Dismissed Read Free

you encouraging him? He’s like an annoying puppy.’
    ‘He’s sweet. And you were mean.’
    ‘He’ll get over it. In fact, I’m sure he would have been shocked if I had actually been nice to him.’
    ‘What are you doing anyway?’
    ‘I was organising a night in with the girls, which we’ll discuss later. But now I’m googling Brandon Thomas to see if I can find any dirt on him.’
    ‘And?’
    ‘His name is too common. And there’s some American NFL player who shows up on all the top results. I’m going to need more info.’
    ‘I’m sure you’ll find a way,’ Lizzie said dryly.
    ‘You’re not really going to Gabe’s house this afternoon, are you?’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘Because he is lame!’
    ‘How about we just go for an hour and then we can grab some dinner after, just the two of us?’
    ‘OK, but I’m only saying yes because you’re my best friend and you have a car.’
    ‘I’m sure the car bit was the deciding factor.’
    ‘Stop it. You know I love my little Lizzie.’
    ‘You’re like one inch taller than me. And one month older.’
    ‘You’re still my little Lizzie. And you’re so lucky that your dad has been onto the whole driving thing so you can actually take the car out unsupervised. My mum is too busy to practice with me, so I swear I won’t get my P’s until after I finish uni.’
    ‘I could talk to Dad about helping you.’
    ‘No thanks. I told you, the guy scares me. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the road.’
    ‘Well just let me know if you change your mind.’
    ‘I can’t believe we still have P.E. this afternoon.’
    ‘Please don’t skip out early.’
    ‘I’m thinking I might have a sudden onset of PMS.’
    ‘No! Keep me company!’
    ‘Fine. For you only.’
    Lizzie wrapped an arm around Taylor’s neck.
    ‘Thanks. I appreciate it.’

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 2
     
     
    After an excruciating afternoon of basketball, Lizzie and Taylor meandered up to the school gate to head home.
    ‘Wait, I just want to see what kind of car Brandon drives,’ Taylor said, detouring via the staff car park.
    ‘Give it up already. What difference does it make?’
    ‘All the difference. Imagine if he drove a Suzuki Swift or something.’
    ‘That would be fine.’
    ‘No it wouldn’t be. A Suzuki Swift is a girl’s car.’
    ‘You’re so judgy.’
    ‘I bet he drives a Prius. Or some other kind of hybrid. He looks like he cares about the environment.’
    ‘He might not be going home for ages. Are you just going to sit here like a stalker until he comes out?’
    ‘Just wait a couple of minutes.’
    Lizzie sighed. ‘Fine.’
    They sat leaning against the fence separating the car park from the rest of the school grounds. Taylor got out her phone again. Lizzie pulled out her copy of High Fidelity .
    Taylor glanced over.
    ‘Are you seriously going to read that?’
    ‘Um, yes. Aren’t you?’
    ‘No! There’ll be crib notes online somewhere. I’ll download the movie later and then make up some bullshit about dealing with relationship break-ups.’
    ‘How do you know that’s a theme?’
    ‘I looked it up already,’ she said, holding up her phone.
    ‘You’re resourceful at least, I’ll give you that.’
    ‘Hey, look!’ Taylor pointed to a car driving in from the main road.
    ‘Is that him? Why’s he coming back in?’
    ‘I don’t know. Maybe he forgot something. But I like what he drives, even if it isn’t exactly environmentally friendly.’
    Lizzie had to agree. It was a restored Kombi van painted red and white. It stopped about ten metres away, and the door opened.
    Lizzie frowned.
    ‘Is he wearing a beanie?’
    ‘I think so.’
    ‘Did he change clothes?’
    ‘Looks like it.’
    ‘But the bell only went like ten minutes ago. How could he have changed, driven off and come back in that time?’
    ‘I don’t know. Let’s ask.’
    ‘No!’ hissed Lizzie. ‘That would be weird.’
    ‘Relax,’ she said, smoothing out her ponytail and