Free The Best Friend by Melody Carlson Page B

her bedroom. “At first I was scared to death I was going to get taken to jail and my parents would kill me. But then it’s like everything turned completely around and Todd and I ended up having a really great time.”
    â€œLife’s funny.” Riley was flipping through DVDs.
    â€œBut seriously, if Todd hadn’t looked out the window just when he did . . . we’d have been toast.” She shook her head. “I can’t even imagine how I would’ve explained it to my parents. Do you think other kids got arrested?”
    â€œProbably.”
    â€œLike Gillian?”
    â€œI hope so.” Riley gave a mischievous smile. “Then I wouldn’t even need to show Mrs. Glassman my evidence.”
    â€œHow did you and Dayton know to get away?”
    Now Riley got a funny look, like there was something she was holding back . . . some information she was keeping.
    â€œDid someone tip you off?” Lishia asked curiously.
    â€œNot exactly.”
    â€œHow then?”
    Riley narrowed her eyes. “Do you swear you’ll never tell a soul?”
    Lishia blinked. “Uh . . . okay.”
    â€œI’m the one who called the police.”
    â€œNo way!”
    Riley suppressed giggles. “Uh-huh.”
    â€œHow is that possible?”
    Riley explained how she and Dayton left the party and drove into town, where she used a pay phone and tipped off the police anonymously.
    â€œI can’t believe you’d do that! What were you thinking?” Lishia demanded. “You knew I was still there! I could’ve gotten—”
    â€œI knew you were with Todd, and I knew he’d get you out safely, Lishia. Lighten up, okay?”
    â€œHow could you possibly know that?”
    â€œBecause he’s Todd, and it’s his house. Of course he’d have a backup plan. And I was right. He did. And you already told me you had the best time with him. So, really, instead of being mad, you should thank me.”
    Lishia did not feel like thanking Riley. “You could’ve gotten me arrested.”
    â€œBut I didn’t.” Riley made a pouty face. “I can’t believe you’re getting mad. Especially when I think of all I’ve done for you.”
    â€œWhat?” Lishia folded her arms across her front.
    â€œFirst I helped you and Todd get together, right?”
    Lishia shrugged, then nodded.
    â€œBut even better, I’ve secured you a position on the cheerleading squad.”
    Lishia looked skeptical.
    â€œYou know Gillian will get suspended if she’s been arrested.”
    â€œMaybe she got away too.”
    â€œShe was too wasted to get away.” Riley firmly shook her head. “No, I’m sure she’s been arrested and booked down at city hall. And when they check her alcohol level, she’ll be in serious trouble. But even if she didn’t get arrested, I’ve got enough on my camcorder to cinch the whole thing. She is definitely history when it comes to cheerleading.”
    â€œYou’re sure about that?”
    She reapplied her lip gloss with a smug expression. “So instead of being so mad, you should thank me.”
    Lishia didn’t know what to say.
    â€œLook, I’m sorry I had to put you in harm’s way for a little bit,” Riley conceded. “But you weren’t even drinking, Lishia. You didn’t break the law, so you couldn’t have gotten into trouble. Don’t you get that?”
    â€œI guess so.”
    â€œI had to do this for your own good. And for the good of the cheerleading squad. Gillian was bringing us down. Now she’ll be out. Can’t you see this is something to celebrate?”
    â€œI guess so.” But even as she said this, Lishia wasn’t so sure. Something about the whole evening felt off to her. The old Lishia would’ve been appalled at what had transpired . . . the new Lishia was simply dazed and