd was jogging now. The ground had flattened out again and Jill knew they must be almost to the water. Then suddenly they were on the dock.

"Todd! Stop! Don’t throw me in! Stop! Put me down!"

All of a sudden Todd jerked to a stop and dropped Jill unceremoniously on her feet. She glanced down and saw the end of the dock less than six inches behind her. When she looked back up, Todd was laughing, his eyes glinting mischievously. Jill reached out to shove him.

Oh my gosh, Todd! What the hell was that?!

He caught her arm as she tried to shove him and held it in place so she couldn’t reach his body. She swung the other arm and he caught that one too, still laughing.

Jill tried kicking at him, but she didn’t have a good angle, so she pulled her arms away and acted as though she were done fighting him.

Aww, Jilly, you poor baby, Todd said teasingly. You actually thought I’d throw you in. He took a sip of beer. Ew, all foamy.

Serves you right! I can’t believe you almost did that! Jill folded her arms across her chest and leaned away as he went to put his arm around her, but she purposely cracked a small smile, hoping he’d notice but think he wasn’t supposed to.

It worked. He drew her closer and started walking back up the dock with her. Jill unfolded her arms and moved as if to put one around his waist, then shoved him as hard as she could, putting all her weight into it. Caught by surprise, Todd was knocked off balance and he stumbled to the edge of the dock, tripping over his own feet and crashing off the side into the water with his beer bottle.

Jill giggled hysterically, grinning at him victoriously as he surfaced, beer bottle still in hand. She raised her arms and twirled around in a circle, gloating.

Oh, you better run, Jill! Todd yelled as he began to pull himself out of the water. He dumped his beer bottle on the dock. It’s on now!

Jill squealed, then turned and took off for the house as fast as she could. He caught her when she was barely off the dock, grabbing her around the waist from behind. As his arms encircled her waist and closed tightly around her, Jill felt that thrill again, the one she’d felt course through her whole body when they were hiding in the pantry in the coaches’ lounge so they wouldn’t get caught skipping SRT, or when he’d pressed up against her jokingly in the bathroom during lockdown.

Todd lifted her, kicking and screaming, and hauled her the couple steps back onto the dock. Bet you’re wishing you would’ve thought twice about pushin’ me in now, huh? he asked smugly. Payback’s a bitch!

Jill still struggled against him, pretending she wanted to be free. Let me go now, you jackass!

Okay, fine, I’ll let you go, Todd said. He released his arms from around her waist, and just as Jill was getting back into a normal standing position, Todd shoved her from behind and sent her toppling into the lake.

Ahhhh! Jill screamed as she surfaced. Todd! I can’t believe you! She pushed her hair out of her eyes and tried to smooth it down in back.

Todd stood on the dock with his arms folded across his chest, grinning smugly. Told you payback’s a bitch!

***

Hilton approached the lake with Reed, suddenly uncomfortable. She knew she had to break up with him, but she hadn’t even thought about what to say. Damn it! She looked out at the water, trying to think quickly.

Reed suddenly pulled her close and put his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her butt. Hilton practically shuddered, she was so turned off by him now. At least he’d just made it a lot easier. She stepped back, out of his grasp.

Reed, I’m breaking up with you.

What? Reed asked, narrowing his eyes and sounding pissed. Hilton figured no girl had ever broken up with him before.

Yeah. I just...we want different things. She decided to be honest, at least partially. I’m not gonna have sex with you, Reed. And I know that’s important to you. But I’m just not ready. So I don’t want either of us to waste our time.

Reed was still frowning, but he didn’t look as angry. So...you’re not mad at me about it?

No. Hilton shrugged carelessly. I mean, if I was a guy, I’d probably want it too. Especially when you’ve had it before, I understand it’d be hard for you to be in a relationship now where you’re not getting it. So no hard feelings, okay? She touched his arm lightly and smiled.

All right, cool...well, thanks, I guess. Reed looked baffled now, but he smiled back at her.

Just then Hilton heard loud shrieks behind her and turned to see Todd running toward the lake with Jill draped over his shoulder and pounding on his back.

"Todd! Stop! Don’t throw me in! Stop! Put me down!"

