Claire by Lisi Harrison

Author:Lisi Harrison [HARRISON, LISI]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV014000
ISBN: 9780316032889
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2008-08-05T04:00:00+00:00

TOHO SQUARE

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN KISSIMMEE

Sunday, August 9 6:49 P.M.

There was a certain feeling Claire got when Cam would gaze at her with his one blue and one green eye. It filled her with heat. Security. It made her believe she was special, even beautiful. And tonight, even though he was miles away and ignoring her, she had that feeling.

It was that perfect time of day when the sun was low but still shining. It cast an orange glow on the sides of the charming buildings in historic downtown and warmed people’s cocoa-buttered skin like one last kiss before bedtime. On the stage inside Toho Square the local pop band Carbon Footprint began playing their upbeat hit, “Nature’s Candy.” Flip-flops flapped as fans pushed through the thickening crowd, racing to the grassy dance floor.

“Let’s meet at the white press tent at”—Jay checked his black diving watch—“nine fifteen.”

“’Kay.” Claire bounced on the toes of the gold gladiator sandals Massie had insisted she borrow.

Judi leaned over and hugged her daughter. “Have fun, judge.” She squeezed hard, enveloping Claire in the light scent of lilies and spearmint Dentyne Ice. “We’re so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Claire tried to wiggle loose. She felt like a windup doll that was being held back, her insides all geared up to go.

“Don’t party too hard.” Todd straightened the red bow tie he’d insisted on wearing with his white T-Odd Jobs tank top and black surf trunks. “We have an early day tomorrow. Three lawns and a fish tank cleaning.”

Claire rolled her eyes and grabbed Massie’s arm, pulling her away from reality and toward the pink VIP carpet that led to the entrance.

Just like the guests, the iron “welcome” arch at the head of the outdoor recreation area had been highly decorated in honor of the special occasion. Red glitter covered the poles, and a plump pink balloon mouth hung between them. MISS KISS was written on the top lip, and KISS OFF was scrawled across the bottom. It was a bittersweet event that bid farewell to last year’s winner and made room for this year’s. Even though it wasn’t for points, everyone in attendance knew the power of a first impression and had nicknamed the annual party accordingly.

“They call this the Miss Butt Kiss,” Claire explained, adjusting her JUDGE sticker even though it was perfectly placed above the pocket on the sequined blue and red–striped Luella dress Massie had let her borrow for the occasion.

In a trillion years, she’d never imagined spending the Butt Kiss with an alpha from Westchester. Sarah, Amandy, and Sari were supposed to be by her side. The plan for the day had always been:

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