Perfect Mistake (Privilege 3)

Out, one. . . two. . . three. . .

In, one. . . two . . . three. . .

Out, one . . . two . . . three . . .

Not only could she not tell the truth about Kaitlynn, but she had to talk her up. Had to get her an invitation to the NoBash. With Kaitlynn threatening murder at every turn, Ariana wasn't about to take chances. She would not allow herself be killed over something as trifling as a party invite.

"She's pretty cool," Ariana said finally, feeling as if she was going to vomit or faint or both. "Actually, I was going to ask you, Brigit," Ariana said, looking over her shoulder. "Do you have any invites left for the NoBash?"

Brigit tore her eyes away from Adam's cute face and glanced curiously over at Kaidynn. "A couple. Why? Do you want me to invite her?"

Actually, I'd rather you tear out every strand of hair from my head one by one, Ariana thought.

"No. I mean, I wouldn't presume to tell you who to invite," Ariana said with a wave of her hand.

"But if you're friends with her . . ." Brigit said.

Ariana tasted bile in the back of her throat. "Don't invite her on my account. I mean, you should get to know her first so you can decide," she said, sitting up and crossing her legs. She placed her book aside with regret. "I know. Why don't I invite her on our shopping trip? She has to take her last placement exam, but maybe she can meet up with us afterward."

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Brigit and Soomie looked over at Kaitlynn again. She and Palmer were looking over something in a notebook, their heads bent rather close together for Ariana's comfort.

"Okay," Brigit said. "It'd probably be good to get to know her."

"Definitely," Soomie added, starting another text.

Ariana guessed that Soomie was interested in evaluating Kaitlynn for Stone and Grave. Part of her wished Kaitlynn would do something stupid so Soomie would blackball her and this whole thing could be over. If Kaitlynn was kept out because of her own mistakes, she couldn't exactly take it out on Ariana.

Not that she wouldn't anyway. Logic wasn't a big motivating factor for the deranged.

"Good. It's a plan," Ariana said.

Then she replaced her sunglasses over her eyes and tilted her head back so that the sun could warm her face--and so she could monitor Kaitlynn and Palmer out of the corner of her eye.

146

SMOOTH

"Brigit! I just found the perfect shoes to go with your gown!" Lexa announced, jogging up to Brigit and Ariana, who stood before a brightly lit wall peppered with small, silver

shelves, displaying the most gorgeous array of shoes Ariana had ever seen. Behind them, Soomie, Maria, and Kaitlynn were trying on pair after pair of Jimmy Choos and Manolos and Louboutins. Every time Kaitlynn spoke, Ariana's shoulders tensed, so she was trying to tune her out. At least she had been alone with Brigit and Lexa for the gown--shopping portion of the trip. The three of them had hit the shops fast and hard before meeting up with the others for the shoe hunt. In the third boutique they had stormed, Ariana had found the perfect light blue chiffon gown, which was now hanging behind the counter where the salesgirl had offered to keep it safe and crease free while Ariana and her friends shopped."Let me see!" Brigit replied, bright--eyed.

Lexa pulled her hands out from behind her back. Ariana breathed

147

in awe at the silver shoes. They each had one tiny purple stone just to the side of the peep--toe--the exact same shade as Brigit's dress. Unfortunately, they also had three--and--a--half inch heels.

"You can wear them, since your toenails weren't destroyed by some lunatic in the middle of the night," Lexa said with a laugh.

Ariana glanced at Kaitlynn, who was sitting on a leather settee. Her lips twitched ever so slightly. Ariana narrowed her eyes. What had she and Palmer been talking about down by the pond? Did Kaitlynn somehow know about Ariana's thing with Palmer? It made sense, because if she did, then obviously she would go after him. The girl clearly wanted everything Ariana had.

"Lexa! I love them!" Brigit said with false excitement. Then she scowled. "Now put them back."

"But Brigit! Come on!" Lexa wheedled. "You have to wear heels sometime!"

"Wait, you don't wear heels?" Kaitlynn asked, looking up.