Page 27

Miles had tutored me for a bit last year. I’d fallen behind in some subjects after a month of demanding dance rehearsals had left me with no time to study. One thing Miles had done was to create a detailed homework timetable to help me catch up, and I was using the same schedule again this year. Since I wasn’t behind this year, it was actually helping me get ahead in some subjects.

“Your dad still putting the pressure on?”

I glanced down at my hands and nodded. “He’s on my case, but he hasn’t seen any test results yet, so he’s not too bad.” So far, this year, my dad had just been going about his usual routine of checking I was doing my homework every night and reminding me I needed to do well if I wanted to get into a good college. Once my assignments and test papers started coming in, he’d really start to stress me out. I was studying so much because I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen this year.

“Well, let me know if you need a hand with anything. I know it seems like I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’ve always got time to help you.”

“Thanks, Miles.” I gave him a warm smile. I wasn’t as naturally talented at schoolwork as my brother, but I was really seeing a difference now that I was putting in extra hours. If I kept it up, I was hoping I wouldn’t need any help at all.

The front doorbell rang, signaling Mia’s and Tessa’s arrival. They were both already dressed for Dizzy, wearing short skirts and lots of makeup. Two identical looks of horror crossed their faces when they saw my jeans and T-shirt combo.

“You’re not wearing that,” Tessa said, with a shake of her head. “And are you even wearing makeup?”

“I’m wearing lip gloss.” Apparently, that didn’t count.

“You’ll never pass for twenty-one if you go looking like that,” Mia said. “And this look is certainly not in line withthe plan.” She whispered the last part and glanced around, seemingly concerned that Chase or my brother might be within earshot.

“You don’t have to worry,” I said. “Chase and Shane left hours ago, and my dad’s so buried in work he wouldn’t hear a fire alarm going off.”

“Good.” Mia nodded. “We just need to worry about getting you changed then.”

I let out a sigh and started to lead the way up to my room. “Okay, okay, I’ll change.”

The girls followed me up while Miles stayed downstairs. I’d seen him heading to the living room and suspected he was already turning on the PlayStation. I kind of wished I was playing it with him rather than playing dress up with the girls.

Tessa sat me down and started on my makeup while Mia began to riffle through my wardrobe. She ended up picking out a short leather skirt I’d worn last Halloween and a cropped top that left a sliver of my stomach showing. I wasn’t totally on board with the outfit they’d chosen, but with two against one, I was sadly outnumbered.

“You look hot,” Tessa said when they were finally finished with me.

I glanced in the mirror and gasped as I eyed my reflection. My eye makeup was dark and sultry, and my tall heels made my legs look like they went for miles. I felt like I was staring at a different person in the mirror, and I couldn’t decide if I liked the change or not.

“You don’t think this is a little over the top?” I asked. I’d never been to a club before, so I had no idea what most people wore.

“Nope, you look perfect,” Mia said. “You’ll fit right in.”

I chewed on my lower lip as I stared at my reflection. With Tessa and Mia standing on either side of me, I guess I didn’t look all that out of place. I took a deep breath and nodded. This was happening, and there wasn’t a lot I could do to stop it. “I guess we better get going then,” I announced, trying to sound confident, as I turned to the door.

“We better get going,” the girls agreed.

We headed downstairs, and I was almost to the front door when my dad emerged from his office. He was rubbing his face tiredly, and as he lowered his hand, his eyes went wide.

“Ally? What is that you’re wearing?” he asked.

“Busted,” Mia whispered under her breath.

The concern etched on his face was clear, but it was also mixed with confusion as he waited for me to respond.

“It’s just a skirt and top, Dad.”

He shook his head, clearly unhappy with my choice of outfit. “I thought you were studying at Tessa’s tonight. You don’t look dressed for studying.”

I swallowed and glanced in the direction of my friends. Mia and Tessa both wore sheepish expressions as they stared at the floor. Miles had also appeared in the corridor, and his face was grave as he looked between my father and I.

“I finished my homework for the weekend this afternoon,” I explained. “And it’s only the first week so there aren’t any tests to study for yet or assignments due.”

Dad pursed his lips as he considered me.

“There’s a small gathering at Gemma Hawthorne’s house, and we thought we’d go to it,” I quickly continued. It was a cover story we’d come up with earlier, and I was really glad Tessa thought ahead about these things because otherwise I’d be screwed. There was no way I could tell my dad about Dizzy. “Please can I go?”