Free The Best Friend by Melody Carlson

shook her head. “That’s right, she won’t.” She turned for the door, ready to make her getaway.
    â€œYou’re not going back out there, are you?” He looked alarmed.
    Lishia managed to laugh. “Well, it might be safer than in here with you.”
    He laughed. “Do you seriously think I’d try to get you into my parents’ bed?” He made a disgusted face. “Gross!”
    â€œIt does seem a little creepy.”
    â€œYou got that right.” He pointed to a pair of easy chairs by a set of French doors. “Want to sit and talk?”
    â€œSure,” she agreed. “In fact, I’d like to ask you some questions.”
    â€œQuestions?”
    She nodded as she sat down. “For starters, where are your parents?”
    He chuckled. “Vegas, baby.”
    â€œThey went to Vegas on your birthday?”
    â€œIt’s not actually my birthday until Wednesday.”
    â€œOh, you decided to celebrate early.”
    He nodded. “You only turn eighteen once. I wanted to do it up big.”
    â€œDo your parents know you’re having this party?”
    He shrugged. “They probably have an idea . . . and the neighbors will tell them.”
    She couldn’t believe how nonchalant he was. “And you won’t get in trouble?”
    â€œEverything will be all back together by the time they get home Sunday night. I put away everything that’s breakable. And I have a cleaning service all lined up for tomorrow morning.”
    â€œReally?”
    He nodded. “My older brothers used to do the same thing.”
    â€œSo you’re just following their example.”
    He shrugged.
    â€œAnd are you having a good birthday party?”
    He grinned. “I am now.”
    She smiled and relaxed a little. “Well, thanks for saving me from Gillian.”
    He slowly shook his head. “If I were you, I’d watch out for that girl. She looked like she wanted to put you six feet under, and I doubt that she’ll cool off too easily.”
    â€œKind of unbecoming for a cheerleader.”
    He laughed. “I’ve seen worse.”
    â€œReally?” She leaned forward. “Tell me more.”
    He began relaying some other crazy stories about cheerleaders. Even Riley had pulled some embarrassing stunts. “They’re only human,” he said finally. “Just like all of us.” He pointed to her. “Except for you. You seem to have some kind of superiority complex. Like you really think you’re better than the rest of us. What’s up with that?”
    Lishia took in a slow breath as a small wave of guilt washed over her. What was the goody-goody “Christian” girl doing at a party like this? Really, who was she trying to fool?
    â€œYou got to ask me your questions,” he said. “Now I want to know what you’re up to. Why are you here tonight?”
    â€œTo celebrate with you.” She used a big smile to cover her anxious feelings. Why shouldn’t she be here? Except that her conscience was trying to get the best of her. The problem with a conscience was that it could be a pest sometimes. Like it had a mind of its own. Maybe the only choice was to simply block it out. That’s what she would do.
    â€œSo why did you go after Gillian like that?” he persisted. “And why did you act like you don’t drink and then complain about the quality of my beer, which I do admit is substandard?”
    â€œI could tell you the truth”—she smiled slyly—“but then I’d have to kill you.”
    He laughed.
    â€œAnd that would be a shame to do at your birthday party.”
    Todd peeked out the window—then swore. “The cops!”
    â€œNo way.” Lishia felt sick with fear as she stood.
    â€œCome on.” He grabbed her hand and turned off the light. “Out here.” He led her out the French doors and onto the terrace. Then, after