Free The Blind Date by Melody Carlson Page A

dance—which could turn out to be pretty cool. Bryn had loved dressing up in costumes ever since she was old enough to slide her feet into her mom’s heels and drape herself in her scarves and jewelry. And she was determined not to let a little disagreement spoil their fun now. Besides that, Gram was looking forward to having the other girls there today. She had even suggested having pizza delivered for lunch.
    Bryn wondered if she should pull over and call Emma right now. But to do what? Apologize? And for what? Bryn had done nothing wrong! If anyone owed somebody an apology, it was Emma. But since Emma obviously didn’t realize her mistake—not yet anyway—well, maybe Bryn would have to take this one on the chin so to speak. A week from now, when Emma found out that Bryn had set her up with Isaac and even helped Isaac with his costume, all would be forgiven.
    As she pulled up to Abby’s house, Bryn hoped that her supposed best friend was feeling more congenial today. Abby had given Bryn a second lecture on the way home from schoolyesterday. For some reason Abby had gotten it into her head that Bryn had been acting like a snob lately. All because of that business with Isaac? It was ridiculous, of course. And Bryn had tried to straighten Abby out—without going into the top-secret blind date details—but Abby hadn’t seemed to want to listen.
    When Abby got into the car, she didn’t seem like her usual cheerful self. Bryn tried to make small talk, but Abby was acting pretty quiet as Bryn drove them across town to her grandmother’s house.
    â€œAre you still mad at me?” Bryn asked as she stopped for a traffic light.
    â€œMad at you?” Abby said absently. “Why?”
    â€œBecause I hurt Emma’s feelings yesterday. Because you think I’m a snob.”
    â€œOh, that . . . Well, like I said, I didn’t particularly like it,” Abby admitted. “But, no, I’m not still mad at you.”
    â€œIs something wrong then?”
    â€œI don’t know . . .”
    â€œThere is something wrong,” Bryn declared. “Is it me?”
    â€œI already said that it’s not.”
    â€œWhat is it then?” Bryn demanded.
    Abby let out a loud sigh. “I can’t tell you.”
    â€œWhat do you mean you can’t tell me ?” Bryn glanced at Abby as the light turned green. “I thought we were best friends. How is it possible you can keep something from me?”
    â€œIf you must know, it has to do with the blind date biz. But it’s supposed to be secret, remember?”
    â€œOh . . .” Bryn slowly nodded, taking this in. “So you really did set me up then? And you’re worried because you set me up with someone you think I might not be so happy with?”
    â€œGood grief, Bryn. Everything is not always all about you,”Abby said. “Do you know how narcissistic you can sound sometimes?”
    â€œNarcissistic?” Bryn pushed her lower lip out. “That’s a little harsh.”
    â€œSorry. You’re right. But, seriously, Bryn, it’s not always about you .”
    â€œSo, you’re telling me that you didn’t arrange my blind date? Because I’m pretty sure I know that you did. And if you tell me the truth, I promise not to breathe a word of it to anyone. It will be our secret.”
    â€œWell, I hate to disappoint you, but you are wrong. I set up—uh—someone else.” Abby put her hand over her mouth. “Crud. I didn’t even mean to say that much.”
    â€œNo big deal. It’s not like you told me who you did set up.” Bryn lowered her voice as if someone else was listening even though it was just the two of them in the car. “But you could tell me, Abby. I would keep it a secret. You can trust me.”
    Abby firmly shook her head.
    â€œOkay then . . . maybe you can tell me why you’re freaking over