Hilton’s jaw dropped in surprised laughter. This is great! she thought. I bet Jill’s loving it!

Reed started back up the hill toward the house, and Hilton stayed where she was, laughing out loud as Jill shoved Todd in the lake. Hilton raised her arms in the air in victory, but Jill didn’t see her. She was already squealing and running as Todd climbed out of the lake and chased after her.

They are so cute together, Hilton thought. And based on the way Todd acted around Jill, Hilton was sure he must like her, or at least be attracted to her. Hilton had plenty of experience with guys flirting and being all touchy-feely; she knew all the sophomore guys like Kevin and Matt who flirted with her found her attractive, and most of them would probably date her.

But Landon was another story. For some reason, while she felt most of the older guys looked at her as an equal, she felt like Landon looked at her as a younger sister, or a younger friend to look out for, not a potential girlfriend.

But who knew, maybe she could change that.

Suddenly a boat sped by far out on the lake, and Hilton squinted, putting her hand over her eyes. A blonde girl flew behind the boat on water skis, ripping through the waves like a pro. Hilton grinned. It was Lindy. She and Landon must have taken the boat out. Hilton looked up at the sky and imagined Landon waterskiing; she’d seen him do it once last summer when she’d gone out on the boat with him and Lindy and Brady and Brooke and a couple other people. He’d looked so hot.

Hilton smiled happily as she went to meet Jill and Todd, who were now walking up the dock, both of them soaking wet. She did still like Landon, and breaking up with Reed had put her in a great mood. And now she and Jill had the whole summer ahead of them to work on getting the guys they wanted.

***

This is so fun, Hilton said several hours later as she and Jill sat at a picnic table sharing a beer. Hilton was actually drinking most of it; Jill had only taken a few sips, but she hoped Todd would see her and think she was living it up a little.

She’d been disappointed when Todd didn’t go skinny-dipping with everyone else, but she’d made a point of being extra loud and giggly, splashing around energetically and swimming closer than normal to some of the older boys, hoping Todd would notice and maybe even be a little jealous as he stood up by the stone wall with Bennett. She wanted to look like she was having a good time and didn’t need him around in order to do so. She was having a good time, but one eye was constantly seeking him out, looking to see if he was watching her, willing him to come talk to her.

Look at Lorylyn and Brady, Hilton said in a relaxed, contented tone of voice, pointing lazily. They’re so adorable. I love them.

Jill’s gaze followed Hilton’s outstretched finger. Lorylyn and Brady were dancing playfully to a slow song, stepping clumsily around in a big circle and smiling intimately at each other, as if enjoying a private joke.

They are adorable, Jill sighed. Man, I want a boyfriend so bad!

Hey, did you notice Matt and Brooke have been hanging out like, all night? Hilton nodded toward the opposite side of the patio from Lorylyn and Brady. Just off the cement, Brooke and Matt sat side-by-side on a chaise lounge spread out in the grass. They were almost out of the light that flooded the patio, but it looked like they were smiling and having an animated conversation.

Hmm, interesting. Jill stretched her legs out in front of her and leaned back against the table. She suddenly felt exhausted. She raised her hand to her mouth to cover a yawn.

You made me yawn, Hilton said, covering her mouth as well. Hey look, Reed’s talking to Jen. Aww, that’s good. Maybe they’ll get back together.

That’d be cool, I guess. You wouldn’t care?

No.

Hey, ladies.

Jill and Hilton turned to see Landon approaching.

Hey, hottie, Hilton said with a flirtatious smile.

Jill envied Hilton’s ability to talk to the guy she liked so confidently; she couldn’t ever imagine herself saying Hey, hottie to Todd.

So, I hear the gorgeous Hilton Joliet is single. Landon took the beer from Hilton’s hand and took a long swig.

Maybe, Hilton said.

Maybe?

I don’t know. Who’s interested?

Wow, I think I just got shot down, Landon said dryly. He glanced at Jill, and she laughed.

Were you proposing something? Hilton asked, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Maybe, Landon grinned.

Maybe?

What would you be up for?

Hmmm. Hilton pretended to ponder the question. Maybe a dance?

