Prank List Read Free Page B

could ever like you? And now you’re worried about having too many of them swooning at your feet.”
    My cheeks start to burn. “Shut up!” I say, threatening her with my paintbrush. I know she’s joking, but for some reason it still embarrasses me. I’m definitely not over the shock of Evan actually liking me. Maybe that’s why this whole boyfriend thing has been worrying me so much. “Anyway, we haven’t even held hands yet or anything.”
    Marisol waggles her dark eyebrows. “Maybe not yet, but wait until he kisses you.”
    My face is suddenly so hot that I have to go stand in front of one of the fans to cool down. Just as I’m starting to feel better, I spot a Ladybug Cleaners van driving by. I press my face to the window and watch it stop outside Angela Bareli’s house next door.
    â€œHoly poached pears!” I cry.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    I quickly tell Marisol about the new cleaning business in town. Together, we watch as two identically dressed women pile out of the van and go into the Barelis’ house. Considering that Mrs. Bareli is in my mom’s book club, it’s kind of an insult that she wouldn’t hire us to clean for her.
    â€œI bet Angela convinced her mom to get someone else,” I say. “She probably hates me for winning the bake sale this year.”
    â€œShe might still be mad about that, but she should be thanking you for finally making Briana Riley all hers.” Marisol rolls her eyes. “Now that Briana and Caitlin aren’t friends anymore, Angela can’t stop talking about how she and Briana are ‘the bestest besties.’ I’m waiting for them to get matching tattoos or something.”
    I try to laugh, but I’m still staring at the Ladybug Cleaners van. What do they have that we don’t?
    â€œI’m pretty sure Mr. Jacobs lied to us about being out of town,” I say. “He wanted the Ladybug people to do his house instead. Do you think they’re better than us?”
    â€œDefinitely not better,” Marisol says in the reassuring tone she uses when she thinks I’m taking things way too seriously. “But is it possible they’re cheaper?”
    â€œI–I don’t know. My mom based her prices on the other places in town, but maybe they’re charging less.” I shake my head. “We can’t compete with that. If we charge any less than we already do, we’ll barely be able to pay for the gas to drive around town.”
    Suddenly, I’m gasping for air. After Dad left, my whole world felt like it was falling apart. If anything else goes wrong…
    â€œRachel, relax,” says Marisol, clearly noticing that I’m about to hyperventilate. “It’ll be fine.”
    â€œWhat if we have to move out of town?” I say, still wheezing. Is this what a panic attack feels like? “I can’t leave you and Evan and—”
    â€œI know, but you guys will figure it out.” Marisol gives my hand a squeeze. “And I’ll help you, okay? Whatever it takes.”
    I nod, finally able to suck in a breath. “Whatever it takes.”

Chapter 5
    When pastry class rolls around again on Saturday morning, I’m ready. I’ve been practicing all week, and I’m determined to impress Chef Ryan.
    Except he’s not there.
    Instead, a woman I don’t recognize greets us with a smile, her short curls bouncing like they’re made out of Slinkies.
    â€œHi, everyone!” she says. “My name’s Cherie. I’m Chef Ryan’s wife. He’s a little under the weather, so I’ll be taking over the class today.” Something about the way she blinks while she’s talking makes me think that she’s not being totally honest. Maybe Chef Ryan couldn’t deal with another session of watching me accidentally destroy his kitchen.
    â€œWe’ll be making chocolate chip cookies,” she