VANCOUVER
THE GIRLS ROOM
AUGUST 6TH
6:30 A.M.
Massie's heart was beating fast—venti triple-shot Frappuccino style. Her breathing quickened considerably. She stared out of the window of her hotel suite, one hand on the glass, at the retreating backsides of Michael Freement and some short, blond girl walking away in the early morning light.
They were holding hands in that we-were-meant-for-each-other-watch-us-get-married way.
As if sensing he was being watched, Michael swivelled around, saw Massie's pressed face against the window, and waved at her. Massie pulled a very fake smile and raised a hand.
The girl beside him stomped one of her size five impossible-to-find Christian Louboutin platform peep-toe pumps with the mirrored, metallic leather that Kendra had been on the waiting list for since Christmas. Massie took in her frail, delicate skin—low on iron—and her paper thin frame with disgust. Here was one unhealthy girl. All she had going for her was her Angelina lips, big blue porcelain doll eyes, and a mane of long, golden hair that could have passed as Rumpelstiltskin's spun gold.
Blondie yanked on Michael's arm and pulled him away after a brief glare in Massie's direction with her shockingly light blue eyes. Very PHAC. Paris Hilton after contacts. A little-known fact as most people thought she was naturally blue-eyed instead of brown.
Massie stared at her brought-to-you-by-Jessica-Simpson hair hanging down the back of her Stella McCartney organic pale grey shirt dress. She spread a generous helping of Glossip Girl SPF 15 Lip Conditioner across her own full lips, locking her confused feelings inside with her tumbling butterflies.
She had made a mental questionaire in her mind last night after her mini-fight with Alicia, but didn't know the answer to any. If it were a test she would have failed by leaving every question blank.
A.) Am I going out with Michael Freement or nawt?
B.) If the ah-bove is true then will we keep it secret or break it out to the paparazzi?
C.) Does Derrington still like me? Or is he super mad at me now?
D.) Is Alicia still mad, even though we both apologized last night?
E.) Should I forgive Dylan? (and Kristen for going behind my back?)
F.) Did Michael consider me a new year's resolution-made then broken two days later?
G.) WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME AND MICHAEL???
"Massie?"
Massie jumped and whirled around. Claire had awoken in the early hours of the morning and was sitting atop her bed, head cocked curiously, fully awake.
"Why was your nose glued to the window?"
"Claire, do I look like a window sticker to you?" Massie snapped, annoyed.
"No."
"Then why do you think I'm stuck to the window?" Massie slid off the window seat and gestured for Claire to look outside. As Claire clambered over, Massie hit the room service button on the phone.
"Bring up two virgin piña coladas aysap." She hung up briefly, not bothering to say please.
"They have piña coladas here?" Claire asked from the window.
Massie gave her a despairing look and dismissed the question with a flip of her freshly highlighted hair.
"Mass, what exactly am I supposed to be looking at?"
Massie walked over and peered out. Michael and mystery girl were long gone. "The hotel grounds," she answered.
"Huh? Why?"
"'Cause this is the last day we'll be able to see them," Massie fake-sobbed sarcastically. "Anyways, what are you doing up at six thirty am on a Sunday morning?"
"I could ask you the same question," Claire said smoothly. "And BTW, it's called waking up. I don't know if you've ever heard of it, it's not that common…"
Massie grinned and punched her friend in the arm. She strutted across the room and threw open the doors to the closet and peeked inside. "I have no idea what I'm going to wear today," she moaned in agony.
"Close your eyes and point," Claire suggested, settling down in front of Massie's white Mac.
"Ew! Ehmagawd, what if I point to one of your things?" Massie shuddered as if a baby spider had just crawled up the length of her leg.
"You mean one of the t-shirts you shoved under the bed when you thought I wasn't looking?" Claire smirked. "That would be rather unfortunate."
"Yes, it would," said Massie, ignoring Claire's jab. Seriously, since when has Claire been so observant?
"Besides," Claire continued. "You and Alicia took over both closets, most of my stuff are still in my suitcases."
"Too true," Massie admitted.
A gentle knock on the door alerted her to the arrival of her piña coladas on a reflective silver tray shinier than a cylindrical Louis Vuitton Bedford bag carried by a crisply dressed waiter.
