Of course, she’d never been especially lucky.
As Summer walked with Kendall toward the cafeteria, apprehension churned in her gut. Meeting people had been hard enough when she’d first moved here. As soon as Summer proved she could dance, Kendall had pulled her into her circle of friends. She’d gotten comfortable there and remained isolated in her little group. Once she started dating Cody, she’d been so all about him that she made him most of her world.
And now she had to figure out what to say to a complete stranger. A complete stranger whom she was supposed to help somehow.
“I’m still so annoyed we don’t get to go anywhere for lunch. Closed campus sucks.” Kendall ran her icy-blue eyes down the girl in front of them and leaned closer to Summer. “What was that girl thinking, putting that skirt with those leggings? The stripes are so not flattering.”
Summer didn’t say anything. Already, she was going over greetings and good starter topics in her head.
“Are you even listening to me?” Kendall asked.
“Oh, um, I guess her outfit looks okay to me.”
“That’s right. You used to be fashion-challenged, too. Thank goodness you met me.”
Looking down at her own clothes, Summer realized Kendall heavily influenced what she wore. While she didn’t think she’d ever been fashion-challenged, it was true she’d gotten more into clothing and accessories once she moved here. Dressier, perfectly coordinated outfits had replaced the T-shirts and jeans she used to wear. Her feet were now conditioned for long days in heels. She even noticed when people didn’t match or wore two different styles that didn’t go together, something she never used to think about.
“Hey guys,” Kendall said as Jack and Cody headed toward them. Jack put his arm around Kendall; Cody reached out and grabbed Summer’s hand. Together, they finished the walk to the cafeteria.
Kendall twisted a lock of her hair around her finger. “So once we get to our table, I’ve got a few music suggestions for our dance routine.”
Summer had a feeling this wasn’t going to go over too well, but she didn’t have a choice anymore. “Actually, I’ve got to go talk to some people. I’m going to have lunch with them.”
“You’re not going to sit with me?” Cody asked.
“Not today.”
Cody’s posture stiffened. “Are you punishing me?”
Kendall didn’t let Summer answer him before adding her complaint. “Whatever it is can’t be more important than choosing the music for our routine. We don’t have a lot of time.”
“I’m sure whatever you and the girls decide is fine for music. You can show it to me at practice.” Summer turned to Cody, flinching at his hurt expression. “You’re not being punished. I’ll see you after school, okay?”
She spotted Troy in the corner, waiting for her. “Later,” she called over her shoulder, quickening her step before either of them could protest further. When she reached Troy, she swung an arm in front of her. “After you, Mister Bond.”
She followed him to the back of the lunchroom, where he stopped at the last, tucked-into-a-corner table. “Hey guys,” he said. “What’s going on?”
“Aaron and Darren are locked in a heated death match again,” a girl with mousy-colored hair said.
“A death match?” Summer glanced at the two boys who were the epitome of nerd. They both had giant foreheads, round glasses, and long limbs exploding out of their tiny torsos. “That sounds serious.”
“It’s just chess,” the girl said.
One of the guys froze, his hand hovering over one of the pieces. “
Troy seemed unfazed, like this happened all the time. “So, I want you guys to meet Summer.”
All eyes moved to her.
“This is Aaron and Darren.” Troy pointed at the two boys playing chess. “Twins, in case it wasn’t obvious.”
They flashed her identical toothy grins. “Nice to meet you,” one of them said.
“Howdy,” the other added.
“They’re also amazing with computers and math. That’s Marcie.” Troy pointed at the girl who’d informed them about the death match. Everything about the girl was plain. No makeup. Faded, shapeless clothes. Hair pulled into a low ponytail.
“Nelson.” Troy motioned toward a pale kid with startling black hair. The charcoal hue had to be the result of hair dye.
“And this is Ashlyn.” Troy pointed to the last person in the group. The one Summer needed to get close to.
Ashlyn’s shiny brown hair hung down past her shoulders. She had on a cute red top that brought out the color in her cheeks. She looked healthy. A little too healthy.
A wave of guilt hit Summer. She felt bad her mind automatically went all judgmental. “Hi everyone,” she said when she realized she should say something.
Ashlyn narrowed her eyes and gave Summer the once over. “So, what are you doing over here at the island of misfits? We’re not your usual group.”
Summer shrugged. “I thought I should get to know more people. Broaden my horizons.”
“Yay for us,” Ashlyn mumbled.
“Mind if I join you guys for lunch?” Summer asked, determined not to give up.
Marcie scooted over, making room for Summer and Troy.
Summer sat down and ate a few bites of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich before trying again. “So, Ashlyn, Troy tells me you’re a fan of Unicorn Stench.”
“I like all awesome bands,” Ashlyn said.
“See, I usually go for the un-awesome.”
Ashlyn glared. Like Kendall, she didn’t seem to be a fan of sarcasm.
Summer looked to Troy for support. He was talking to the Nelson kid, no longer part of the conversation with Ashlyn. Giving up on his help, she turned her attention back to the girl. “Anyway, I can’t wait to hear their new stuff.”
“Me neither,” Ashlyn said. Not with any enthusiasm, but the hate seemed to be at bay for now.
Summer’s gaze drifted to her usual table, where all her friends sat, laughing and talking. She wanted to be over there with them, where things wouldn’t be all weird, and forget this whole thing. With a sigh, she turned back to her sandwich and the girl she was ordered to get to know by the Angel of Death.
Chapter Five
Summer changed into her T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers and headed into the gym. Most of the girls were already warming up. They had their limbs taut, stretching and prepping for practice. Summer was able to squeeze in a few stretches before Kendall stood in the middle of the floor and ordered everyone to get into position.
No matter what else was going on, at least she had dancing to help block out all the other stress in her life. Back in Chicago, Summer had quit the school dance team before the end of the season, unable to focus or deal with life in general, much less learn new routines. But when she and Dad moved here, she decided she missed it too much—even if it did remind her of Mom. It reminded her of the good things, which helped keep the bad memory at bay.
Kendall displayed the new moves. Since Summer had seen them at the beach party, picking them up was a cinch. They went over it several times all together before breaking into groups and practicing to the music.
