Holly's Heart Collection Two Read Free

you’re saying you can’t adopt Goofey because of some overseas pen pal? And you’re skipping my birthday to pick her up?” I stared at Andie.
    “It’s just one of those things,” she said apologetically. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to take your cat. I hope so, Holly, for your sake.”
    “C’mon, Goofey,” I said, rewrapping him in Mom’s afghan. “We have to go.”
    “Sorry. I really am.” Andie’s face drooped, and she played with her leather watchband.
    I headed into the blustery February afternoon without even saying good-bye.

SECOND-BEST FRIEND
    Chapter 3
    By the time the city bus arrived, I felt like a human icicle. Sliding into the first available seat, I cuddled Goofey close. Feelings of frustration swept over me. I couldn’t decide which was worse, losing my precious cat, or not having Andie at my birthday party this year.
    Without Andie, there was no need for a party. Who wants to celebrate turning fabulous fourteen without your best friend?
    I stared out the window. Snowflakes were beginning to fall. Uncle Jack was right; it looked like we were going to get dumped on.
    Downtown, the bus stopped to take on more passengers. Paula and Kayla Miller got on, loaded down with shopping bags, probably filled with designer clothes. They wore their brown hair down, matching as always.
    “Hey,” I said when they saw me.
    They sat in the seat behind me. Paula stared at the afghan in my arms. “Did I hear a cat crying?” she asked, flashing her sickening-sweet smile.
    Glancing around, I slowly revealed my cat. “This is my homeless pet, Goofey.”
    Paula’s eyes blinked, a week’s worth of mascara weighing them down. “He doesn’t look homeless to me.”
    Kayla spoke up. “We heard about Mr. Patterson’s allergies. Our father told us.”
    Paula and Kayla’s dad worked with my stepdad in a consulting firm. I wasn’t surprised that they’d heard about the problems with Goofey.
    “What a shame,” Paula cooed over my shoulder, nearly in Goofey’s face. “He’s so sweet.” Then she got up and slid into the seat beside me. “Mind if I pet him?”
    “Okay,” I lied through my teeth. I didn’t want her talking to me, let alone cuddling my cat! This girl had caused me enough trouble to last a lifetime.
    I cringed silently as Paula took Goofey from me.
    “I’ve always wanted a cat,” she confessed.
    And that’s not all, I thought. She wanted to take away my guy friend, Jared Wilkins, too!
    Kayla hung over the back of my seat. “He really is cute, in an odd sort of way.”
    I couldn’t bear all this ogling, so I changed the subject. “Where are you two headed?”
    “Home,” they said in unison.
    “We ran into Miss Wannamaker at Plain and Fancy Things,” said Kayla. “She’s so sweet. We just love her.”
    Miss W was popular with lots of kids. Whether she taught grammar or creative writing, she made words come alive.
    “I think Miss W’s in love,” Paula continued. “We saw her pricing wedding dresses.”
    This news was really something for a woman in her fifties who’d never married.
    “I think she’d make a fabulous wife,” I said. But I was more preoccupied with the twins than with Miss W. I’d made it a point to avoid them ever since they’d moved from Pennsylvania last year. They were so perfect looking and rich it made me sick. They chattered constantly about shopping trips to the mall. Especially Paula. She had a habit of showing off her expensive clothes. But worst of all, she’d been after Jared for months. She still glazed over whenever he was in close range. And even though he had assured me she wasn’t his type, I didn’t trust her.
    “Is this your street?” Paula asked.
    “Uh, yes, it is,” I stuttered, turning toward Goofey. Still wrapped in Mom’s afghan, he was snuggled against Paula’s white fur jacket. I stood up and the bus jolted to a stop. I lurched forward, reaching out to stop my fall.
    I felt Paula yank the back of my ski jacket,