"Gracias," Massie toasted him over the rim of her cocktail glass. She handed the other one to Claire.
"Miss, excuse my abruptness," the waiter said politely, his voice as smooth as a silk Rigby tube dress, "but I must press my concern. I really do not think it appropriate to drink coladas for breakfast, especially for a pair of lovely young ladies like yourselves."
"You are excused," Massie said shortly. Claire giggled softly behind her. "But FYI this is nawt breakfast therefore your opinion doesn't concern us in the slightest." She shut the door diva-style.
"You are so rude," said Claire, shaking her head and going back to the laptop.
"Whatevs," Massie muttered. She had more important things to worry about than how she treated the servants—um, waiters.
"I've got it!" Massie snapped her fingers three times.
Claire looked at her blankly. "Is that a new signal or something?" she asked, mocking the motion. "Am I supposed to come running when you do that?"
"No," said Massie curtly, "But we should have a signal to which you come running, good idea Kuh-laire. Actually, I've just figured out what to wear today."
"Joy to the world, the queen has chosen," Claire sang. "Maybe I should come running and barking," she joked.
Massie twirled a lock of used-to-be-purple brown hair, now lightened by Vitamin D around her index finger tightly. "We'll discuss secret signals later," she proclaimed. "Right now, let's get some R&R before breakfast."
Massie led her entourage down into Griffins in a daring white La Rok fringe mini dress which made her tan pop and boldly stated I-know-you're-jealous-of-me in an effort to make the most of their last day in Vancouver.
She had asked her mom if they could extend their vacation but Kendra had refused, insisting that she had too much to attend to at home.
She had pulled a long, sulky tantrum to make Kendra feel guilty and buy her a magnificent pair of gold jewel Miu Mius and metallic Manolo Blahnik sandals, both to be featured on her smooth feet later in the afternoon. She had spent at least an hour that morning planning their last day down to every tiny detail, including the five different outfits she would debut. Not exactly rest and relaxation but, she was a perfectionalist.
Right now she was teetering in silver strappy Guiseppe Zanotti jewelled heels across the marble floor of the chic restaurant with Alicia and Claire in toll. Alicia in a wild Shoshanna floral halter dress and Gucci pop bamboo slides that completely clashed with the dress but she still managed to pull off the look effortlessly with a chunky grey RL bangle on the left hand. Claire was dressed simply in an orange ruffle tank, last year's wide leg Marc Jacob's pin-striped bermudas, and orange Old Navy flip flops that were most likely purchased at their monthly one dollar flip flop sale.
Massie could hear the boys even before she saw them. They were the only ones singing along to Katy Perry's Thinking of You which played lightly in the background and receiving dirty looks from the staff.
"Looks like the boys got stuck in KP's limo during an earthquake," Massie joked to Alicia.
Alicia laughed, tilting her head back so that the warm lighting reflected off her sparkling tan. There had been no mention of their night-fight, Kristen, or Dylan all day long.
As Massie sauntered towards their table she felt every pair of eyes fall on her. It was practically social suicide to wear a white dress while eating—if you planned on eating at all—because white naturally attracted stains and spills, but Massie was up for the challenge.
The gentle sunlight that fell through the windows seemed to land on her and Massie thought it was, momentarily, a spotlight. She was used to that feeling, she loved it. Craved it. Chased it. Bottled it up and stored it. She basked in its warmth, it kept her alive.
"Massie," Claire whispered. "Can you pick up the pace? You're walking at the speed of a snail."
"Even I can walk faster," Alicia complained.
Massie silently thanked her two friends for not just simply walking past her and quickened.
They ordered breakfast and sang along to two more songs until a waiter politely asked them to shut up. While eating they chattered like it was the last day they would ever see each other. Never once in the conversation did Derrington directly look, yet talk, to Massie.
She hoped, if Michael actually did consider them an item, that Derrington would leave his heartbreak in Vancouver and if Michael didn't…then Derrington had better be ready to take her back. Once again. This was becoming routine. Of course it would be his move taking her back.
Massie placed her silverware down on her plate with a light clink. She picked up her glass of sparkling apple juice and raised it to eye level. "To Vancouver," she said simply.
