is something like a spontaneous rally, where everyone shows up to donate money.”
“Or bags of food,” Chad said.
“Exactly!” Jessica flashed him a wide smile. “But if we want to inspire kids to join in, we need to keep it simple. How about a canned-food drive?”
Everyone was nodding, so I did, too. At Thanksgiving last year, Alyce and I had volunteered at a homeless shelter. I’d gotten this emotional rush, and realized that I liked helping people. Jessica seemed genuine about her project, too. But what about Leah? Was she motivated by a big heart or a big ego?
I’d probably never know.
The canned-food drive got a unanimous vote. But no one could think of a fun event to bring in a crowd. “Hardly anyone will stay after school just to donate food,” Jessica added. “What should we do?”
Moniqua wanted a have a dance-a-thon; Kat thought a game like Bingo might be fun; and Chad offered to invite a famous pro-golfer pal to sign autographs. No one asked me for any suggestions, so I sat quietly, listening.
After a while, Mrs. Bradley came in wearing a flowing flowered skirt and a lei. “The Hawaiian barbeque is ready,” she announced. Tangy and sweet aromas swirled deliciously in from the kitchen. “But go ahead and finish your meeting. Everything is being kept warm in heated dishes, so no rush. When you’re ready, join me in the sun room.”
“Smells great,” Chad said, smacking his lips appreciatively.
“Nothing fancy tonight, simply casual buffet.” Mrs. Bradley reached up to tuck a white blossom behind her ears. “I hope you don’t mind serving yourselves. The little boys can be so noisy, so I’m letting them eat in the playroom with their nanny.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Jessica said.
“How old are your brothers now?” Moniqua asked. “I just love little kids.”
“Three and five, and they’re adorable little monsters,” Jessica said fondly. “But I’m glad they won’t eat with us — they love having food fights and I don’t think any of us wants to wear more food than we eat.”
I was the only one who didn’t laugh. My little sisters loved food fights, too. Cherry, Melonee, and Olive always giggled hysterically from their high chairs when they tossed food at each other. I used to get mad, but now I’d give anything to hug them — even if it meant getting splattered with spaghetti and green beans.
“Returning to our agenda.” Jessica tapped the end of her pen against the coffee table. “Any more ideas?”
The others shook their heads while I continued to be silent, wondering if this was usual for Leah. I’d expected her to be the take-charge type, but instead that role seemed to fall to Jessica. Still, I did have some ideas. I thought of the list I’d prepared before the car accident, which was full of charity-event ideas, the names of local businesses that frequently donated to good causes, and raffle items that parents, teachers, and students couldn’t resist.
Should I stay quiet, as everyone seemed to expect? The more I talked, the more chance there was of making a mistake and saying something totally un-Leah. Still, good ideas were a shame to waste. Biting my lower lip, I slowly raised my hand.
“Yes, Leah?” Jessica said. “What’s on your mind?”
“I think we should … um … have a raffle.”
“We don’t have enough time to come up with fantabulous prizes.” Jessica flipped a page of her notebook and scratched something out. “I just don’t see it as possible.”
“But it is possible,” I continued in a louder voice. “I know what to do.”
“You do? Really?” Jessica sat the notebook down, staring with clear surprise.
She wasn’t the only one staring at me. The others watched curiously, puzzled even, as if this was a new behavior for Leah. My heart jumped. Oops. If only I could swallow my words. I’d never felt so out of my element — not even that other time at Jessica’s. At least for a while, there, I’d had Eli and all that chocolate. But this was like acting on stage — without knowing any of my lines — in front of a tough audience. I was sure I was saying everything wrong.
Then I was saved from answering — by the maid.
The dark-haired girl appeared in the doorway. “Excuse me,” she told Jessica.
“Yes, Violet? What is it?”
“You have another guest.” She moved aside, gesturing for someone behind her to step forward.
No way! I thought. My hand flew to my mouth, cutting off my gasp.
Chad stood and demanded, “Who the hell invited you?”
It was Eli.
25
A marathon of emotions raced through my head as I stared at Eli — none of them having to do with fundraisers. Thrill, shock, disbelief, and a wicked amount of desire. I wanted to rush up and throw my arms around him. My sweaty palms, pounding heart and chills added up to trouble. Eli was just a friend, yet seeing him so close and unexpectedly made me crazy happy.
“What a surprise, Eli.” Jessica’s lips puckered with irritation. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“You better have a good reason for butting into our meeting,” Chad warned.
“I do.” His gaze sought mine, sending a message I didn’t understand.
“Well, what is it?” Chad demanded. “Does Dad want me at the dealership?”
“No, Dad’s cool. I came to … to offer help with your fundraiser. I’m all for helping starving kids.”
“This is a private meeting.”
“It’s all for a good cause and I’m here, so why not let me help?”
“Just how did you get here?” Chad scowled at his brother. “Dad said you weren’t to borrow any of his cars without asking again.”
“I asked Mom.” Eli sniffed the air. “Hmmm, what smells so good?”
“Hawaiian barbeque. Mrs. B always makes plenty; maybe you could stay.” Kat grinned at him, a bit too flirtatiously in my opinion. “I’ve seen you around school but we’ve never been introduced. You must be Chad’s younger brother.”
“Only a year younger. But I’m in honors classes, and I’m already taking some college-level classes.”
“You are such a pathetic geek.” Chad rolled his eyes. “I’ve told you not to bug my friends, so get out of here.”
“Oh, let him stay.” Kat came over and ran her fingers up Eli’s arm. “On reality shows, geeks are full of surprises. I’ll bet Eli has some great ideas.”
Not the kind of ideas you have in mind, I almost spat at her. What an obvious flirt. It took supreme control not to yank her hand away from Eli’s arm. But I didn’t have any rights to Eli. Leah belonged to his brother.
“Speaking of ideas,” I said, “I was about to tell Jessica my idea for the fundraiser.”
“Can’t it wait?” Eli gave me another one of those looks. “I need to talk to you. Now.”
“You need to talk to
“People change.” Eli stepped toward me. “Leah, you can make your own decisions. Do you want to talk with me or would you rather stay here?”
“Of course she’d rather stay here.” Chad planted a firm arm around my waist. “Leah’s got better things to do than talk to you.”
“Excuse me, but this is my meeting.” Jessica gestured to her notebook. “Can we get back to the fundraising discussion? I want to hear what Leah has to say.”
Eli leaned around his brother to look into my face. “You know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. I heard you were going to be here and knew it might be my last chance — maybe yours, too. Who do you really want to be?”
