Free The Clique by Lisi Harrison Page B

don’t you think?”
    “Maybe this whole thing is stupid,” Dylan said. “We have no clue how to make cosmetics.”
    “That’s what the Internet is for,” Massie said.
    “Do you think Kristen will like it?” Dylan asked.
    “We’ll
make
her like it.” Massie walked into a bathroom stall and closed the door behind her. The discussion was over.
    “You can go ahead without me—I may be a while,” Massie offered.
    “’“Kay,” Dylan answered.
    “We’re gonna be rich!” Massie sang. Her swinging feet were visible through the opening at the bottom of the stall.
    “We already are,” Dylan said on her way out. “See ya at lunch, Coco.”
    “Au revoir, Estee,” Massie said.
    When Massie was sure Dylan was gone, she reached into her bag and pulled out her PalmPilot. She was feeling inspired. She thought about how great it would be to have everyone in the school, especially the older girls, rely on her for the latest beauty products and makeup advice. Chris Abeley would be in awe of her high-powered hobby and forget all about their age difference. She would never have to worry about little things like Claire threatening her social status again. She would be untouchable.
CURRENT STATE OF THE UNION
IN
OUT
HOMEBODY
BODY SHOP
CEOs
BFFs
MAKEUP MOGUL
FASHION DESIGNER

T HE G UESTHOUSE T HE L IVING R OOM
    5:00 P.M . September 5th
    “Did Mom tell you I’m having a sleepover party tonight?” Todd asked Claire. She was lying on the white L-shaped couch, flipping through the TV channels and eating mint chocolate-chip ice cream.
    Claire rolled her eyes. “I’m going out with my new friend Layne,” she said.
    Todd reached over and tried to force his spoon into the carton, but Claire blocked him with her elbow.
    “Wait, how many people are coming over?” Claire asked. She found it hard to believe he already knew enough people invite to a “party.”
    “Eleven,” Todd said. “Twelve if Stevie Levine can get out of his stepbrother’s bar mitzvah dinner.”
    Todd lunged again, knocked Claire’s spoon out of the way, and scooped out the biggest chunk of chocolate there was. Claire didn’t flinch.
    “How do you have twelve friends already?” Claire asked.
    “The raisins.” Todd said. “I told you.”
    Kendra knocked lightly on the front door, letting herself in before anyone could answer. She was wearing a pair of crisp-looking black pants and a baby blue cashmere sweater set. Even when she was just spending the day at home, she still looked perfectly put together.
    As soon as Claire spotted Kendra she took her feet off the couch and sat up straight.
    “My mom isn’t home,” Claire said.
    “Actually, I came to see you, Claire.” Kendra’s voice was calm and smooth.
    “Oh!” Claire squeaked with surprise. “You did?”
    “Every Friday night Massie has a sleepover and I’d like you to come tonight,” Kendra said. “That is, of course, if you don’t already have plans.”
    “Thanks, but I’m sure Massie doesn’t want me at her party,” Claire said.
    “Who would?” Todd said.
    “Shut up,” Claire mumbled. She pinched her brother on the arm and kicked him off the couch. None of this fazed Kendra. She was all business.
    “I insist,” Kendra said. “And Massie insists. Come by at 7:30 P.M . and don’t worry about a sleeping bag; we’ll have everything you need.”
    “
Massie
insists?” Claire asked.
    “Yes.”
    “Okay,” Claire said. “Thanks.”
    “Wait, I thought you already had pla—,” Todd tried to say. But Claire kicked him off the couch again before he could finish.
    The instant Claire heard the front door close, she jumped off the couch and ran upstairs to her bedroom.
    She grabbed a jumble of clothes off the chair in front of her desk, tossed them onto the floor, and sat down at her computer. As soon as she moved the mouse, her dancing bananas screen saver melted away, revealing her wallpaper—a picture of her friends back home. In the picture Sarah, Sari, and Mandy were