Her friends all picked up their glasses obediently and drank to her toast.
"To the Fairmont Hotel," said Josh. There was another round of glasses clinking and gentle sips.
"To us!" said Claire brightly. "And our complete awesomeness!"
"Point!" Alicia lifted her infamous index finger stacked with silver rings.
"What?" Plovert feigned deaf. "I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am."
Their table cracked up.
"To love," Cam said naughtily, winking seductively at Claire who blushed beet red.
"To changes," Derrington spoke, finally meeting Massie's eyes.
"To myself for winning us this vacation!" Chris Plovert said cheered loudly.
The table next to them sent over evil eye stares, each of them Gilette Venus sharp.
"Seriously Massie," Plovert eyed her curiously. "What's with the early morning toasts? Aren't they usually saved for late-night dinner parties?"
"But we're not going to eat dinner at Griffins tonight," Massie said sadly, checking out her surroundings.
"Cheers," Josh finished off his drink and set it down with a clunk. "Now how's about some swimming?"
Six heads all turned to Massie for approval. She delicately smoothed the scoop neck of her still starch white dress. "Hows abouts we walk around to the other side of the beach first and then swim?" she suggested, a twinkle in her eye.
VANCOUVER
THE BEACH
AUGUST 6TH
9:30 A.M.
"Ehmagawd, how awesome is this?" Alicia exclaimed as she took in her surroundings. After twenty minutes of trudging through the dense woods to reach the other side of the beach, the deserted side, they were all finally realizing why Massie had brought them here.
They approached the security guy wearing black Ray-bans and holding a clipboard. "Are you kids supposed to be here?" he asked gruffly.
"Massie Block plus six," Massie commanded.
He checked his clipboard then waved them forwards. "Head for that woman with the curly brown hair," he pointed and Massie's eyes locked on her leopard print Robert Rodriguez top.
"How'd you get us in?" Plovert asked, amazed.
"Michael Freement," Massie murmured quietly, so Derrington wouldn't hear.
"Ahh, nice."
"What're they filming here?" Josh asked curiously.
"I think this is where what's-her-face commits suicide," Massie answered casually, gesturing to the high cliffs towering above their heads.
"Whoa, scary," Cam muttered. "So are we watching or something?"
Massie smirked and shook her head. "Negative captain," she saluted. "We're going to be in it."
"Again?" Alicia asked excitedly. "I heart this!"
"Yup," Massie bobbed her glossy hair proudly. "Just in the background. Playing soccer."
"Awesome!" the boys all exchanged high fives.
Alicia gasped. "But I can't play soccer!"
"Given," Plovert teased with an eye roll.
Massie winked at her. "It's called acting, Leesh. All the pros can do it." Massie power-walked towards Lady Leopard, fingering her Alexis Bittar angled twilight bangle.
Lady Leopard looked up from her clipboard at the seven teenagers approaching. "May-see Block?" she asked.
"Actually," Massie chipped, "its Massie. Nice to meet you." she held out her hand.
"Enchanted. Lily James; I'll just help get you kids ready."
"Should we go to wardrobe now then?" Claire asked expertly.
Lily shook her head. "Nope, you don't need wardrobe. It's going to be a long distance shot, no close-ups. You'll only be seen for about seven seconds in the movie."
"These precious seven seconds had better win an Academy Award," Josh joked, gesturing to himself. "Especially since I'm in them."
* * *
"Final scene, take four!"
Massie's orange Alice + Olivia orange ruffle dress swished against her bronzed legs as she ran after the ball in her bare feet. Her Tory Burch gladiator sandals lay forgotten in the dry sand. The area was perfect for soccer, a large, smooth bank of sand where the water couldn't reach, and the nearest plant was three hundred kilometres away.
Up above, a plastic figurine jumped off the cliff for the fourth time and hit the rather choppy waves.
They all glanced over towards the water and, seeing nothing, continued to play.
"That's a wrap!" The director bellowed.
Massie made her way back over to her sandals and slid one over her foot. Standing on one foot, she lost her balance and starting pitching forward. She gasped and squeezed her eyes shut, preparing to take on a mouthful of sand.