All I get is a dance? Damn. What do you think, Jill? I think she’s shooting me down.

Jill grinned and shrugged.

A hug? Hilton asked.

"I’ll take a hug and a dance."

I don’t know, that’s a lot...

Oh, you little tease! Landon laughed and pulled Hilton up off the bench, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and neck in a monstrous hug.

Hilton giggled and slid her arms around his waist, swaying her hips and shoulders and rocking them both from side to side.

Okay, now I get a dance, Landon said, grabbing Hilton’s hand and dragging her toward the patio.

Jill, save me! Hilton cried. Landon hooked his arm around her neck and pulled her head down, and the two of them laughed. As they walked up to the patio, Hilton turned and flashed Jill an excited smile.

Jill grinned back, happy for Hilton. Just then the bench beside her sank in as someone plopped down on it. Jill turned to see Todd.

Hey, Jilly. He was out of breath, and his long hair was all over the place.

What were you doing?! Jill asked, even though she knew because she hadn’t lost sight of him all night.

Playing football. Todd motioned down by the water. Damn, I’m thirsty. Wanna get a beer? He laughed and swatted at her hair.

I’ll share one with you, Jill said bravely.

Todd looked at her in surprise. Really?

Yeah, sure, I just had one with Hilton.

Okay, then. Yeah, Jilly! I’ll go get one, hold on. I’ll be right back.

As he headed up to the cooler by the patio door, Jill smiled in satisfaction. She wouldn’t really have to drink much, and now she had a foolproof excuse for spending the next twenty minutes or so with Todd.

But just as Todd returned to the picnic table, Landon stepped off the patio and announced it was time for spin the bottle. Jill was torn; she wanted to play, but she was disappointed she wouldn’t get to sit and talk to Todd now. She looked for Hilton and saw her step off the patio behind Landon and take a seat by him on the grass. Jill turned to Todd.

Wanna play? he asked. Come on. Let’s go. He stood up and grabbed Jill’s hand, pulling her to her feet. As they walked to join the circle, he handed her the beer and she took a small sip. She held the bottle up to her mouth for an extra second though, so it’d look like she was drinking more.

Todd smiled at her as she handed the bottle back. See, it’s not so bad, right?

Jill swallowed back a gag. No, it’s all right, I guess.

She was thrilled to be sitting next to Todd; at least if she didn’t get to kiss him, she’d still get to be close to him. As the game began, Jill was more conscious of Todd’s body next to hers than she was of the game. Every time he shifted she was aware of it, and when he pulled his knees up to his chest and his elbow briefly brushed her arm, she felt butterflies in her stomach.

Ooohh, Todd! someone suddenly squealed.

Jill looked up to see Blake Bishop walking toward them. Jill realized with a sick feeling that Blake’s spin must have landed on Todd.

A repeat of New Year’s! Blake giggled, and Jill felt like gagging even more than she had after every drink of beer. She’d been unbearably jealous when Blake had drawn Todd’s name on New Year’s and gotten to kiss him, and it just added to her list of reasons to hate Blake.

Here, Todd said, handing the beer bottle to Jill as he stood up to meet Blake.

She took it with a roll of her eyes. Great, I get to hold his beer while he kisses another girl, she thought sarcastically. She met Hilton’s eyes across the circle and they both rolled their eyes. Hilton stuck out her tongue ever so slightly, and Jill cracked a small smile.

She turned back to Todd and Blake, dreading watching them kiss but unable to not watch.

She was relieved to see it was just a brief smack on the lips. Todd immediately turned and headed back to his seat, and Jill could tell Blake was disappointed. Ha! she thought smugly.

Then Todd spun, and when the bottle stopped it pointed to Jill. She could hardly believe it. She was suddenly shaky all over from a mixture of excitement, nerves, and shock. She couldn’t even look at Hilton or Lorylyn. She looked at the ground, then at Todd.

Hey, I don’t even have to get up this time! Todd said, and everyone laughed. Come here, Jilly, he said teasingly, putting his arm around her and pulling her close.

