Read Online The Best Friend by Melody Carlson - Free Book Online

forced a smile and concocted a quick plan. “I just spotted your new girlfriend.”
    â€œHuh?”
    â€œYou know who.”
    â€œLike I said, Gillian and I aren’t really together. We went out a couple of times, that’s all.”
    â€œThen you’re not aware that she goes around telling everyone you’re madly in love with her?”
    â€œWhat?” He looked confused.
    â€œOr maybe you are aware? But, seriously, Gillian Rodowski? I’m surprised you’d settle for someone like that.” She acted like she wanted to escape now. “Seriously, she’s coming this way and I’m so outta here.”
    â€œWait.” He put a hand on her arm. “What you said about Ril—”
    â€œHey, Dayton,” Gillian said in a silky voice, linking her arm into his in what was clearly a territorial gesture as she gazed into his eyes. “What’s up, my man?”
    Dayton looked uneasy, and Lishia tossed him a knowing glance. “See what I mean?” she said quietly.
    â€œWhat?” Gillian turned to Lishia, then blinked in surprise. “Lishia Vance?”
    Lishia smirked. “Gillian Rodowski?”
    Gillian reached over and flicked a strand of Lishia’s hair. “I see you took my advice and got that dull ’do revived.” She laughed in a mean way.
    Lishia remembered Riley’s list. “Speaking of advice . . .” She sniffed the air, then made a disgusted face. “I hear there’s a new deodorant that’s guaranteed to tackle the toughest odors. Maybe you should give it a try.”
    Dayton actually chuckled, and Gillian punched him in the arm.
    â€œOuch!” He frowned at her. “Take it easy.”
    â€œSince we’re sharing advice, here’s a beauty tip for you . . .” Gillian narrowed her eyes. “I know a plastic surgeon who’s a magician at breast implants, and you could certainly use some help in that—”
    â€œLadies, ladies,” Dayton erupted in laughter. “Let’s keep this civilized.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Lishia assured Dayton, then turned to Gillian. “I really can’t trust your recommendation of a plastic surgeon”—she pointed at Gillian’s face—“seeing how you’re still stuck with that nose and all.” Now she smiled at Dayton. “I think it’s sweet that you’re able to overlook that sort of thing.” She patted his cheek for drama. “It speaks highly of your character.”
    Dayton seemed partly stunned and partly amused. Meanwhile, Gillian looked like she wanted to shred Lishia to pieces. Lishia decided not to stick around to find out. She gave them both a little finger wave and turned and walked away—hoping that Gillian didn’t have a knife on her. As Lishia made her way across the crowded room, she realized her knees were actually trembling. She couldn’t believe what she’d just said, what nerve she’d shown (or was it stupidity?), and all without the aid of alcohol either! She did feel a little uneasy about something . . . something she couldn’t really put her finger on . . . or maybe she didn’t want to. But Gillian deserved that. She had it coming. And more.

six
    I s it true?” Riley asked Lishia when they met up again in the backyard. Lishia had slipped out, retreating into the shadows back behind the area where the band was playing. She still couldn’t quite believe what she’d done in there, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to face Gillian again. Instead she’d found a lawn chair, making herself comfortable while listening to the music, and it turned out the band wasn’t too bad.
    â€œIs what true?” She sat up straight and peered at Riley.
    â€œThat you and Gillian got into a big fight?”
    Lishia shrugged. “Not exactly a big fight.”
    Riley looked disappointed. “Brandon Procter said