It's Not Easy Being Mean by Lisi Harrison Read Free Book Online Page A

him, and wondered if he sensed her blushing. “‘Cause we're joining the OCD Sirens.”
    “Sure.” He laughed. “But I can't tonight.”
    “Why?” Disappointment spread through Claire's body like a wave of prickly heat. And would rage through Massie's like a brush fire.
    “I have a science test first period tomorrow and if I don't get a B-plus or higher, I'll—”
    “We'll only be there for a few minutes,” Claire heard herself whine.
    Massie stomped her foot, obviously sensing the outcome. “Make him say yes.”
    “How about tomorrow?” Cam asked, sounding hopeful.
    “Uhhhh, hold on, I'm losing my signal,” Claire lied again. Once she was by the chapel doors, she said, “That's better,” much louder than she needed to. Then she turned in toward her phone. “I can't tomorrow,” she whispered. “I'll be in Manhattan, meeting with my agent. What about Thursday?”
    “Soccer practice.”
    “Oh.” Claire bit her thumbnail.
    “How about Friday?” he offered.
    “Are you sure you can't do tonight?”
    “I wish I could, but—”
    “That's okay, I understand.” Claire didn't have to look up to know that the Pretty Committee was surrounding her. She could hear them whispering and shushing one another. “See you Friday.”
    “Bye.”
    Claire said goodbye in her head, but in reality she just hung up the phone.
    “Friday?” Massie snapped. “That's the soonest we can get in there? What if someone else gets there first?” She gestured to the pews where Kaya and Penelope had been hiding.
    “He has to study tonight.” Claire's entire body felt heavy.
    “What about tomorrow?”
    “Uh, his uncle is visiting.” She lied a third time. But she couldn't bear the thought of the girls at Cam's house without her. What if he realized that Massie was cooler than she was? Or that Alicia was prettier? Or that Dylan was funnier? Or that Kristen was a better athlete?
    But then again, what if Massie knew that Claire's insecurities were keeping them from finding the key? Could anything be worse than that? There was no easy way out of this.
    All Claire could do was lift her eyes toward the stained-glass dome above her head and pray for the best.

O CTAVIAN C OUNTRY D AY S CHOOL OCD/B RIARWOOD S OCCER S TADIUM
    Tuesday, April 6th
    7:03 A.M.
    The morning sun reflected off the metal bleachers, creating random puddles of gold light where the Pretty Committee usually sat and flirted with the Briarwood soccer team. Sure, the soccer stadium looked nice enough at this hour, even inspiring, like those motivational sports posters in the guidance counselor's office about
achieving
success and not just dreaming about it.
    But still, it was insanely early, and Massie couldn't help feeling disappointed with herself. Yes, she'd
promised
Principal Burns she'd join the OCD Sirens and learn to become a team player. It was either that or a lifetime of lunching with muffin-money-stealing juvies in public school. But it was only a
promise
, and Massie Block was a master at weaseling out of
those
. Yet here she was—chilly, groggy, and wearing cleats.
    “Hey, you guys.” Kimmy Rosen ran across the field toward the Pretty Committee. “Where did you get those uniforms?” She pushed her round Arthur the Aardvark glasses up the bridge of her narrow nose when she finally caught up. “I, like, completely want one for my birthday party next weekend.”
    Massie puffed out her chest and smiled. “Thanks, I designed them myself.”
    “They're couture.” Alicia stroked her long dark ponytail extension.
    “Socc-outure.” Dylan giggled.
    Kristen rolled her eyes.
    “Can I order one?” Kimmy pulled up her regulation knee-high white socks. “I'm so sick of the whole navy-shorts-and-baggy-yellow-shirt thing.”
    “I
like
them.” Kristen pulled her heel to her butt, stretching a hamstring. She looked to her teammates for support but got none. The gathering Sirens were forming an envy circle around Massie, Alicia, and Dylan to get a closer