Jill’s face was suddenly inches from his, and she was reminded once again of the time they’d had to hide, pressed tightly against each other, in the small pantry in the coaches’ lounge to save themselves from getting caught skipping SRT, and Todd had teasingly brought his face so close to hers and then bit her neck.

Now, she quickly closed her eyes because she was afraid he’d be able to read everything she was feeling if she looked at him too long. Then his lips were on hers...full and warm and moist.

It was over before she could even think or breathe. Todd released his arm from her shoulders, and she quickly opened her eyes and pulled away, embarrassed. She hoped it hadn’t been obvious to him and everyone else how caught up in the moment she’d been, or how much she’d wanted that kiss. Her head was reeling and she felt suddenly dizzy.

Todd ruffled her hair. You gotta spin now, Jilly.

Jill blinked and laughed awkwardly. I know. She reached out and spun. The bottle landed on Hilton.

Jill breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t think she could handle kissing another guy right now, plus she didn’t want to. She wanted to savor the taste of Todd’s lips on hers. She was afraid she’d look and feel shaky walking across the circle. Everything was happening so fast; she hadn’t expected the kiss with Todd, and she was in a sort of happy daze…it was like this wasn’t even real…none of it was actually happening.

She walked quickly to meet Hilton in the middle of the circle and they kissed each other lightly on both cheeks. Hilton was grinning from ear to ear.

Hell yeah! she whispered ecstatically. Was it good? I wanna hear all about it!

Jill grinned back, unable to hide her excitement.

On the lips! someone yelled.

You wouldn’t kiss another guy on the lips! a girl yelled back. You guys never do! So why should we have to?

Oh, what the hell? Hilton said carelessly. She grabbed Jill’s face in both hands and squashed her lips against Jill’s, making a smacking sound. Both girls giggled as all the boys clapped and whistled.

When Jill returned to her seat, the lightheaded feeling was gone and she was back to normal.

Um, that was hot, Todd said.

Jill laughed. Must be the beer, she lied boldly. She flipped her dark hair over her shoulder and pretended to be focused on the spinning bottle in the grass, secretly smiling to herself.

Although she’d barely had two sips of beer, this was what she imagined it must feel like to be drunk. A giddy high, a sort of blur, the careless ability to step outside of herself, to be bolder, more confident. More like the person she wanted to be on a regular basis. More like Hilton. And it was all because of a half-second kiss with Todd.

Wow, girl, you are out of control! she told herself, and then Todd was whispering in her ear and she leaned closer to hear.

You were better than Blake.

When she looked over at him, he flashed a goofy grin that she knew was meant to tease and punched her lightly in the shoulder.

Her heart soared. She didn’t care if he was serious or not. She wasn’t even going to analyze it. All that mattered was that he’d said it. He’d given her that compliment, and she wanted to take it seriously, so she would. He’d given her something to tell Hilton and Lorylyn about later, something she could always think about and smile.

She leaned back from his punch as if offended. "Well...obviously," she scoffed, then laughed and ducked as Todd swatted at her with one hand and shoved the beer bottle up to her mouth with the other. She hoped this Todd high would last all summer.

chapter 2) perfect...

Every year for Hillary’s and Lorylyn’s birthdays, Jill, Hillary, Lorylyn, and Sam went to Cedar Point with Hillary’s parents. They always booked a hotel room and stayed overnight, and it was probably the one thing Jill most looked forward to every year besides spring break in Fort Myers Beach.

So I was thinking this year, we go by ourselves, Hillary said the day after Landon’s end-of-school party. She, Lorylyn, and Jill were standing around the shallow end of Jill’s pool, soaking up the sun on the first really hot day of the year. Without my parents. And without Sam, of course. She rolled her green eyes dramatically.

Jill, Hillary, and Lorylyn had fallen out of close friendship with Sam last fall when Sam had purposely failed to tell them about one of Landon’s parties and the three of them had all missed the party. Hillary had declared Sam no longer part of the pact the four of them had made before starting high school to always stick together.

Later in the year, Hillary’s obsession with her new boyfriend Dirk and a string of betrayals toward Jill had led Jill to bitterly eliminate Hillary from the pact in her own mind, but Hillary had never thought she did anything wrong and still considered herself very