Read Online Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore - Free Book Online Page B

love paintball! Does anyone ever—”
    â€œTrevor! Alexis!” barked Ms. Success. “Don’t make me strain my singing voice.”
    Trevor and I stopped talking, and I put my backpack under my desk. He glanced around and whispered. “So if you go to Weber, it must be Emily and Chloe who like me, huh?”
    And we were back on that . I smiled and put a finger to my lips. Then I leaned forward and listened as Ms. Success talked about teamwork.
    â€œNobody can tackle every challenge alone,” she said. “Try moving furniture by yourself. Or building a house. Try choosing a new exotic pet to cheer up your aunt.” She shook her head. “For the record, monkeys are a bad idea.”
    I exchanged a mystified look with Trevor, and the rest of the class buzzed with confusion until Ms. Success clapped her hands.
    â€œThe point is … all of those tasks are made easier when you have help.” She glanced across the room and frowned. “Unless you’re partnered with someone eating their own hair and looking out the window.”
    Everyone followed Ms. Success’s gaze to a blonde girl in the far corner who seemed to be mentally miles away.
    Ms. Success cupped her hands over her mouth and called to her. “Come back to us, Shelly. Your parents are paying good money for that star T-shirt.”
    When Shelly realized we were all watching, she let herhair fall from her mouth and straightened up to face the front of the class.
    â€œNow,” said Ms. Success. “Teamwork …”
    The lesson continued for half an hour until it was time to break. As we followed the rest of the class outside, Trevor pointed out the tricks he used to remember their names. Meanwhile, my brothers did what they did best and mingled with the other students. Parker made the guys laugh and Nick made the girls blush. Even Chloe.
    For my sake, I really hoped she’d fall for Nick and forget all about Trevor. That way, there’d be no drama between her and Emily. Unfortunately, Chloe sauntered over to Trevor and me as soon as she spotted us.
    â€œHey, guys! I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” She smiled at both of us but her eyes quickly flitted to me.
    â€œNope,” I said. “Just discussing teamwork and how great it is.”
    â€œExcellent!” Chloe scooted onto the bench between Trevor and me. “What are you doing for your teamwork assignment?”
    Before I could answer, she groaned and shifted back to her feet.
    â€œEmily the Strange is coming. I’ll talk to you guys later.” She leaned toward me and mumbled, “If you join an interesting group, let me know.”
    I nodded and Chloe waved to Trevor before sprinting away. Emily glanced after her, shrugged, and held a white paper bag out to Trevor and me.
    â€œWant some? I made them myself.”
    She opened the bag and revealed a bunch of wrapped candies smelling strongly of chocolate.
    â€œYum!” I grabbed a couple and so did Trevor.
    â€œThanks, Emily!” he said.
    I popped one into my mouth, chewed, and then stopped. It wasn’t just chocolate. It was chocolate-covered cheese . I tried not to breathe through my nose as I swallowed.
    â€œWhat do you think?” asked Emily, bouncing on her toes. “I call them ‘cheesocolates.’”
    Ordinarily I might have said something sarcastic, but she looked so hopeful.
    â€œMmmm.” I rubbed my stomach. “Unique.”
    Trevor swallowed hard and gave her a thumbs-up. “Where’d you find the recipe?”
    She blushed. “Actually, I got the idea from you.”
    I groaned, remembering Project Trevor.
    â€œFrom me?” he asked.
    â€œI’ve seen you eat Cheetos dipped in pudding,” explained Emily. “I figured you must like the contrast of salty and sweet so I thought I’d make it more portable.” She thrust the bag at us. “Here. Take some more!”
    Trevor and I