Unfriendly Competition Read Free Page B

Alison asked. She shook her head. “I know your mom, but this is so unfair. It’s your thirteenth birthday. Maybe you can call her back later and try to explain again.”
    Heather shook her head. “She won’t listen, Alison. You know that.” Heather stared with a blank look for a few seconds. “Instead of movie night, she alreadyplanned a fancy party that would be a big deal even for the Waldorf.”
    Julia sat up straighter, her eyes wide. “Details, puh-lease!”
    â€œOh, it’s the usual Fox type of party. Expensive dresses for the girls, black tie for the guys, a transformed ballroom, caviar, and other food that no one will eat.” Heather sighed. “Add to that my mom, who will be in a ridic frenzy.”
    â€œI know how your mom is,” I said. “And you’re right, there’s no talking her out of anything. So, we’ll go along with her party, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have fun.”
    Heather nodded, getting up off the couch. “Duh. Be right back.” She walked away toward her room, her shoulders slumped a little.
    â€œWe’ll go to her mom’s party,” Alison whispered. “But we have to throw her the party she wants.”
    â€œA surprise party sounds perfect!” Brit said.
    The rest of us nodded, stopping the second we heard Heather’s footsteps. With the four of us playing party planners, I had no doubt Heather’s thirteenth birthday was going to be better than she could ever imagine.

4
    TABLE FOR TWO
    I HELD UP A ROYAL BLUE CARDIGAN, A WHITE v-neck tee and skinny jeans. “Date-approved?” I asked Brit.
    Brit eyed my clothing choices, nodding. “So approved. With your ankle boots?”
    â€œLove.”
    I’d just finished going through my closet, looking for the right outfit for my Sweet Shoppe date with Jacob. I changed, then sat at my desk chair to apply makeup.
    â€œAre you still getting, like, a dozen texts or e-mails a day from guys wanting to go out with you?” I asked Brit.
    She blushed. “Please. I’ve had a couple of guys ask me out, but none I’ve wanted to date. There just hasn’t been that spark—like with you and Jacob.”
    â€œYou haven’t been here too long,” I said. “I know you’ll find someone—when you’re ready. You’ll meet the right guy.”
    Brit put down her phone. “I might have met someone .”
    â€œWhat?” I almost dropped my foundation brush. “Who?”
    â€œI was talking to Andy after a lesson,” Brit said. “And he’s so sweet and cute and funny.”
    â€œOmigod! Andy would be perfect for you!”
    I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of the two of them together before. Andy, an intermediate rider, was one of my friends at the stable.
    Brit smiled. “He’s so gorgeous. I mean, I don’t even know if he likes me since he hasn’t asked me out or anything, but we’ve talked a few times. I think he might like me.”
    â€œAndy would be dumb if he didn’t,” I said. “He’s a really nice guy, Brit. If he wants to go out with you, definitely go.”
    â€œHopefully, we’ll keep talking and he’ll ask me,” Brit said. She sat up on her bed.
    â€œHe will,” I said, dabbing concealer on my chin. “It’s so exciting that you have a crush!”
    We both giggled, and I told Brit everything I knewabout Andy—that he was smart, funny, a good rider, and he had pizza at least three times a week. I stopped talking when my phone buzzed.
    I opened a new e-mail and saw a Google alert that made me clench my Dior lip gloss—one I only used on special occasions.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Brit asked.
    I got up without answering her and opened my computer. I motioned her over on my bed, and she watched as I opened Firefox and clicked on a bookmark.
    â€œOh, no,” Brit said.
    We both