The Lance Temptation by Brenda Maxfield Read Free Book Online

would I have guessed I’d even consider it.
    But then, I wasn’t the same Emili as a few days ago. Who knew what I thought anymore? The new Emili would break up with a guy by text, and she wouldn’t give it a second thought.
    Before I could talk myself out of it, I started texting, spelling out the words so there could be no mistake. Marc, I think we should take a break.
    I pushed send and closed my phone. There, I’d done it. It was official.
    But as the evening wore on, I did give it a second thought. It stuck in my mind like a scab I couldn’t scratch off.
    I didn’t think this new Emili and I were going to get along at all.

 
Chapter Five
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    When my phone rang, I jumped, expecting it to be Marc. I saw Farah’s number and took a quick breath. How was it possible I’d forgotten all about her?
    â€œWhere were you today?”
    â€œHello to you, too,” she said.
    â€œDon’t even answer me. I already know. Lance told me you were with Pete. Farah, are you crazy? What did you do? Does your mom know you skipped?”
    â€œWhoa, take a breath, Inspector. What’s with you?”
    â€œI was worried. Are you okay? What’d you do? Or do I even want to know?”
    Farah started gushing over the phone. “It was the best day I’ve had in a long time. Pete’s the nicest guy I’ve ever known. We talked and talked forever.” She paused. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
    â€œYou talked all day. Just talked? Farah, I’m your friend, remember. I know you.”
    â€œMy friend, Emili, not my mother.”
    I squeezed my eyes shut. “You’re right. I’m not your mother.” My voice was barely above a whisper.
    Then why did I sometimes feel like her mother? The whole thing was ridiculous and weird. I bit my lip. Fine then, I wouldn’t worry about her. Let her get in trouble and be expelled. See if I cared.
    â€œYou still there?” she asked, her tone turning soft and friendly. “Sorry. And thanks for worrying about me. It’s sweet.”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œNo, I mean it. Thanks for worrying. You forgive me?”
    I was silent.
    â€œCome on, Emili. Please.”
    And just like that, I did forgive her — which is what I always did anyway. “Next time, could you at least text me back and tell me you’re okay?”
    â€œI’ll try.”
    â€œAre you at home now?”
    â€œYes, and I’ll be back at school tomorrow. For the record, I was sick today. I had a cold, you know, a real stuffed-up nose. I couldn’t possibly have gone to school. Got it?”
    â€œGot it, but didn’t the school call your mom to check on you?”
    â€œOf course they did, but I was home in the morning. Mom knew. Then when she went out later, so did I.”
    â€œYou should have texted me back.”
    â€œSo you’ve said. But it was so much fun and I couldn’t bear to be interrupted. And we’re talking now, and all is forgiven, right?”
    â€œAll’s forgiven,” I said. Strangely, I thought about Jeannie right then. I missed her — and the friendship we’d shared. And I hadn’t missed her in months and months. I closed my eyes and remembered her constant chatter and easy laugh. I’d laughed a lot with Jeannie.
    â€œYou still there?” Farah asked.
    â€œI’m still here, but I’m expecting another call. So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” I hung up, not sure why I didn’t tell Farah about breaking it off with Marc.
    I closed my phone and dropped it on my bed. Why hadn’t he called yet? I knew he would. I started pacing around my room. My perfume. I could work on my perfume. I walked to my dresser and picked up the dark bottle of jojoba oil. Usually, I made perfume using essential oils from flowers or fruit. Lately, I’d been going for a woody scent. I’d already tried mixing sandalwood and cedar wood