The Best Friend (5 page)

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.

I
s 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.

“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.