Playing With Fire by Francine Pascal Read Free Book Online

Robin and Winston together to get them both out of her hair at the same time. Elizabeth also felt that Robin deserved to know the truth instead of being duped into believing a fantasy of Jessica’s creation. “Robin, it’s hard to tell you this, but Win’s been interested in my sister for quite some time. I don’t know if he’s really ready to get involved with someone else.”
    A momentary look of concern crossed Robin’s face as Elizabeth spoke, but it was followed quickly by a sigh of relief. “Don’t worry, Liz, I know all about Jessica and Winston. She told me there was never anything much to it. They’re just friends.”
    Elizabeth shook her head slightly. “I don’t think you heard what I said. It’s possible that Win isn’t ready for you—or for that matter, anybody.”
    â€œBut Jessica told me—”
    â€œShe’s not right all the time. Look, I’m sure Win thinks you’re nice. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. I know Winston’s really hung up on Jess. The last thing you want is a boy on the rebound.”
    â€œNo,” Robin hedged. “You’re wrong, Liz.”
    â€œYou mean you think he’s definitely over Jess?” Elizabeth asked.
    â€œNo,” said Robin, smiling. “I mean I’d definitely take him on the rebound.” They both laughed.
    â€œIn that case, I hope I’m wrong for your sake,” Elizabeth said. She was beginning to like Robin. “By the way, got any plans for Saturday night?”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œWell, if nothing comes up, why don’t you join Todd and me? We’re going to a club down in Sand Pines to see The Droids.”
    â€œI don’t know. I don’t want to tag along on your date.”
    â€œIt’s not an actual ‘date’ date. I’m writing an article for The Oracle on The Droids, so it’s more like an assignment for me. I think it might be a good place for you to meet some guys. You don’t have to give me an answer now, but promise me you’ll consider it, OK?”
    Robin thought a moment before answering. “OK,” she said. Then she got up and headed for the door. “I’d better be getting home now. You’ll tell Jessica I stopped by, won’t you?”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Elizabeth said with a gleam in her eye. “You can be sure I’ll tell her.”
    *   *   *
    Elizabeth was taking that night’s dinner of roast chicken out of the oven when Jessica showed up. Following the aroma into the kitchen, Jessica purred, “Umm, something smells good.”
    â€œI gather you’re going to grace us with your presence tonight?”
    â€œOf course. I live here. Oh, and thanks for making dinner tonight. I promise I’ll make it up to you sometime.”
    â€œWith you, ‘sometime’ could be around the year 2000. I won’t hold my breath,” Elizabeth retorted.
    â€œLook, I’m really sorry I was late. I … um … had something important to do.”
    â€œI know. Something called Bruce Patman.”
    Jessica looked genuinely surprised. “You and your intuition.”
    â€œActually, Robin stopped by earlier. She said you and she were supposed to get together this afternoon.”
    â€œWas that today?” Jessica feigned forgetfulness. “I must have mixed up the dates.”
    â€œYou really disappointed her,” Elizabeth chided.
    â€œShe’ll get over it.” Jessica shrugged, unconcerned. “It was just a trip to the mall.”
    â€œI have a feeling it was more than ‘just a trip’ to her. The least you could have done was told her you couldn’t make it.”
    â€œOh, she’ll understand. We can do her makeover anytime—though I do admit, the sooner the better. Honestly, Liz, I simply forgot. Bruce came up to me right after the last bell and took me