Page 102 of Raging Inferno

Gwen Parrish, Margy Binder, Charmaine Dunn, Tamera Watts, Nancy Baker, and Jessie Hooper, collectively known as the Cheerios, navigated down the path. They were headed to Jerrod Moran’s cabin, which was located on a small lake outside of Serenity Shores, Minnesota, their hometown. Jerrod and his football teammates were already there and didn’t know the Cheerios planned to crash their graduation party. Ian Fowler had bragged all week that his older brother had purchased a keg for them. They thought it would be a guy’s weekend to celebrate finishing high school with drinking, fishing, and serious bro time.

They were wrong.

The girls had talked about having their own shindig, but it was Jessie’s idea to combine parties. Everyone involved would be going away to different colleges in the fall, and she planned on taking advantage of the summer months to create memories that would last a lifetime. One she wanted to make was with Jerrod Moran. Oh, sure, he was hot for Gwen. Who wasn’t? All the guys wanted her, but she was so cool and aloof. It only added to her mystery. If they weren’t best friends, Jessie could hate her.

Gwen had dated Dominic Bianchi, the hottest guy in town, for two years. Jessie tried not to be jealous, but it was hard. He was the most popular boy in school, gorgeous, intelligent, and athletic. The total package. Jessie had been shocked when they’d broken up. She knew Gwen loved him. Jessie felt guilty for going behind Gwen’s back, but she’d taken her shot with him. He’d turned her down, but he’d been nice about it, so it was impossible to stay mad at him. He was now seeing a cheerleader from a rival school. That stung.

If Jerrod made a play for Gwen tonight, Jessie might set her sights on Dominic again.

“Do you think they’ll be surprised to see us?” Charmaine wanted to know as she moved the sack of snacks from one hand to the other.

“No. They’ve dropped hints all week,” Jessie stated. “Why talk about it if they didn’t want us to show up?”

“Good point,” Margy noted. “They practically invited us.”

“There it is,” Gwen said as they approached a wooden cabin with a thin gray trail of smoke emanating from the stone chimney. She had been to Jerrod’s cabin when she and Dominic were dating.

“I’ll see what they’re doing.” Nancy rushed ahead and peeked in the window before standing and slamming her hands on her hips. “It’s empty.”

“They’re probably at the lake,” Gwen rationalized. “It’s down that path.” She pointed to the dirt trail that led down a slope. “We’re going in anyway. I need to use the bathroom.”

Margy tested the door, and it opened. The girls filed inside. It smelled of wood smoke from the flames roaring away in the fireplace. Sleeping bags and backpacks rested in a heap against one wall, and empty soda cans and fast-food wrappers were piled in the trash can.

The girls placed their bags of snacks on the counter. They’d purposely left their gear in the car in case the guys kicked them out, but Jessie was optimistic they would be welcomed with open arms. Maybe they could share the guys’ sleeping bags.

“Everyone stay away from Sam,” Tamera warned. “He’s mine.”

“Hey, I told you I wanted him,” Charmaine cried.

“No, you didn’t.”

“I did so. Didn’t I, Nancy?”

Nancy ducked her head. “I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do. Don’t lie.”

Nancy held up her hands. “I’m not getting in the middle of your fight.”

“Ladies, there are enough guys to go around,” Gwen chastised.

“That’s because you know Jerrod is hot for you,” Jessie drawled.

“You think?”

Jessie rolled her eyes. “Duh. I’m surprised he hasn’t asked you out yet.” And he would. Unless Jessie could change his mind.

“Tamera, Sam is mine,” Charmaine stated determinedly.

“We’ll see,” Tamera sing songed.

“No, we won’t!”

Charmaine charged after her, plowing into her from behind. The blow caused Tamera to crash into Gwen. Gwen pitched forward and slammed her head violently against the stone hearth. She crumpled to the floor.

“Oh God, oh God,” Margy cried as a river of blood flowed from the wound. “Did you . . . did you kill her?”

Tamera gasped. “What? It wasn’t me!” She spun around and pointed to Charmaine. “It’s her fault. She pushed me.”

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