Suddenly a pair of muscular, tanned arms wrapped around her gently and pulled her upright. Derrington.
Oh no.
"Thanks," Massie squeaked.
Derrington gazed at her intently. "I've got your back Block," he said lightly. "Remember that." His arms dropped back to his sides and he stiffly walked away. Massie stared after him, at his lovely blond tufts swirling in the summer breeze.
Taking a deep breath, she reached for her peach Chloe tote and extracted an old, favorite tube of Glossip Girl, Cinnabun. The very flavour she had been wearing when she and Derrington had exchanged their first kiss. The sugary smell brought back a truckload of memories that flooded Massie's brain and made her feel woozy.
She quickly closed the tube and shoved it back into the bag, opting for Cherry Charade GG instead, the most recent flavour she had received.
"Massie?"
Massie froze, knowing that familiar voice all too well. She closed her eyes as if her mascara had glued her lashes together and she was having serious vexations about opening them.
"Massie?" There it was again. The voice of the angel and the devil at the same time.
She slowly turned around, one hand fingering her gold figure eight Cartier earring and looked up into Michael's face. "Hi," she said softly.
Behind him she could see Derrington's disapproving face staring straight at her. For some reason she couldn't tear herself away from his expression of disappointment mixed with concern, agitation, and anger.
"Hey—glad you made it! This movie will totally win an Oscar with you in it, twice!" He grinned at her.
Massie smiled weakly. "You never know."
"Oh I know all right," he rested a hand on Massie's shoulder, steering her to face the ocean. "There are some more scenes that we're shooting this coming week that you could be in. I've got loads of connections here; maybe we can even get you a speaking role."
"Michael," Massie turned sideways to face him. "Why do you want me in this movie?"
The star blinked his unusually long lashes at her. "I thought you would want to be in the movie," he said, surprised.
She took a deep breath. "Why though? What am I to you?" She hoped she didn't sound as lame and desperate as she thought.
Michael blinked some more in confusion.
"I want to know where I stand with you," Massie said, choosing her words carefully.
Michael stared at her, realization seeping into his eyes. "Oh," he breathed, looking slightly embarrassed. "Oh gosh," he scratched the back of his neck tenderly. "I guess you stand right here on the sand." He cracked a grin.
Massie widened her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "Not funny."
"To be honest, you were just another person I met this summer that I will probably forget in a few months," he said finally and bluntly. "Nothing more than that."
Massie hung her head in shame. She was furious at herself for thinking, for even a moment, that he had feelings for her. "So, summer fling huh?" She smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah, kinda," Michael looked really embarrassed and Massie suddenly realized she wasn't the only one he was flinging with.
"I'm sorry if things didn't turn out the way you expected," he apologized, always the gentleman. "But the movie offer is still open."
"Michael," Massie smiled. "I'm leaving today."
He looked shocked but there was no genuine disappointment in his face. "I didn't know that."
"Obviously," she shook her head; her glossy blowout flowed swiftly behind her. "I just wanted to say goodbye and thanks."
"Thanks?" His light brows crinkled. "For what?"
"For getting me into US Weekly," Massie smirked.
Michael looked down at her and cupped her shoulder. Behind him a flash indicated that someone had taken a picture of his casual, and meaningless, embrace.
"Anytime. Goodbye Massie."
VANCOUVER
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL
AUGUST 6TH
1:00 PM
"Hurry up Alicia, I'm hungry," Claire moaned, throwing a printed pink Tory Burch flip flop at the Alicia's half-exposed back in a grey Vince halter blouse.
"I'm trying," Alicia grumbled, tossing the shoe back at Claire, who ducked. The flip flop banged against Massie's tanned thigh, leaving a tiny smudge of sand.
"Oops, sorry Mass," Alicia apologized as Massie vigorously rubbed at it. "My aim is to NLB level as Claire's Target tote is to cool." She coolly lifted her chin in Claire's direction.
Claire cracked up. "You mean the MLB," she corrected. Massie snickered.
Alicia looked confused. "No, I'm pretty sure it's the NLB," she insisted. "National League Baseball."
Claire laughed harder.
