Keeley Thomson (Book 3): Mistress of Souls by P.S. Power Read Free Book Online Page B

wanted to come, but it's hard being around all that food when I'm trying to lose weight. I mean, we're not really friends or anything..." She stopped talking and held the door for Keeley, who wondered if her next move would be trying to slam it into the back of her head, given that last line. It wouldn't work though, since the door had a heavy, but slow, return bar on it at the top.
    "We aren't friends yet because I'm new and we haven't really had time to get to know each other. Problem with being the new girl. Do you want to come to that thing that Gary apparently is putting together at my house?" Why not? Keeley let her arm brush against the girl, half expecting her to be an evil and conniving bitch or something. Really shallow at least.
    Instead she was hit with a wave of loneliness and gratitude. Her parents were rich, as Keeley had already figured out, but they were neglectful. So much so that the girl had practically raised herself for years. She was bright enough, but had trouble making close friends. It did tend to show as envy and a bit of cattiness, but it wasn't that bad, Keeley didn't think.
    "Really? I mean, Darla doesn't really like me that much, I don't think. It's why she wants you to join the squad, to take my place. Are you sure that no one will mind me being around?" Her voice sounded just a little needy at the edges, but had an overtone of pretty girl snark. That little bit of sarcasm that would allow her to disavow having really meant what she said if Keeley started making fun of her.
    "Darla hasn't mentioned not liking you to me at all. She also hasn't tried to get me on the team. Even if she did and I wanted to, which I don't, because I don't have time for it, why do you think it would be you that I replaced? Provided I was good enough to manage it, which isn't assured at all. You're all pretty talented." That was what Darla had told her at least. She'd handpicked the whole team for a reason.
    "Sure, but you know, she has favorites. Eve for instance. I mean, I know it's probably just me being jealous, but I kind of thought that they were, you know, together for a while. Hally is kind of the same way. You know, really friendly. Almost like they were too close, you know what I mean?"
    Keeley did. It was true enough with Hally, since the redhead was one of those people that tended to develop a bit of a crush on anyone that was nice to her. Eve... Well, she just wanted attention and would pretty much do whatever anyone wanted as long as she got it. It made what Elis had done even worse, because honestly, Eve would have slept with him if he'd just taken the time to chat with her for a while. It wasn't a mentally healthy thing, but it was the truth.
    Still, Barb was trying to imply something untrue. That Darla was filling the team with her girlfriends.
    "I can see how it might seem like that, but I don't think it is. They're all just friends. I mean you too. You're always with them." That was true for school. Not everywhere else though. Barb obviously knew the difference.
    "Not really. I wish I was... Well, this make-up needs to be done." She got to work and in a few seconds had her face well blended. It looked smooth, but again, too much so.
    Keeley did her own eye make up again, thinking the whole time.
    "Hey, do you want to do something later? I was going to grab Hally and her mom and go house shopping. I'm looking to pick up something. Mrs. York is a real estate agent. I can't promise it will be either fruitful or exciting, but it can't hurt to have your opinion. Just remember I'm looking for a fixer upper. You know, shopping on a budget."
    Barb nodded a bit too happily.
    "I can meet with you after Cheerleading practice? I can drive, if you want? I have a car." It was almost a bribe, as if she had to have a reason to go or something. Keeley shook her head.
    "I have Darla's van. It will probably seat more. We can leave your car at my house, or yours if you want. Or you can follow along, but my way will save