The Romeo Club

“Putting it in the garbage.” I grabbed the nightgown by its strap and carried it around to the front of the house, where our trash can was.

“Hey, you. Put that down,” our neighbor from across the street yelled.

I glanced over my shoulder, then turned back to face her, realizing she was talking to me. The red haired woman stalked over to our yard.

“Why did you take my nightgown?” Her eyes narrowed.

“Wait, it wasn’t me. The neighbor’s dog grabbed it.”

“I’m sure. Like some stupid mutt is gonna want my designer lingerie.” She yanked the piece of clothing from my hands. “If you ever come in my yard again, I’ll call the cops.” She shook the lacy garment in my face. After one more nasty look, she stormed back to her house and slammed the door.

Beside me, Kenadi hid her mouth behind her hand as if that’d contain the laughter. At last, she erupted in a fit of giggles. “Oh, my God, you should’ve seen your face.” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her sides.

“Thanks to Jimbo everyone thinks I’m the perv of the neighborhood. Seriously, do I look like the type of person who spends their time sneaking into people’s yards to steal their undergarments and dirty mags?”

“Well, you do seem kind of creepy.” Kenadi bumped into me with her hip.

“You’re not helping here.”

She wiped her eyes and gave me a hug. “Sorry. I promise I’ll quit laughing in a minute.

Which was a total lie. More like it took her five minutes to settle down. And when we got inside and she told Drake what happened, she broke out in another fit of giggles. Good grief, nice to know that my misery was someone else’s humor.

Chapter 18

With my pack slung over my shoulder, I made my way toward my locker only to find Rex, Portia, and Trey standing in front of it.

“Hey, what’s up?” I glanced between them.

“We were just talking about the dinner party this upcoming weekend,” Rex said. “Portia’s dad works with mine, so she’s gotta be there too.”

Portia flung her silky hair over her shoulder. “And I invited Trey, this morning.” She smiled over at him. “So it’ll be like a double date. Remember, we were just talking about this last weekend.”

“Sounds fun, I can’t wait,” I said, shooting Trey an amused glance.

He shrugged.

“You should see Double-D, when she’s all dressed up. Hottest girl around.” Rex nuzzled my cheek.

My face warmed. “Thanks, but let’s not get caught making out in the hallway.”

He sighed, looping an arm over my shoulder. “Aw, you’re ruining my fun.”

Portia giggled. “Your kind of fun will land both of you in the principal’s office.”

Rex’s grin widened. “That could be interesting, what do you say, babe?”

“Let’s not test that out.” My face burned as I wriggled out of his arms and spun the combination on my locker.

He gave me a fake pout. “Fine. But I’m not making any promises for my behavior on Saturday.”

Holy balls. Who let the horn dog out of his coop? He was acting friskier than Jimbo with my mom’s bra.

“I think we better get to class.” My hand caught his before he could do anything else.

***

Rex offered me his arm as we stepped up the wide marble staircase, into a foyer with, at least, sixty foot ceilings. The domed top had paintings of angels and starscapes. At the center of the entrance was a large fountain, made of black and white marble. Water sprayed from a decanter held by a nude statue at the center. This place made Rex’s house look like a shack. His parents knew lots of wealthy people, some of them even celebrities. Everywhere I gazed, I saw artwork, marble, and antique furniture. This so wasn’t my scene.

I smoothed down my long black gown. Thank God, mom loaned me her diamond earrings and necklace or I would’ve felt out of place in this joint.

Rex bent his head down beside mine. “Don’t fidget. You’re the most beautiful girl in here.”

I gave his arm a squeeze. Sometimes he was so sweet. Which made me feel guilty about the hand holding thing with Trey. “Thanks.”

His mother waved to him across the ballroom. Yes, this place really had a freaking ballroom. Along with a gallery, twenty bedrooms, three living rooms, twenty-six bathrooms, a theatre room, and several other rooms Rex told me about on our way over.

He ushered me toward his parents. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”

“Don’t go running off too far. There are some people Dad wants to introduce you to.” Mrs. Tallac then turned and smiled at me. “Hi, Delyla. Aren’t you lovely tonight?”

“Thank you, I said. “And I love your dress, by the way.”

She fingered the beading on her dark blue floor length gown. “Oh, this old thing. I’ve had it for years.”

“I’m going to take Del over and get some punch,” Rex said, his hand resting at the small of my back.

“Stay within earshot.” Mrs. Tallac gave him a stern look, her brow furrowed, pale blond hair pulled back too tight, which made her face more severe.

Please let me survive tonight. I was surrounded by snobs and money. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. My heels clicked against the tiles as we hurried toward the food tables. And there, to my relief, stood Trey and Portia.