"Actually, Leesh, its Major League Baseball," Massie giggled.
Alicia looked embarrassed. "So what, now you're some baseball expert?" she shot back.
"Just hurry up," Claire rolled her eyes and Alicia resumed her slow packing.
Massie crossed her arms over her taut A-cups and sighed heavily, stomping one Miu Miu floral sequined ballerina flat on the plush carpet. The peep toe showed off her fresh fuchsia pedicure.
"Let's help her Claire, shall we?"
Massie and Claire both dived under Alicia's bed and retrieved a dozen pairs of Stuart Weitzman ankle wrap heels, Delman metallic t-strap sandals, Tory Burch flip flops, and jewelled Miu Miu sandals. Arms loaded, Massie kicked open the nearest LV suitcase and dumped the shoes inside.
"Be careful with my babies!" Alicia screeched, hurrying over to inspect the damage.
Massie rolled her eyes. "Relax," she cackled. "I would never hurt a Miu Miu."
"Ehmagawd!" Claire gushed, still under the bed. She wiggled her bottom as she extracted her head out and held up a Taryn Rose ballerina flat. "Can I borrow these Alicia?"
"You can have them if you throw out that Madame-EW-selle tote," Alicia bargained, exchanging a high five with Massie.
"Deal." Claire slung the tote off her arm, dumped the contents onto Alicia's bed, then balled it up and chucked it out the open window.
They all fell about laughing until Kendra rapped her knuckles on the door sharply. Stepping inside, she glanced at Massie and Claire's packed suitcases by the door then surveyed Alicia's mess on the floor. "We're leaving in ten minutes," she announced. "I suggest you hurry up and pack."
"I will," Alicia promised, "Sorry. That dress looks amazing on you though," she added, trying to butter her up.
It worked. Kendra beamed proudly as she smoothed the orange Diane Von Furstenburg low back jersey halter dress. "Thank you dear, I—"
"Okay mom, we'll see you later." Massie practically shoved her mother out the door then closed it briskly.
She snapped her finger twice in Alicia's direction. "Hurry up slowpoke!"
"Stop pressuring me," Alicia whined, slowly folding a 7 for all Mankind airbrushed tank top.
"If your slowness were bugs, you'd be the Amazon jungle," Claire informed her.
"If your impatience were penguins you'd be Antarctica," Alicia shot back.
"Hey Leesh," Massie grinned evilly. "Played with any penguins yet?"
Alicia's dark tan shifted from golden-brown to rosy red. At least it did on her face. "How was I supposed to know there were no penguins in Canada?" she asked eyes wide and innocent. "It's supposed to be really cold here."
"Explains why you brought these," Claire gestured to a white wraparound, black ruched trenchcoat, and black packaway jacket, all courtesy of Burberry. "What, did you think it'd be snowing here or something?"
"Stupid stereotypes," Alicia muttered. "So misleading."
Massie tugged on the straps of her white-and-black floral Roberto Cavalli dress, adjusted her silver Kenneth Jay Lane cuff, and re-glossed with GG Peaches 'n Cream. She slung a Jimmy Choo rich brown leopard print hobo onto her wrist and placed her hand son her waist, model-style. "Rate me?"
Alicia looked up. "9.4," she declared. Claire nodded in agreement.
Massie reached into the hobo and slid on a pair of tinted green Oliver People Benedict aviators. "How 'bout now?"
"9.6," Claire said quickly before Alicia had opened her mouth.
"Good enough," Massie said, satisfied. She swung her glossy waves over her shoulder and pulled out her Palm T/X handheld. "Guess what we'll be doing next," she said, tapping away at the screen.
"Shopping?" Alicia asked hopefully.
"No more swimming," Claire commanded. After the movie they'd gotten a ride back to the other side of the beach in a private helicopter, arranged by Massie, who had debuted her final swimsuit—a navy and white polka-dotted Michael Kors—to Vancouver once her soft feet touched the hot sand.
"Nope," Massie shook her head. "The zoo."
There was a moment of silence as Alicia and Claire both registered the fact.
"The zoo?" Alicia asked skeptically.
"Yup," Massie confirmed with a toothy grin.
"Why?"
