Free Politically Incorrect by Melissa J. Morgan Page B

regret. She would die to switch places with Jenna. Natalie wasn’t getting much out of her time spent with Tricia except the blisters on her feet from running around at Tricia’s beck and call. If she hadn’t given up the committee chairperson job, she’d probably be much happier.
    “Well, I’m having a great time,” said a chipper voice from behind Natalie.
    Natalie and her friends turned around to see Sloan standing beside the cute new boy, Miles. They were both all smiles, like they’d discovered buried treasure or something.
    “When did you guys get here?” Jordan asked.
    “Just a minute ago. Sorry we’re late. Sloan and I lost track of time at the rock garden,” Miles replied with a small smile.
    All the girls raised their eyebrows, including Natalie. It seemed as though their friend had a not-so-secret admirer.
    “Anyway, Jasmine just walked us over here, and we’re ready to party,” Sloan said cheerfully.
    “Awesome,” said Jenna. “Tricia is such a blast. She’s been cranking some great tunes.”
    “Is there anything to drink?” Miles asked.
    “Yeah, Ellie brought over some organic fruit punch. It’s delish,” Priya said. “Want some?”
    “Sure,” Miles said, then turned to Sloan. “Should I get you a cup?”
    Sloan blushed. “Yes, thanks.”
    Natalie felt a twinge in her chest. What she wouldn’t give for a crush right now! At least then she’d have something to be psyched about. Sloan was so lucky—she had the perfect summer-camp job to add to her college app and a hot guy who obviously liked her.
    Natalie felt a tug on her arm. It was Sloan, and she looked kind of worried.
    “Hey, Nat, can I speak to you outside for a minute?” Sloan asked.
    Natalie heard the concern in her friend’s voice and knew whatever she had to say was important. “Okay.”
    She and Sloan walked outside to the front of the tent, where Tricia’s bodyguard Wharton was standing at attention. Natalie felt a little weird about pretending like he wasn’t there, but that’s what Tricia had said to do, so she didn’t acknowledge him at all.
    “What’s up?” Natalie was kind of hoping that Sloan needed some extra help with the Green Festival. That would definitely make her day.
    “It’s Chelsea,” Sloan said.
    Chelsea?
    “What about her?”
    Sloan glanced at Wharton, as if to make sure he wasn’t eavesdropping, then continued. “She’s seemed really bent out of shape these past couple of days. I was wondering if you knew anything about it.”
    Natalie was confused. “Of course I don’t. Why?”
    “Well, Chelsea seemed kind of annoyed at you for spending so much time with Tricia and—”
    “Wait a second,” Natalie interrupted. She had a feeling that Sloan was about to say that Chelsea’s funk was somehow her fault. That couldn’t be further from the truth! “I tried to switch places with Chelsea so that she could room with Tricia and she totally backed out.” Sloan started at Natalie, clearly puzzled. “Oh, really?”
    Natalie nodded.
    “But why would she make a point of telling me she wasn’t going to come to the party?” Sloan asked quizzically. “It was like she wanted to avoid you guys.”
    Natalie was starting to get annoyed. Sloan had all these things going for her this summer—including the job Natalie wanted. Did she have to play the role of chief busybody, too?
    “Look, Sloan. Tricia and I invited Chelsea to come, just like everyone else. I don’t know why she’s so upset, or why you’re being so nosy.”
    Natalie didn’t like the curt tone of her own voice, but she couldn’t control herself. She was just so tired of dealing with Tricia, and it was making her kind of short-tempered.
    “I’m not being nosy. I’m just looking out for my friends,” Sloan said firmly.
    Natalie’s cheeks burned red, and she could feel her pulse quicken. Was Sloan trying to insinuate that Natalie didn’t look out for her friends? Because that would be way off base. All she’d been