The Clique by Harrison Lisi

Author:Harrison, Lisi [Harrison, Lisi]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Young Adult, Romance, Chick-Lit, Adult, Contemporary
ISBN: 9780689872990
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2004-06-03T23:00:00+00:00

The Clique 1 - T

Shouldnt Layne be here by now? Judi asked. She stood by the stove dipping strawberries into a pot of bubbling chocolate one by one and then laying them out on a sheet of wax paper. It was her turn to make dessert for the book club shed joined.

Shes not coming, Claire said. She sat at the kitchen table mindlessly rolling and unrolling a cherry print place mat.

What was her excuse this time? Judi asked sympathetically. Is something wrong between you and Layne?

No, shes just busy with her new best friend, Massie, Claire said. She was so upset, she put air quotes around her new instead of best friend.

Judi glanced at the place mat Claire was mangling, with a look of concern in her eye. I dont understand. Cant you all hang out together? Judi asked.

Gee, thats a great idea, Claire said. Come to think of it, the president could really use your help with that crisis in the Middle East.

Claire heard a snicker come from under the table. She leaned over and found Todd curled up in a ball with his hand over his mouth.

All kidding aside, do you want me to talk to Massies mom about this? Judi said. I mean, I see no reason why they cant include you. Maybe its an oversight.

Todd laughed through his nose.

I will give you everything I have in my savings account if you promise not to talk to anyone about this, Claire said. Im fine. I swear.

Claire pushed her seat back from the table and stepped lightly on her brothers hand as she stood up. She watched him squirm through the cracks on the wood table and choked back her laughter.

I think Todd is by the pool, Judi offered. Why dont you join him for a swim? Maybe, Claire said. He pees in the pool, you know. Claire heard his gasp and pressed her foot down one last time. Im going to change.

Claire thought about how badly she wanted to tell her mother the truth, what a relief it would be to finally be honest, admit that she had no friends. Shed thought she had Layne but then Massie had swooped in stolen her. Ever since Massie had started inviting her places, Layne had all but disappeared. Claire was too embarrassed to admit this to her mother, so she kept her mouth shut.

Instead she wiped the tears from her eyes and slipped into her favorite bikinithe denim- looking bottoms with the belt and a white triangle top. Shed gotten it on sale at Target, for fifteen dollars, and it usually made her feel like a million bucks. But today, a beautiful Saturday afternoon when she had no one to hang out with but her little brother, she felt like fifteen cents.

GALWAUGH FARMS SHADY LANES

11:25 A.M. September 13th

Chris Abeley and Massie trotted along Shady Lane, constantly looking over their shoulders to make sure Layne was still behind them. She had refused to get on her horse, insisting that the mare much preferred a leisurely walk.

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