"I'm determined to see a penguin in Canada," said Massie stubbornly.
They checked out of the Fairmont hotel leaving nothing but the sound of their laughter and the smell of Coach Legacy perfume.
VANCOUVER
WESTMINSTER ZOO
AUGUST 6TH
3:30 P.M.
"Ahhh, a penguin!" Alicia shrieked, pointing.
"Oh. Em. Gee," Plovert said sarcastically.
Claire raised her camera and started snapping away. "It's so cute!" she exclaimed.
Massie grabbed Alicia and jumped in front of Claire's camera making silly faces.
"Get out of my shot!" Claire giggled, trying to aim the camera around them, which was difficult as all six of her friends had jumped in and formed a wall blocking the penguins.
"I thought we were here to watch the penguins," Claire pointed out, giving up and lowering the camera.
Massie shrugged. "We are. We just did, now we can go."
Plovert groaned. "But I wanted to go to the reptile house," he complained.
"Eww," Alicia squeaked. "Gross!"
Josh grabbed her waist and pulled Alicia in close. "Don't worry, I'll protect you," he promised. "All the snakes will run away at the first sight of me."
"Even before they smell your breath?" Derrington punched Josh's shoulder playfully as everyone laughed.
Josh raised his head and sniffed, "Only once have I met someone as jealous as you about the way I smell."
Derrington chuckled. "He must have taught you everything you know."
Plovert and Cam both whooped gleefully and exchanged high fives with Derrington.
Josh regained his composure. "No, I learned from Massie and company," he motioned to the three girls.
"Hey!" Alicia crossed her arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"That every word you say is stupid?" Plovert piped up teasingly.
Alicia shrugged. "I wanted to make sure you felt comfortable around me," she grinned wickedly.
"AHAHAHA!" Claire slapped her knee in a take-that! style.
"Oh yeah?" Cam stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by Alicia's palm.
"Now I know what stupidity looks like," she said, a playful smile across her face.
"I'm glad to hear you attended your family reunion," Derrington started banging his fist on the wall.
"Haha, good one!" The boys slapped congratulatory high fives.
"Um, excuse me," Massie cleared her throat. "Are you guys all cows?"
"No…" Josh bit his lip, trying not to smile. He knew what was coming next.
"Then why are you trying to milk every drop of blood we have?"
"Ohhhh!" Alicia and Claire danced around Massie happily.
"Ready to go kids?" Kendra wandered over, clearly mesmerized by the penguins.
"Oh yeah, definitely," Alicia responded quickly and led the way back to the parking lot where their three rental Jaguars were parked. "Yes," she hissed quietly. "No snakes!"
VANCOUVER
SWISS CHALET
AUGUST 6TH
5:30 P.M.
"What time is it?" Cam asked.
Derrington checked his stainless steel Gucci timepiece watch. "About five-thirty," he answered.
"Early dinner much?" Plovert poked his mother's skinny elbow.
"Well would you rather eat on the plane?" she retorted. "We leave in an hour. And you, young man, had better not go around throwing peanuts again."
"That wasn't me, I swear!"
Alicia and Claire both nudged Massie under the table. She poked both of them back and squirmed guiltily, trying not to give it away by bursting out in laughter. She felt so much more relaxed now that she knew she meant next-to-nothing with Michael.
"This is delicious," Isaac declared, taking a big spoonful of soup.
"Wait till the main course comes," Kendra told him.
One of Massie's gold jewel Miu Mius fell off her feet and she reached with her toes, trying to find it. Her foot accidentally hit Claire's legs—beautifully defined in a sky blue Sue Wong jewelled bubble dress—and Claire giggled and leaned forward, towards Cam.
"Playing footsie?" She asked him seductively. "You know I'm a sucker for that game."
Cam looked confused but tried to play along. "Don't I know it."
Massie decided to have some fun and burst his bubble.
"Actually Kuh-laire, that was me. I was searching for my shoe." She turned to Cam. "Sorry, I guess I'm just better at playing footsie than you are."
Cam, embarrassed, said defiantly, "The only gracious way to accept an insult is to ignore it. If I can't ignore it, top it. If I can't do that, laugh at it. And if I can't do that then I guess it's probably deserved."
