Free California Schemin': Book One in the Malibu Mayhem Trilogy by Carolyn Keene Page B

Roland’s favorite,” a perky voice interrupted my thoughts. “He says you can never have too much comfort food.”
    A college-age girl with curly blond hair was smiling at us from the other end of the table.
    “Does he?” I asked.
    “I’m Daisy Matthews,” the girl said. She nodded at a raven-haired guy sitting next to her, probably the same age. “This is my friend Terrence Olivez.”
    Terrence’s mouth was full, so he smiled with his eyes.
    “Nancy Drew,” I introduced myself.
    “Bess Marvin,” Bess said with a little wave. “So…you two come here often?”
    “No.” Daisy smiled. “Terrence and I are total newbies. I actually took a leave from college to come here.”
    “You left school just to come here?” Bess asked, surprised.
    “I decided I’d rather study Roland’s philosophy than any other subject,” Daisy explained.
    “And you, Terrence?” I asked. “Did you also take a leave of absence?”
    “Nope,” Terrence said a bit shyly. “I start college next fall.”
    Daisy leaned forward and whispered as if Terrence wasn’t even there. “Terrence was always bullied inhigh school. He’s afraid the same thing will happen in college unless he boosts his self-esteem.”
    “You think Roland can help you with that?” I asked Terrence directly.
    “I bet Roland can do anything!” Daisy answered for her friend. “I read his book You Are That three times.”
    “Cool,” I said. But was really thinking, Give me a break .
    Daisy and Terrence went back to eating. I was about to take another forkful of macaroni when I spotted two familiar faces at the next table.
    “Bess, don’t look now,” I whispered. “But look who’s sitting at the next table.”
    “Nancy,” Bess complained. “How can I not look and look at the same time—”
    “It’s Brad and Danielle,” I told her. “From the ER at Malachite General.”
    We watched as Brad nibbled on a roll. Danielle seemed to have an appetite for her meal.
    “Brad doesn’t look so pale anymore,” I whispered. “Danielle is less nervous too—probably because Inge’s not around.”
    Our view was suddenly blocked as a middle-aged couple sat with us. They smiled at Bess and me as they placed their trays on the table.
    “Are these seats taken?” the man asked with a friendly gleam in his eye.
    “Yes, by you,” Bess said, smiling.
    The couple introduced themselves as Ralph and Linda Meyers. They were married, retired, and huge fans of Roland.
    “We may be in our late sixties,” Ralph said, “but it’s never too late to be renewed.”
    “I’ll drink to that!” Linda laughed, raising her glass of cola.
    Bess and I excused ourselves from the table to get some coffee.
    “No wonder everyone here walks around like zombies,” Bess said after taking a sip of the watered-down coffee. “They’re caffeine deprived.”
    “Or nutrition deprived,” I said. “Unless keeping us weak and light-headed is part of Roland’s plan.”
    We were about to carry our cups to our table when I felt someone tap my shoulder. Turning, I saw Mia, her mouth a thin, grim line.
    “Hi, Mia,” I said with a smile.
    “I know why you two are here,” Mia whispered. “You want me to leave and return to Villa Fabuloso.”
    “You’re not a kid, Mia,” I said. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
    “What makes you think Nancy and I don’t want to be renewed too?” Bess asked. “After you raved about Roland, we want to see what the buzz is all about.”
    Mia glared at us, then turned and huffed away.
    “Something tells me she doesn’t trust us,” Bess said with a touch of sarcasm.
    “Let’s just hope Mia doesn’t speak to Roland,” I said. “Or Inge.”
    Then, as if my mind was being read, Inge’s voice crackled over the PA system. She was telling guests that Roland would be speaking at ten p.m. sharp in the sanctuary.
    “The meeting will include an orientation for all new guests,” Inge said, “plus an evening