Page 61 of A Little Naughty

My eyes fly to Nikki’s, and she’s looking at me as well. Cheese is smeared on both her cheeks, and I quickly tap my face to let her know.

She grabs napkins and starts to wipe just as Owen leans forward. “Oh, look, it’s Dumbbell.”

Ryan snorts a laugh, but Nikki looks down at her lap. Britt’s brow furrows, and she looks up to where Annabell jerks her chin as she quickly steps into Frangelica’s store.

“Owen!” Britt’s voice is kind but stern. “You know better than to make fun of people. Why would you say that?”

“She’s a little brat.” He sits back, crossing his arms hard. “She sits in the front of the lunchroom and puts out her Koala Kup at lunch like she’s the queen of the class and Debbie and Vanna are her dumb minions.”

“I don’t know any of these little girls.” Britt blinks several times, and I can tell she’s stumped. “That’s weird, isn’t it? We used to know everyone in Eureka.”

“Cass probably knows them.” Piper takes a bite of her veggie dog. “This is not bad! It’s spicy—that must be the rebel part.”

Britt tilts her head in the direction of the boys, making wide eyes at her friend.

“Oh, yeah.” Piper clears her throat. “Don’t be mean to little girls at school, Ryan. Even if they act like little twits.”

“That’s just great, Piper.” Britt rolls her eyes, and I decide it’s time.

“Who’s ready for the big surprise?” I hold up both hands and wiggle my fingers.

Nikki looks up from her lap, and the boys shift in their seats. “Is it somebody’s birthday?” Ryan asks.

“It’s a special,welcome to Eurekapresent!” I pull out the black bag and take out the cups one at a time. “Koala Kups for all!”

Nikki’s is an iridescent green and purple and the boys’ are black and tan camo-style.

“What?” Ryan hops onto his knees, lifting the cup, and Piper’s jaw drops.

Britt’s brow furrows. “I didn’t know you were doing this.”

My chest squeezes, and I’m afraid I fucked up again. “I’m sorry! I didn’t want to get one for Nikki and leave out the boys.” My voice is quiet. “Should I have asked first?”

“Of course not.” She puts her hand on my forearm. “It was very sweet, but how… Did Alex pay for them?”

“Where did you get them?” Piper asks at the same time.

“Nope.” I smile proudly, ready to prove them all wrong. “Raif Jones got them for me. He said it was a gift for the kids.”

Owen’s eyes widen, and he whispers, “You got this from the no-account Jones boys?”

“Owen!” I look from him to Britt, who shakes her head quickly. “That’s not very nice. I told him about the situation, and he said he might know a place to get some.”

“Are they stolen?” Piper jokes, picking up Ryan’s cup and inspecting it.

“Not funny!” My voice rises. “I told you he’s not like that. He had a friend who was able to get some, and I texted him the colors and everything.”

Nikki has her cup open and is already pouring her fountain drink into it. Owen quickly does the same.

“We should probably wash them first…” Piper starts, but it’s too late. Ryan is already following suit.

I can’t decide if I’m happy or frustrated until Britt inhales slowly and forces her frown into a smile. “Thank you, Jemima, and please tell Raif I said thank you as well. I know what it’s like to be pre-judged because of your family, and I think we owe it to him not to do that.”

A surge of joy shoots through my stomach, and I hug her side so hard, she squeals. “Don’t make me drop the baby!”

“You’re going to see. Raif Jones is a little rough around the edges, but he has goals. He’s going to prove you all wrong.”

Piper is nodding, but I can tell she’s worried. “I hope you’re right.”

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