Claire choked on her spoon and Josh practically spat his soup back into his bowl. Gross.
"That was awesome!" Derrington clapped Josh on the back like a proud father watching his son first ride a two-wheeler.
Massie finally found her shoe and slipped it back onto her foot. She wiggled in her seat and adjusted the hem of her Nicole Miller number. It was her favorite dress bought in Vancouver, teal with a silver floral print, made of soft, swishy chiffon, with a high, defined waist and long tie-front bow to add accent to her slim figure.
Alicia was wearing a Nicole Miller too; it was an indigo ruched silk dress that Massie had replaced back to the rack after she found out Alicia had been trying it on at the exact same time and that her C-cups filled the dress much better than Massie could ever dream of.
"Here you go," a chubby waitress with wild brown curls produced a tray of plates piled high with steaming steaks, chicken, salads, and fries.
Kendra looked slightly disappointed. "I told you I should have ordered," she hissed to Plovert's mother who gave her a dismissive look.
"Taste it before you complain," she said. To the waitress she gave a toothy smile and a "thank you".
"No problem," Fat Frizzy over-smiled. "Anything else you'd like, just give a shout. Is this your first time here?"
Kendra looked perplexed to be questioned by a simple waitress but responded nevertheless, "Yes, we're visiting from Westchester."
"I'm sure you will find us mightily satisfying," the waitress assured. "This place gets the customers glued to their seats!" she finally left, swinging the empty plate along her side as she waddled.
"How clever of them to think of glue," Massie said after she was out of range.
"Massie," Kendra scolded lightly, trying not to smile and failing.
"What?" Massie looked at her mother innocently. "Honestly, I think we developed language because of our great need to complain."
"Point!"
"Very nice theory," Claire agreed.
"The trouble with her," Cam said, pointing at Massie. "Is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech. Ouch! Hey! What'd you kick me under the table for?"
Massie glared at him. "Watch it Blondie."
"I was joking," Cam smirked. "How mature of you though, kicking people under the table."
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives," Claire recited, as if from a textbook.
"Very nice," Massie said in approval. "Where did you get that one?"
"I read it online the other day," Claire admitted.
Massie took a steaming spoonful of her clam chowder, swallowing her Mac 'N Cheese flavored lip gloss as it went down. Ew. It was a gross flavour but the colour looked amazing on her.
Across the table and two people down from her, Derrington was biting into a buttered bun while looking down at his silver Motorola. The corners of his lips were turned up in an amused smile.
Josh nudged him. "You shouldn't be texting at the dinner table," he said slyly, loud enough for the parents to hear.
"Shut up," Derrington punched him. "Dude, check this out." He shoved the phone under Josh's nose.
Josh read the message quickly then slapped the leg of his Ralph Lauren denim shorts in hysterics.
"What, what?" Alicia demanded to know.
Cam leaned over Josh's lap to take a look at the text. "Can't rob the bank it at night, it's not open," he read aloud then laughed. "What the heck? Who are you talking to?"
"Olivia," Derrington chortled.
Massie's stomach clenched and her fingers curled into a ball.
"What an idiot," Alicia rolled her eyes. "Who robs the bank at night? Everyone's asleep," she joked. In return she received more knee-slaps.
"Why are you talking about robbing banks?" Claire asked curiously.
"Oh, inside thing," Derrington waved it away as if this little piece of information about him and Olivia having an "inside thing" wasn't important.
Massie's impermeable teeth began to grind angrily. How dare Olivia cross her turf! How dare she attempt to have an "inside thing" with Massie's on-and-off boyfriend?
Massie pulled out her own iPhone and held it against the chiffon skirt of her dress under the table. She fired off a quick round of messages with Alicia.
MASSIE: find out wat this "inside thing" btw D and O is
ALICIA: y? aren't u over D?
MASSIE: I need 2 kno. Plz =)
ALICIA: done
MASSIE: thx =D
Derrington's Motorola was lying beside his soup bowl on the table. He was chatting animatedly with the other boys about…soccer. Again.
Alicia quietly cleared her throat. "Hey, look over there!" she cried out suddenly, pointing to the other end of the room.
