Free The Ugly Stepsister by Avril Sabine

pulled out her lipstick and repaired the damage. She glanced over to Tom who laughed softly. “What?”
    He shook his head as he pulled up in front of his house.
    “Tell me.”
    “I was just wondering if I should make that a waste of your time.”
    Ellie grinned. “And your conclusion?”
    “Anticipation improves everything.”
    Ellie laughed as Tom hopped out. She was waiting beside the car when he reached her side. Locking the car, he took her hand, entwining his fingers in hers. They were nearly at the front door when Ellie stopped and tugged on his hand.
    Tom turned towards her. “What?”
    “Do you have a girlfriend?” When he shook his head she frowned. “Why not?”
    “Don’t sound disappointed.”
    “I’m not. But well, you don’t look like you’ve got a lack of girls chasing you.”
    Tom grinned. “Was that a compliment?”
    “Okay, fine. Answering a question with a question is an annoying and irritating habit. Now please answer me properly.”
    “We broke up a couple of weeks ago because I refused to go to a party with her instead of a swim meet.”
    Before Ellie had a chance to reply, the front door opened and Sam stood there. Tom strode towards the house, pulling Ellie with him. She reluctantly entered the front door. Slipping off her sandals, she left them lined up with the other shoes already there, waiting for Tom to remove his shoes.
    “Hi, Beth.” Sam smiled shyly.
    “Ahh… hi.” Ellie glanced at Tom.
    Tom rolled his eyes. “You make her sound like she has a multiple personality disorder.”
    Ellie grinned. “Don’t worry. It’s Lizzie who’s the crazy one.”
    “Well let me know when she’s about and I’ll hide the knives,” Tom said.
    “Nah, you only have to hide the knives when Lisbeth is about.” Ellie glanced around, looking for Teresa. “Where’s your mum?”
    “In the study,” Sam said.
    Ellie relaxed, coming further into the house. “I wanted to thank you for the cake. You’re an absolute genius in the kitchen. I shared it with Lauren. She said if you’re not careful she’ll kidnap you and chain you to her kitchen and make you cook food like that for her every day.”
    Sam blushed. “It was only a cake,” he mumbled.
    Ellie shook her head. “Nah-uh. We decided each slice was a piece of heaven.”
    “Leave him alone.” Tom draped his arm around her shoulders. “It’s not nice to torment your host.”
    “I’m not tormenting. Seriously. Lauren told me if I don’t bring her something just as delicious tomorrow I’ll be sitting on my own for lunch.”
    Sam’s face went even redder before he mumbled, “I better check dinner.”
    Tom pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist. “That wasn’t very nice.”
    Ellie draped her arms around his neck and smiled. “That was me being nice.”
    “Then you better warn me when you let Lisbeth loose. I don’t think we’ll live through it.”
    Ellie chuckled. When Tom’s head lowered, she said, “I thought you mentioned something about anticipation?”
    “You just don’t want me to wreck your lipstick.”
    Ellie grinned. “That too.” A sound behind her had her turning her head. She tried to pull away from Tom when she saw his mother coming towards them.
    Tom kept one arm around her. “Mum, you remember Beth?”
    Teresa nodded. “The actress.”
    “That was the last day. I don’t think I’ll do any more acting. It was much harder than I expected it to be.”
    “Oh, I don’t know. I think you’re a natural,” Tom said.
    Ellie grinned. “Thank you.”
    Sam joined them again. “Dinner’s ready.”
    The four of them wandered over to the table and Sam gestured to seats as he said each of their names. As soon as they were all seated, Sam served. Ellie could barely wait for Sam to join them at the table so she could start eating. The smells made her mouth water. As soon as someone else started to eat, she began.
    “What’s this called?” Ellie gestured towards the meal with