Caryn’s final piece of news was that Kendal had accepted Ms. Dixon’s offer and was moving to Chicago to work with Tom. She’d trained Megan on how to sell my photos to the various websites. We would still work with all the models and Ford to maintain and expand that stream of income. Tom had given that up so he could steal Kendal away. Megan was also working for Adrienne to help her with her back-office bookkeeping needs. Tom would be my lawyer for entertainment matters. Ms. Dixon would be responsible overall, especially if I got myself into trouble. I wasn’t sure how Kendal fit in, but I would be 18 soon and wouldn’t need a chaperone. Caryn or my parents would fill that role for the next few months.
◊◊◊
After I left the offices, I drove to Halle’s. I’m not sure who was happier to see me, Bandit or Halle. I tossed his squeaky mouse while we talked.
“Our play is this weekend,” she reminded me.
“I suppose I have to skip the dojo and come to play practice after baseball.”
“That’s probably a good idea. You also have to be my date for the cast party Saturday night. I plan to have a few drinks and need you to keep me from doing something stupid.”
“What if you do something stupid with me?” I asked.
“Like what?”
“I could show you my tan lines,” I teased.
Halle gave me an exasperated look and then smiled when I waggled my eyebrows.
“Mom! David and I are going to work on our lines!” Halle called out.
“Take your cat with you!” Rita called back.
“Come on, Crybaby,” I said, picking up Bandit.
He showed me he’d killed his mouse. Halle tolerated my praising him for being a big-game hunter. When we got to her room, I became the hunter. Halle squealed when I picked her up, tossed her on the bed, and then pounced on her. I made a big deal of showing her my tan lines.
Halle wiggled out of her clothes, and it was game on. Brook and Cassidy had been fun all week, but there was just something about Halle. I missed the heck out of her, and she showed me she missed me every bit as much. When I finally rolled off her, Bandit climbed up and settled on my chest. The three of us curled up and had a nap.
◊◊◊
My next stop was to see Pam. Lacy met me at the door and invited me to dinner. We spent the evening looking at my vacation photos. Pam told me that Greg had been a perfect gentleman like I knew he would. He offered to let her come to his place and get free massages until she had the baby. He’d explained that I paid him back in babysitting services.
Pam lured me to her bedroom with the plan to give her a massage. One thing led to another, and I fell asleep with her in my arms.
◊◊◊ Monday April 4
I arrived at school and found Tracy, Pam, and to my surprise, Lisa. At first, I didn’t recognize her because she was in jeans and a sweatshirt. I’d never seen her in anything other than a short skirt before.
“You like?” Tracy asked.
“Yeah, you look good,” I said to Lisa. “I thought you couldn’t wear jeans.”
“Turns out pure silk underwear doesn’t irritate me and allows me to wear pants,” Lisa supplied.
It was strange to see Lisa looking like a typical teen. I was sure most of the guys would be disappointed. Brook might be happy that she no longer had competition, though.
“I found out who hacked your blog and posted it: Alan Douglas.”
All three girls got mad. Pam and Tracy worried me because of Pam’s stun gun and Tracy’s pepper spray.
“I suggest you tell Mr. Palm, because Alan posted it on the school’s chat site,” I recommended.
The girls huddled up and then walked off. I wasn’t sure what they planned to do, but so long as they left me out of it, I was happy.
◊◊◊
Famous last words. Lisa threw me under the bus when Alan tried to deny it. I found myself in Mr. Palm’s office with my mom during third period.
“I need your help in clearing up something. Lisa Felton says you told her Alan Douglas stole her personal blog and posted it on the Lincoln Chat Board. This is a serious matter, and Alan has denied any involvement,” Mr. Palm said.
“Get him in here,” my mom said.
I was surprised when Mr. Palm did just that. Alan had a cocky smile on his face until he saw my mom. I just shrugged to let him know that it wasn’t me and he was on his own.
“Tell Mr. Palm the truth,” Mom ordered.
Their eyes locked, and Alan was the first to look away. He knew when he was beaten.
“I did it. I posted Lisa’s blog on the chat board,” he admitted.
“Alan, cyberbullying is taken very seriously at Lincoln High,” Mr. Palm started.
“He’ll never do anything like this again. Isn’t that right, Alan?” Mom asked.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll never do something like this again, I promise,” Alan said.
“I’m sure you won’t, but there will have to be consequences for your actions,” Mr. Palm said.
“Something that confuses me is how it was taken down. Whoever did it wiped all traces of the post, even those forwarded,” Alan said.
“I don’t believe you need us for the rest of this,” I said and stood up to leave.
Mr. Palm tilted his head and gave me a funny look.