Everyone on the other side of the table swivelled in their seats to look in the direction Alicia had pointed while she swiftly snatched up the cell.
"Oh, I am so distracted," Cam said sarcastically. "What're we supposed to look at?"
"Never mind, it was nothing," Alicia waved it off like a pesky fly. She leaned over and carefully dropped the cell into Massie's periwinkle Marc Jacobs satchel.
"Done," she whispered.
"Good job," Massie gave her a satisfactory thumbs up and they punched fists below the table.
Alicia leaned over, her long hair grazing Massie's shoulder. "By the way, what's up with you and Michael? Did he ask you out or not? I need some answers!"
Massie bit her lip. "I don't have the answers for you," she said quietly. "But there's nothing between us."
Alicia's eyes widened.
"We'll talk later," Massie promised.
"Are you trying to get Derrington back then?"
"Tawk. Later!" Massie's hissed.
"Where did my phone go?" Derrington started patting his pockets then ducked under the table in search for the cell currently concealed in Massie's handbag.
The two girls exchanged looks as all the boys ducked under the table to help. The parentals didn't seem to notice. They kept on gabbing to each other and eating.
In the boy's absence Massie flipped the cell open quickly and scrolled to Derrington's inbox.
"Massie, you found it!" Cam called out loudly, looking at her in a way that said I-know-exactly-what-you're-up-to.
Derrington's head popped up from the underside of the table.
Massie held out the phone for him. "It was right on the table, stupid."
"Thanks," Derrington muttered, not looking at her. He shoved the phone into his pocket.
VANCOUVER
AIRPORT
AUGUST 6TH
11:30 P.M.
"Mother," Massie moaned to Kendra. "Why do we keep having to take the late flights? We're not even flying in first class." She pouted sadly while wobbling in her creamy four-ince Valentino pumps. Why did she wear such elegant heels to the airport?
"I'm sorry honey, but remember, we're not paying for this trip."
"Yeah," Plovert butted in. "I won it for us!"
Massie crossed her arms across her chest. "We could pay extra to fly in first class," she argued.
"Too late," Kendra shook her head.
Claire yawned sleepily. "Why are you so dressed up for the airport Mass?"
Massie looked down at her cute Chloe tube dress. "This isn't dressed up," she disagreed. "It's only embroidered cotton."
"What happened to your only-fly-in-Juicy-sweats rule?"
Massie looked aghast. "In suh-mmer?"
"It's eleven at night! It's cold! Look at all your goosebumps!" Claire grabbed Massie's left arm and held it in front of her eyes.
"Want to borrow a trenchcoat?" Alicia smirked, dressed perfectly casualy in a cropped black Kors bomber over a white RL tee and dark Rock & Republic Jessa skinny jeans with jeweled Kate Spade ballerina flats.
"I'm good thanks," Massie unzipped one of her Louis and pulled out a cream-colored cropped Marc Jacobs hoodie.
"I feel left out without a hoodie," Claire complained, pulling on Alicia's old black Burberry track jacket.
"Hey!" Alicia yelled. "I'm wearing a black hoodie. You can't wear a black hoodie while I'm wearing a black hoodie."
Claire stared at her in half-amusement half-confusion. "And why is that?"
"Because I said so," Alicia tossed her head. "Now take it off!"
"But I'm cold!"
"Take if AWFF!"
"Whoa," Plovert rushed over. "Who's taking what off? This I gotta see!"
Massie burst out laughing and Alicia shoved him away with a scoff.
"Chris! You perv!"
"Remember that time...in the bathroom?" Massie nudged Alicia's arm.
"Oh yeah, in the shower?" Alicia started laughing then stopped abrubtly as everyone around them exploded in hysterics.
"Ehmagawd that came out wrong!"
"Kids! Hurry up, let's go!" Mr. Plovert bellowed in his loud deep voice.
They scurried down the hall and into the plane, claiming all the best seats. Which wasn't saying much. Hello.
As the plane took off Massie shouted out, "Buh-bye Vancouver!"
CURRENT STATE OF THE UNION
IN
Derrington
Westchester
Swiss Chalet
Black Hoodies
OUT
Michael
Vancouver
Griffins
Juicy Sweats