Free Shocking Pink by Erica Spindler

discovered their handiwork. Though nothing more than a wide platform, it fit the three of them comfortably, shielded them from sight and afforded them a clear view of the house’s driveway.
    So far, however, there had been no sign of their mystery man.
    Frustrated, they had decided to try something new. Both times they’d heard the music, it had been late—past eleven. So tonight they had decided to sneak out of their houses and meet at the platform at ten-thirty sharp. It was now ten to eleven.
    “Where do you think Rave is?” Julie asked, glancing at her watch.
    Andie shrugged. “Maybe she couldn’t get out. You know, sometimes her dad stays up late.”
    Julie caught her bottom lip between her teeth, obviously worried. “You don’t think he found out what we’re up to? If he did, he’ll go straight to our parents. You know he will.”
    Andie peered toward the street. “Naw. Raven’s dad would be the last to find out something. Raven’s too smooth to get caught.”
    “I suppose you’re right.” Julie shivered and rubbed her arms. “I guess I’m just nervous, that’s all.”
    Andie brought the binoculars to her eyes. The mystery house was as dark and deserted-looking as always. Weird, she thought. The whole thing was weird.
    “There she is!”
    Andie swung the binoculars to the street. Sure enough, Raven was making her way toward the empty lot at a jog. Moments later, she crashed through the underbrush, heading in their direction.
    “We were getting worried,” Julie called in an exaggerated whisper.
    “Sorry,” Raven answered, skidding to a stop under the tree and looking up at them, struggling to catch her breath. “Wait till you hear this, you’re not going to believe it. My dad’s dating! That’s why I’m late. We had to have dinner together. They’re going out dancing now.” She took another deep breath. “I had to wait for them to leave.”
    “Dating?” Andie scooted to the right to make room for Raven. “That’s hard to believe.”
    “No kidding.” Raven climbed onto the platform. “I was blown away.”
    “I always thought it was sweet,” Julie murmured. “The way he pined for your mom. Sitting on your patio for hours, just kind of staring off into space.”
    “Real sweet.” Raven made a face. “Anyway, I played super nice for this lady, making like my dad was some sort of superhero or something. I felt like warning her instead.” She brought her hands to her mouth, megaphone-style. “Caution, asshole ahead!”
    Julie burst out laughing. “Raven, you kill me. Your dad’s not that bad.”
    “No,” she said softly, looking her friend dead in the eye. “He’s worse.”
    For a moment, all three girls were silent. Andie cleared her throat, uncomfortable. Julie flushed, obviously embarrassed and at a loss for words. They both looked away. It wasn’t what Raven had said about her dad, but the way she had said it. The way she always sounded when she talked about him.
    Like he was some sort of monster.
    Andie had the feeling there was something Raven hadn’t told her about her dad, something important. Something really bad.
    Andie shook her head slightly, as if to rid herself of the traitorous thought. What wouldn’t Raven have told her? They were closer than sisters; they shared everything with each other, they had from the moment they met.
    “Look!” Julie elbowed her hard. “It’s him!”
    Andie turned. Sure enough, a car was coming down the hill and turning into number twelve Mockingbird Lane’s driveway. Raven had the binoculars, although Andie doubted she could see much in the dark. As they watched, the automatic garage door went up; the car disappeared inside, then the door lowered.
    “Did you see his face?” Andie asked. Raven shook her head and Andie let out a frustrated breath. “Darn it.”
    “You guys,” Julie hissed. “Another car.”
    Andie and Raven turned. It was. Another car. Pulling into number twelve’s driveway, into the garage.
    Raven