Free Reckless by Cecily von Ziegesar Page A

behind his ear. “You’re right.” He bit his lip, still looking nervous. Poor, sweet Easy! She wished she could go with him—maybe it would help him feel a little more comfortable if he knew he had someone to back him up. But she didn’t want to offer in case it was something he just wanted to get over alone and as soon as possible. Like going to the dentist.
    Jenny glanced at the door. “We should probably go in,” she said, reluctantly getting to her feet.
    Easy followed her slowly, but before he picked up his bag, he grabbed Jenny’s arm and leaned in, pressing his lips to her forehead. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment and the feeling of Easy’s lips on her skin.
    If only she could freeze this moment and keep on living it forever. Or better yet, kidnap Easy so she could have him with her during lockdown all weekend. Wouldn’t a responsible Owl take responsibility for her own happiness?
    Email Inbox
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Date: Friday, October 4, 1:18 p.m.
Subject: ARGH!!!
Jeremiah,
The worst, most horrible, most earth-shatteringly unfair news ever—because of a keg party that Tinsley Megabitch Carmichael threw on the roof last night—how stupid can you be?—the whole dorm got busted and we’re all under house arrest this weekend. Now I’ve been put in charge of collecting essays from all the girls about how to be a responsible Owl. Fuck it. I’m nearly ready to quit DC in protest.
I am so, so sorry I’m going to have to miss your homecoming game—you know how sexy I think it is when you’re destroying the other team. I’m bummed about missing out on dinner with the fam and I was looking for ward to celebrating with you later too. Alone.
But maybe we can sneak some time in soon somehow?
Love you,
Brett
    Instant Message Inbox
HeathFerro: URGENT
TinsleyCarmichael: Speak, HF. Don’t just waste my time.
HeathFerro: Meow! Kitty, just need your help getting the kegs from the girl next door tonight.
TinsleyCarmichael: My help?
HeathFerro: Buchanan, his daddy, and McCafferty will be dining with Marymount tonight at 8—perfect opp for us to sneak out the goods.
HeathFerro: Consider it penance for the keg you ladies tapped.
HeathFerro: HELLOW??????

    Instant Message Inbox
TinsleyCarmichael: B, I hear you and Julian are dining with the dean 2nite.
BrandonBuchanan: Yup. What’s it to you?
TinsleyCarmichael: Just wanted you to know I’m willing to show up to add some more X chromosomes to the mix.
BrandonBuchanan: Uh, thanks, but not necessary. I’m sure all us Ys will get along fine.
TinsleyCarmichael: Never hurts conversation to add a pretty girl to the mix. Don’t worry, you don’t need me to ask twice. I’ll be there at 8.
BrandonBuchanan: Whatever.

    Instant Message Inbox
TinsleyCarmichael: Sorry, HF. Won’t be around at dinner, so guess you won’t be able to get those kegs … ttfn
HeathFerro: Don’t even start w/me.
HeathFerro: UR joking, right?
HeathFerro: Get back here!!!

11
A WAVERLY OWL IS ALWAYS FASHIONABLY LATE .
    Le Petit Coq, the lone fancy restaurant in all of downtown Rhinecliff, was in an unassuming two-story farmhouse near the far end of Main Street, a house someone’s grandmother might live in. Because the town’s other dining options included a couple of pizza places, a deli where all the sandwiches were named after dead celebrities, an Indian restaurant the size of a closet, and a Subway, Le Petit Coq was the restaurant of choice for parental visits. Waverly students rarely went there on their own, so it was always a treat to go when parents were in town—your own or someone else’s.
    “Stop looking so nervous.” Tinsley nudged Callie in the side as they approached the steps to the restaurant. Through the gauzy curtains on the windows, the shadowy figures of well-dressed women and men in dark blazers were visible at the candlelit tables. “You’re not the one having dinner with the dean.”
    “You’re not the one