Out of Bounds Read Free Page B

air and shouted into the rosy twilight, “We’re number one!”
    Their breath preceded them in soft white puffs as they sauntered, shoulder to shoulder, up to the girls. Cynthia stood waiting with a big smile on her face. Though her expression was obviouslystrained, Nancy could tell that Rob was too caught up in his own victory to notice.
    â€œHey, Bess,” Bill said, greeting her with a cozy arm tossed over her shoulder and a quick nuzzle. Bess’s face lit up from ear to ear in a dazzling smile.
    Rob looked pale, but otherwise he appeared to have recovered from his earlier knockdown. He planted a kiss on Cynthia’s lips and gave her an affectionate squeeze.
    â€œNancy and George,” said a grinning Bess, “this is Rob and Lonnie.”
    â€œHi,” the guys said, each in turn, taking in Nancy and George.
    â€œLet’s go celebrate,” Lonnie added, positioning himself next to George. “Your name is George?” he asked, shyly bending his handsome face toward hers.
    â€œIt’s short for Georgia, but everyone calls me George,” she answered, trying to cover her embarrassment with a casual shrug.
    â€œOkay. George. Nice to meet you,” Lonnie said, raising his eyebrows and smiling at her. “Are you coming in?”
    â€œI think so,” George answered with a quick look at Cynthia.
    Cynthia stood still for a moment, obviously trying to decide whether or not to go back in. Her forehead was creased by two tiny vertical lines.
    â€œCome on,” said Rob. “I’m starved. Let’s get a move on.” He took Cynthia’s elbow to move her along.
    Nancy guessed that Cynthia decided Pete wouldn’t say anything to her with three of the Bedford stars as her escorts. He wouldn’t want to embarrass these guys.
    Sure enough, when Pete saw them, he was cool and distant to Cynthia but polite in front of the boys. “Great game, guys!” he shouted, slapping Rob on the back. “Food is on me, so order whatever you want.”
    As Cynthia quickly took a seat, Pete shot her a poisonous look, which only Nancy caught.
    After Pete returned to the counter, Nancy decided to try to talk to him. “Excuse me,” she said to get his attention.
    â€œYeah?” Pete said, giving her a quick glance.
    â€œMy name is Nancy Edwards, and I’m looking for a job. I wondered if—”
    â€œYou’re Cynthia Tyler’s friend, aren’t you?” he asked. “Cynthia’s not one of my favorite people, you know.”
    â€œWell,” said Nancy, her response all ready, “I’m actually friends with the other two girls. I only met Cynthia today. When I saw you fire Cynthia, I thought you might need a replacement.”
    â€œHave you ever waitressed before?” Pete asked, eyeing her carefully.
    â€œSure, lots of times,” Nancy said brightly. She’d only done it once or twice in the course of investigations, but the lie was for a good cause.
    â€œAll right, come by tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll give you a try,” he said with a hint of a smile. “You’ll have to work odd shifts for a week or so. After that, if it works out, we can talk about a regular schedule, okay?”
    â€œGreat!” chirped Nancy, offering her hand.
    Pete didn’t take it. “Be on time,” he warned her. Then he walked away, leaving her with her hand outstretched.
    â€œI’ll be on time, all right,” Nancy said under her breath. Lonnie, Rob, and Bill were up at the counter ordering when Nancy got back to the table. While Cynthia listened, Bess seemed to be trying to talk George into something.
    â€œSay yes, George,” she pleaded. “Come on. It’ll be so much fun!”
    â€œI don’t know,” George said evasively.
    â€œDon’t know what?” asked Nancy, slipping into her chair.
    â€œLonnie wants me to go out with him tonight,” George said. She didn’t