Break Every Rule by J. Minter Read Free Book Online

totally not a big deal,” I said defensively. “Oh, by the way, I’m having a party Monday night to celebrate, so cancel whatever you’ve got.”
    â€œI can’t,” Flan said. “That’s the night Daria is having all the girls over for a sleepover.”
    â€œFlan, it’s my HPSB party—you
have
to be there.”
    There was something like sadness in Flan’s eyes when she nodded and said that of course she’d find a way to be there. I was worried there was going to be another fight, but then she kissed me,really softly at first. The cab was flying down Fifth, past my house and toward Perry Street. Everything felt really light and good, and the weekend had only just begun.

the boys leave messages all weekend long
    â€œ
Wildenburger, talk to me.” BEEP
.
    â€œOooooo, my head! Arno, c’est moi, Rob, and it’s Friday morning. Not going to school as I think I may still be drunk from last night. Tee hee! That was a party incredible last night, my friend, and we were, how you say, ruling. Cool that the reporter lady hung with us all night: don’t think she’d seen anything like that before! Ai ai ai! Call me when you get up. Ciao.”
    â€œ
Hello, it is Rob. Bueno, es Rob. Allo, c’est Rob. Digame.”
BEEP
.
    â€œI feel like shit man. It’s Arno. Were Mimi and Lizzie and Sadie there all night? I think I remember someone swinging from a chandelier… And were we hanging with the Backseat Rockstars’ bassist? God, it’s a blur. Any ideas, ring me. I’m having coffee with Justine for some last minute Qs, if you know what I mean. Oh, and have you talked to David yet? What’son for tonight? And Rob, do me a favor and change that fucking message.”
    Guitar solo in the background. Girl’s voice says: “This is Mickey’s phone. Go ahead and leave him a message, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t call you back.” BEEP
.
    â€œHey, Mickey, it’s J. I barely even saw you last night, man. Anyway, I just wanted to remind you that I’m having a party Monday night for… well, just be there. Like, nine-ish. Oh, and did you end up at the Lotus party?”
    â€œ
Hi, you’ve reached the cell phone of Justine Gray. Leave your name, number, and the best time to call you, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks a mil!” BEEP
.
    â€œHey, Justine, it’s Jonathan, you know, from the MoMA party. It’s, like, one-thirty on Friday. I know our interview got cut short, and that you mentioned something about filing your story Friday afternoon. Anyway, just wanted to check in and see if there’s anything you need. You know my number. Cool, bye.”
    â€œ
You’ve reached the Frady residence. Please leave your information after the beep, and we will return your call as promptly as possible.” BEEP
.
    â€œYo, it’s Mickey. Is Philippa there? Philippa! I’ve left,like, a million messages on your cell. Why won’t you call me back? Are you still mad? Don’t be mad. And call me. I’m in love with you!”
    Guitar solo in the background. Girl’s voice says: “This is Mickey’s phone. Go ahead and leave him a message, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t call you back.” BEEP
.
    â€œHey, Mickey, J again. Um, just wondering—did some chick named Justine talk to you? I was just wondering because I think she needs to talk to me again, and I wanted to see if you maybe knew a land line I could reach her at. Don’t trip, call me when you get a chance.”
    â€œ
Wildenburger, talk to me.” BEEP
.
    â€œYou just called me. It’s David, it’s, like, eleven-thirty on Friday night, I’m right outside Marquee, and there’s like an enormous line. I’ll be in as soon as I can.”
    â€œ
Hi, um, this is David. Leave a message, and I’ll get you back. Um, how do you? Mmph…”