Read Online Playing With Fire by Francine Pascal - Free Book Online Page B

Robin began to regret that she’d agreed to come. She kept glancing at her watch, hoping the night would end as soon as possible. She was grateful when Elizabeth and Todd said they wanted to leave after the first set. Her torture would soon be over.
    By the time they got back on the coast highway, the fog had lifted, revealing a clear, star-filled sky. The group was quiet, as the evening had been a disappointment for all of them. Elizabeth passed the time gazing out at the shoreline. She found the scenery hauntingly beautiful and thought that someday she’d like to sit by the sea and write a story.
    About five miles from the turnoff for Sweet Valley, Elizabeth noticed a black Porsche parked along one of the side roads leading to the water. When she realized who it belong to, she let out a gasp. Not that there was only one black Porsche in the whole world, but the license plate 1BRUCE1 gave away its owner’s identity. It was Bruce Patman’s.
    So much for a night at the country club.
    Elizabeth didn’t want to think about what Bruce and her sister were doing on that dark, deserted path. She wanted to forget she’d seen the car.
    But Robin wouldn’t let her. “Hey, isn’t that Bruce Patman’s car?” she cried as they passed the gleaming vehicle. “I wonder what it’s doing down here. He and Jessica were going out tonight, weren’t they, Liz?”
    â€œYes, Robin.”
    â€œThey make a really super-looking couple, don’t you think?” Robin prattled. “But everyone in school seems down on them. I wonder why.”
    â€œSome things aren’t worth wondering about,” Winston muttered.
    â€œWell, I’m really happy for Jessica. She told me she’s in love with Bruce. I think that’s so romantic. She’s so beautiful, and he’s gorgeous. They deserve each other, I’d say.”
    â€œI’d say you’ve said enough,” Winston grumbled. “Look, Todd, would you mind taking me home first? I’m done in.”
    Robin sank as deeply into the seat as she could. Me and my big mouth, she berated herself. She was sure she’d just thrown any chance she might have had with Winston right out the window.
    A short while later, after dropping off Winston and Robin, Todd pulled up in front of Elizabeth’s house. They exchanged a kiss—it was warm and loving, and Elizabeth found it comforting. Todd always seems to know what I need, she told herself. Then she fell into the crook of Todd’s arm. “I’m glad you understand about tonight. I had no idea the place was such a dive.”
    â€œI didn’t mind, really. I just feel sorry for The Droids. Their first big date—and it’s a bust.”
    â€œYeah, a disappointing night for a lot of people.”
    â€œLike our friends in the backseat?”
    Elizabeth nodded. “Poor Win. I don’t ever remember seeing him so quiet. Maybe I shouldn’t have talked him into coming.”
    â€œNah, even a bad night out is better than a lonely night at home. Though, if you ask me, he didn’t even give Robin a chance.”
    â€œWin made it very clear to me that he wasn’t interested in her. I invited him along because I thought it’d help him take his mind off Jessica.”
    Todd sighed. “It figures she’s at the bottom of this. That girl causes more trouble than anyone I’ve ever known.”
    â€œOh, it’s not her fault she doesn’t love him. He’s had a thing for her for way too long.”
    â€œHe’s wasting his time.”
    â€œI know. But he can’t get her out of his system.” She sighed. “Funny, it sounds exactly like Jessica’s feelings about Bruce.”
    â€œBut Jessica’s doing something about her feelings. Ask anybody.” Elizabeth shot him a questioning look, and Todd turned away quickly. He felt he’d said more than he wanted to and hoped she would change