Read Online Black and White and Gray All Over by Rachel Wise - Free Book Online

chatting and eating. We got into talking about our favorite writers and the best books we’d ever read . . . something I never discuss with Hailey or even Michael, despite the fact that he’s a words guy. It felt great to realize we had a lot of the same tastes, and we exchanged e-mail addresses because Kate promised to e-mail me a list of the books she’dloved in the past year. She actually keeps a list of every book she’s ever read (I hope she doesn’t tell Michael that, because then he’ll start calling her Listy too and I’ll be jealous!). We decided that if we had time after lunch, we’d stop by the library and pick out some books, just for pleasure reading. I was psyched.
    We were having such a good time that it wasn’t until we stood to leave that I spotted Hailey eating in another corner of the cafeteria all by herself.
    I crossed the room quickly, calling, “Hails!” as I walked.
    She looked up, but she didn’t smile. She was just starting her lunch.
    â€œHey, why didn’t you sit with us?” I asked in surprise as Kate drew up behind me.
    Hailey shrugged. “You guys were engrossed. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
    â€œAre you nuts, Jones?” I said. “Interrupt?”
    â€œWhatever,” she said. It seemed like she was mad at me.
    I put my tray down. “We can sit with you now, if you like? I still have ten minutes till my nextclass,” I said, conveniently forgetting about going to the library with Kate.
    â€œNo, I’m fine. I have to study. I have a quiz after this.” She reached down and brought up a workbook.
    â€œWant me to quiz you?” I offered. Usually we would have studied together.
    â€œThat’s okay,” she said.
    Behind me, Kate said, “Girls, I’ll leave you to it. I’ve got to go choose a book for later. See you soon, I hope!” And she left.
    I felt torn. I would have loved to go to the library with Kate and look at books, make comments and recommendations, chat about writing. But I could hardly walk away from my best friend eating lunch alone in the cafeteria.
    â€œBye, Kate,” I called after her, feeling like a traitor all around.
    I sighed heavily.
    â€œYou don’t have to stay,” said Hailey.
    I looked at her. “I want to. I . . . I miss you,” I said.
    Hailey melted. “I miss you, too! I feel likewe never see each other anymore!”
    â€œI know. It was like we got into this rut of doing only homework together and that wasn’t fun. And then you’ve been spending time with Jenna, and I’ve been jealous, and . . .”
    â€œI know. And now you’re besties with Kate,” added Hailey, looking away.
    â€œWhat?” I sputtered, disbelieving. “Are you kidding?”
    Hailey looked back at me and grinned. “Yes.”
    I fake whacked her with a napkin. “You got me, you jerk.”
    â€œBusted. She isn’t bad, though, right? I do like her. I think you’ll be friends when all this newspaper stuff blows over.”
    â€œI hope so,” I admitted. “Not best friends, of course. That job is filled. Meanwhile, my mother has invited you to the movies and a sleepover. When can you come?” I asked with a grin.
    Hailey laughed. “Just your mother? Thanks a lot, Sam.”
    â€œAnd me too, of course. And probably Allie, since she does love to have her fans around at alltimes. Are you free this weekend?” I asked.
    â€œYes, for sure. I have an outing Saturday for my class, but I am free tonight or late Saturday.”
    â€œLet’s do it tonight, then,” I said, happy to have a weekend plan.
    â€œI’m glad you admitted you miss me,” said Hailey.
    â€œI lied,” I said with a grin and a wink. Peace Talks Thaw Diplomatic Freeze.
    When I got home, I e-mailed Kate. It said:
    R u free Saturday afternoon? Want to go to Starbucks n bookstore?