The Best Friend by Melody Carlson Page A

would question how Lishia could afford it. “I will pay you back,” she told Riley, “but it might take a while.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it . . . I’m not.”

    Dressed for the party, Lishia wasn’t exaggerating when she told Riley that she felt like “a million bucks.”
    â€œAnd you look like it too.” Riley seemed slightly troubled. “In fact, now I’m hoping I didn’t create a monster. You better not upstage me in front of Dayton. I know he has this twisted notion that he prefers blondes lately.”
    Lishia laughed lightly. “Don’t worry, I’m setting my sights on the birthday boy tonight.” She hoped she wasn’t going to be in for too much of a disappointment.
    â€œAnd you’re still going to deliver Todd that birthday present we talked about?”
    Lishia nodded. “I am.”
    â€œCool.” She parked her car along the street, where already dozens of cars were lined up. “And you have my phone, and it’s all charged and ready in case you need it, right? And the camcorder too?”
    â€œIt’s in the bag.” Lishia patted the sleek little Kate Spade purse Riley had loaned her for the evening. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was feeling a bit like Cinderella tonight. However, she knew that this party was also meant to be a mission. More than anything, Riley wanted Lishia to snag some compromising photos or video footage of Gillian—something they could use as evidence with Mrs. Glassman. Lishia had her doubts as to whether this would really happen, but to appease Riley, who’d been very sweet today, she acted like she was playing along. After all, wasn’t that what friends were for?
    Lishia felt nervous as they entered the already crowded yard, where kids were milling about and what sounded like a live band was blasting from the backyard. She had no idea what to expect, although she suspected that this was an unchaperoned party and, based on rumors she’d heard in school, those red plastic cups probably contained alcohol. Although she didn’t want to admit it (not even to herself), that bothered her some. However, she rationalized, if—and she wasn’t even sure she would, but if —Riley imbibed, Lishia would simply designate herself as their driver. Under the circumstances, wasn’t that the right thing to do?
    As she followed Riley inside the house, watching as the confident girl comfortably greeted friends, Lishia could imagine what her mother would say about this. But instead of listening, she blocked it out. After all, she had to grow up someday. This was the norm for most kids. It was about time Lishia experienced it for herself.
    Not the drinking part, of course, but she might as well see firsthand what it was all about. Never mind that her old friends would be shocked and appalled if they knew. They were probably all at youth group tonight . . . probably not even missing her. Well, she told herself as she held her head high, imitating Riley’s self-assured stride, she was a new person now. Growing up and moving on. Oh, she didn’t plan to drink tonight, but there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with being here and having a good time.
    â€œHey, Todd,” Riley said pleasantly. “Happy birthday!” She hugged him, then nodded to Lishia. “I brought you a little present.”
    Lishia felt her cheeks growing warm. Why did Riley have to say that? “Happy birthday,” Lishia murmured shyly. But as he embraced her in a warm hug, her confidence grew, and without second-guessing herself, she looked him in the eyes and landed a kiss right smack on his lips. “And that’s for your birthday.”
    He let out a loud whoop of laughter. “Thank you!” Then he leaned down and kissed her again. This time her head began to swim a bit, but she didn’t protest as she kissed him back. He slipped his arm around