What Holly Heard Read Free Page B

felt wonderful on her skin.
    â€œWhoa! Hand kissing!” Patrick jeered from the backseat.
    Miriam glanced over her shoulder as Jed chuckled. Patrick flashed his winning smile and continued tapping a beat on his legs. A drummer in a garage band, Miriam’s cousin had big dreams.
    Miriam turned to Ruth and felt her hopes for the evening fade. Ruth gazed out the car window with an annoyed expression on her face.
    Sighing, Miriam turned to the front again. She wished her friend would give Patrick a chance. He was a fun guy.
    She didn’t expect thunderbolts of love to strike. But Miriam hoped he and Ruth would hit it off.
    Maybe they needed more time by themselves.
    â€œWe’re here,” Jed announced. He parked across from the Kamatas’ house, a massive two-story colonial with thick pillars in the front.
    About two dozen other cars lined the street. Evenwith the car windows rolled up, Miriam could hear the music. Mei had told Miriam that one of the best local bands, the Dustmites, would be playing.
    â€œWow,” said Patrick, whistling. “Now
that’s
a sound system.”
    â€œAre Gary and Holly meeting us here?” Ruth asked anxiously.
    â€œYeah,” Miriam replied. “I’m sure they’re here already—it’s packed.”
    â€œThen what are we waiting for?” Patrick cried, clearly itching to be free of the backseat. “Let’s go!”
    Miriam stepped into the house and was hit by a blast of music.
    Shadyside students were everywhere—in the spacious living room, filing up and down the spiral staircase to the second floor. The carpets had been rolled up to save them from traffic and drink stains.
    Miriam smiled. She had forgotten how beautiful the Kamata house was—and what good friends she and Mei had been.
    â€œI haven’t been here in ages,” she told Jed. “Ever since Mei started seeing Noah, she’s practically dropped all her friends.”
    Jed nodded absently as he pulled Miriam toward the music. They edged their way into the family room. Its large floor, perfect for dancing on, made it the beating heart of the party.
    The Dustmites were set up by the sliding glass door to the patio, playing hard. Patrick immediately founda spot close to them. Ruth stood next to him, looking bored.
    Again, Miriam sighed. Maybe he wasn’t the best date for Ruth.
    Jed nudged her. “There’s Holly.” He pointed toward the kitchen doorway. “And check out that dress.”
    Miriam gave Jed’s arm a playful smack. “Stop staring!”
    It was hard
not
to stare, Miriam thought. Holly wore a short, skintight black dress that looked painted on.
    â€œWow!” Jed cried appreciatively.
    Miriam smacked his arm again. She knew he was only joking. But lots of other guys in the room were openly gaping at Holly.
    Miriam frowned as she noticed Gary Foster. He stood next to Holly, all his attention on her even though she obviously had her eye on someone else. Miriam scanned the room.
    Noah was nowhere to be seen.
    Feeling sorry for Gary, Miriam pulled Jed toward the doorway. Gary grinned as they approached. He and Jed were teammates on the basketball team and best friends off the court.
    Gary was shorter than Jed, but he had good moves. And most of his passes resulted in points for Jed. Miriam often wondered if that was why the two were such close friends.
    â€œHey, man!” Gary called.
    He and Jed high-fived.
    â€œYou ready for tomorrow night?” Gary bellowed over the music.
    â€œNo one
gets off that court alive!” Jed shouted.
    They high-fived even more violently.
    Miriam exchanged suffering glances with Holly.
    â€œLet’s leave the warriors to themselves,” Holly suggested, trying not to spill her soda as Gary bounced around. She motioned for Miriam to follow her into the far corner where they could talk.
    â€œWhere’s Mei?” Miriam asked as they walked.
    â€œIn the kitchen with her