Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder Read Free Book Online Page A

He seemed to be sketching something in the black three-ring binder in his lap.
    â€œHey, Hazel,” Matty said, looking up at her. “Check it out.” He held up the binder to display a drawing of a Siamese cat.
    â€œWow.” Hazel gasped. “That’s really good.”
    â€œMatty is going to help me make reward posters for Isotope. That’s my cat.”
    Hazel melted. “That’s so sweet. But maybe he’s not missing. Maybe he’s just hiding because of the party.”
    â€œMaybe,” Charlie said. “But you can’t be too careful.”
    She remembered Charlie’s mother and nodded. “You’re probably right.”
    â€œHow’s this?” Matty asked Charlie, tapping the sketch with his pencil.
    Charlie squinted, thinking. “He has darker markings around his eyes.”
    Hazel and Charlie looked on as Matty shaded the almond-shaped eyes.
    â€œYep. That’s Isotope,” Charlie said wistfully. “It looks exactly like him.”
    â€œDon’t worry, Charlie. I’ll scan it in. Then we’ll type the rest of the information and create a poster,” Matty said. “What’s your e-mail?”
    Charlie told him. Matty wrote it on a blank sheet of paper. Then he looked up at Hazel. “What’s yours?”
    She couldn’t contain her smile. He handed her a piece of paper and the pencil he had been using. She wrote down PURPLEHAZE and the rest, adding, “That’s my IM name too.”
    â€œGot a cell?” Matty asked her.
    â€œI’m between phones right now,” she lied smoothly.
    Matty slipped the paper into the pocket of his jeans as he stood up.
    â€œOkay.” Matty turned to Charlie. “Looks like I’m done here. Good night, kiddo. I hope your head feels better.”
    â€œGood night,” Charlie said. “You won’t forget to scan in the picture, right?”
    â€œI’ll e-mail you a jpeg as soon as I get home,” Matty assured him. Hazel followed him out the door and eased it shut behind her.
    â€œI have to go soon,” he said, staring deep into her eyes. “But we could talk for a little while. Unless you want to watch the movie.”
    â€œI’ve seen it a million times,” she confessed.
    Matty led her past the living room and outside. In the silvery moonlight, she saw Ellen and Brandon sitting together, deep in conversation. Matty gave Brandon a nod. Then he steered Hazel over to a couple of chairs.
    They talked for what seemed like minutes but must have been much longer. Hazel memorized all the little details that came out during their conversation.
    Matty’s favorite color was blue. His favorite artist was Picasso. He had a dog named Clyde when he was a kid. He hated asparagus. His sister was a waitress and they didn’t get along.
    â€œOf course, all the phone calls haven’t helped matters between us,” he said.
    She was about to ask him what he meant when Stephan Nylund staggered up.
    â€œYo, Matty, you leaving soon?” he asked, running a hand through his red hair. “I caught a ride over with Brandon, but I gotta go and he wants to stay.”
    Matty checked his watch. He swore under his breath. “Man. I’m gonna be late. What part of town do you live in?”
    â€œOver by the mall,” Stephan said. “On Lemon.
    â€œCool. That’s near me.”
    They headed inside. Hazel accompanied them through the darkened living room to the front door. Stephan opened it and walked on ahead.
    Matty lingered with Hazel on the porch. “So, see you tomorrow?”
    She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant, but she liked the question anyway. “Sure.”
    â€œOkay. Well, later.” He leaned forward….
    Oh my God, he’s going to kiss me! Hazel felt her cheeks flush in anticipation. But then Matty pulled back, as if he wasn’t certain that was the way to go. He smiled down at her. “You