Read Online Fire and Ice by Michele Barrow-Belisle - Free Book Online

new . Of course you have questions, dear.”
    He smiled, and I thought she might actually drop on the floor in convulsions.
    â€œIf you would like to stay after class, I’d be happy to make myself available to you for extra help.” The hopefulness in her voice bordered on desperation.
    Abby tossed a note at me which landed next to my desk. She probably wants him to pose for her next still life… in the buff . I wrinkled my nose and crunched the paper up, before he could see it.
    â€œThank you, but I’m fine, Mrs. Burnstin. Lorelei has been of great help.”
    â€œWell, good then,” she said, clearing her throat. She was clearly as disappointed as Brianne. By the time his little theatrical exchange was done, I was ready to give a standing ovation.
    His gaze returned to mine and I quickly lowered my eyes. Once again, he handed me my pencil. I thanked him without looking up.
    When class was finally dismissed, I’d done less than the minimum amount work required to get through art class. Way too much distraction. I threw my stuff into my backpack and looked up just as Brianne stepped into my line of sight.
    â€œSo Lorelei, you ready for the performance tonight?” Except for when she was singing, she had a sickly sweet voice as unmistakably phony as the fake sugar in those pastel packets… probably just as carcinogenic too. She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder.
    â€œAs ready as I’m going to be,” I replied without looking up.
    â€œToo bad you’ll be all alone… no shoulder to cry on, when… you-know-what happens.”
    â€œNo, actually, Brianne, I don’t know what.” I stood, facing her head on.
    A slow malicious smile spread across her annoyingly smug face. She lowered her voice.
    â€œ What is you falling flat on your butt… in front of an audience… Do you seriously think I’d just forgive and forget? I only wish you weren’t so pathetic and actually had a date for a change. It would make my victory that much sweeter.” She folded her arms across her chest.
    An arm draped across my shoulder.
    â€œActually, she has a date.” Adrius grinned at Brianne, and then at me. “I’m still picking you up at six sharp… right?”
    â€œâ€¦Um… sure…”
    Brianne looked like she’d been slapped. I admit it was enjoyable watching her try to process how the hot new guy could possibly be going out with me. Her mouth gaped opened, but nothing came out.
    â€œSee you later, Bri. And good luck tonight.” He winked as she stumbled away speechless.
    It was the first time I ever saw her look clumsy.
    My sharp-eared, best friend Abby, bounded across the art room and pulled me aside. “Excuse us for a minute.” She beamed at Adrius while yanking my arm. If there was anything that resembled hooking up going on, Abby knew about it. She had this unexplainable radar that honed in on anything romance-related. Plus she could spot which guys played for our team, as she put it, and which ones didn’t. Between her radar and gaydar , she almost always had the when-where-why scoop on who was doing-what-with-whom.
    She peered at me from round, dark eyes set in her coffee-skinned, pretty face; her long black hair was held back with a wide hair band. “So? What’s the deal? You’re going out with the new guy?”
    â€œNo, I’m not, it was just… he was just being… nice. He wasn’t serious.”
    Abby crossed her arms then rolled her eyes. I took a deep breath and braced myself, because I knew a lecture was coming.
    â€œOf course he was serious. You’re not actually going to turn him down are you?”
    I stole a glance at Adrius who was meticulously collecting his books and placing them in a designer leather messenger bag.
    â€œI haven’t decided.”
    Abby exhaled a long, disgusted Are-you-insane? sigh. “What is wrong with you girl? You do realize