Three's a Crowd (From the Files of Madison Finn, 16) Read Free Page A

conversation. “Are you sure it’s okay?”
    Madison nodded enthusiastically. Ever since the Big D, when her parents got their divorce, Madison always felt strange about Dad’s visits. When the visits started, it was awkward just having him come to the front door. These days, Mom didn’t seem to mind if Dad came to the house for longer stretches of time. Madison always laughed at Dad because he knew (more than Mom) where everything in the house was located—from crayons to Scotch tape to pots and pans and the French roast coffee beans he loved.
    Phin let out a low growl. He wanted to get up on the bed next to Madison.
    “Can dogs catch bronchitis?” Madison asked aloud as she reached down to the floor and lifted up the pug.
    “I doubt it,” Mom said. “Besides, Phinnie is Super Dog, right?”
    Madison smiled. Mom kissed her forehead.
    “Oh, honey bear, it feels like you still have a fever,” Mom said, sounding concerned. “You’re sure you’ll be okay if I go make a few phone calls?”
    Madison nodded. “Uh-huh.”
    Mom kissed her again and replaced the empty box of tissues next to the bed with a full one. “If you need something, just holler. I love you.”
    “I’ll try to sleep, Mom,” Madison said. “Don’t worry so much.”
    As soon as her mom left the room, however, Madison forgot all about sleep. Instead, she grabbed her laptop and powered it up again. While Phinnie curled up into a little ball and snored, Madison surfed onto TweenBlurt.com in search of a chat room and her two BFFs.
    The three found one another in a room called ACHOO.
    : my ears ache BAD
    : poor Fiona :~(~~
    : I’m soooo wiped
    : poor Aimee :~(~~
    : hey didn’t u go 2 the doctor Maddie?
    : he said I have bronchitis does that sound serious?
    : Dr. West sez I have a cold that’s all
    : I only have a cold 2 but the doc told me 2 sleep and stay home as much as possible BLAHHHH
    : my mom sez she’s worried
    : ur mom always worries
    : I can’t even leave the house if I have a fever
    : quarantine?!!
    : that’s harsh
    : I wish Chet were the one who was sick he is being SUCH a pain having friends over grrrr to work on that 7th grade project tonite
    : friends? Like who?
    : just DAN and HART
    : OMG Fiona u have to find out if hart likes Maddie u HAVE TO!!!!
    : no way : “ )
    : that is such a good idea
    : u can eavesdrop or read the computer
    : Aim Y R U saying this stuff? For the record I don’t care what Hart thinks
    : ur such a bad liar maddie u totally care
    : I DO NOT
    : too bad I can’t really ask Hart n e thing since Mom has me stuck up here in my bedroom like a gerbil
    : U can still keep ur ears open though
    : is anyone else’s head woozy RN???
    : *wink*
    : pleez CTS!!
    : ok ok ok chill out maddie
    : what r u doing tonite?
    : Dad’s coming 4 dinner too bad im not hungry
    : r either of u going 2 school tomorrow?
    : nope what about u?
    : I dunno yet prob not
    : so let’s meet online tomorrow morning on bigfishbowl
    : ACH002
    : sounds good
    : *sniffle*
    Madison clicked offline just in time to hear Mom coming back upstairs. With one movement, Madison lifted the blanket at the end of her bed and tossed it over the computer. She curled up into a knot and pretended to doze.
    “Maddie?” Mom whispered as she pushed open the door.
    Madison moaned in her fake sleep.
    “Honey bear, your father is downstairs,” Mom said. “He came by with some food. He’s waiting in the kitchen.”
    Madison opened one eye and then the other. “What?” she said, even though she’d heard every word. “Did you say something, Mom?”
    After Mom told her a second time, Madison slipped out from