Page 17 of Zero Chance

Keene Dugger had a way of ruiningeverything.

His earlier taunt still rang in my ears.

See you tonight.Oh, wait.No, I won’t.

Two years ago, I wouldn’t have cared about a stupid party, no matter what anyone said.But now I stewed and wondered.Wouldn’t it be something if I strolled in and just shocked the crap out of him with my presence?

Then again, he probably wouldn’t even notice if Ididgo.He’d be too busy trying to score with every other female present.

My phone dinged with an incoming text, and my gut muscles tightened.Mom must’ve changed her mind and wanted me to go collect Gates from the Bergamens after all.She really did hate it when I was home alone.Too much opportunity for me to hurt myself.

With a sigh, I checked the screen.But the text was from Xander instead.

So you’re coming tonight, right?

Under the message, she listed the address of where the party would be taking place.I bit my lip as I studied the street address, memorizing it and trying not to think about the fact that this was where Keene lived.

Not wanting to leave Xander on read, I typed a quick reply.

I don’t have anything to wear.

Except that didn’t scare her off at all.

Just come in what you’re wearing now.It’s not that big of a deal.Or I’ll find you something from my closet if you want.

Ugh.She was going to talk me into this, wasn’t she?What was it going to take to make her realize I didn’tdoparties?

Buthewas going to be there, my next thought chased all the others away.

I seriously doubt we wear the same size,

I wrote back, still trying to resist.

Not unless I padded my bra with oranges.

Just trust me.

She wrote back before adding,

I got this.Ooh, now I’m excited.Can I do your makeup and hair too?I mean, only if that’s okay with you.But can I?Please.Please.I absolutely LOVE all things fashion.

Oh no.She wanted to turn me into a human Barbie.

As if already sensing my dread, she sent another text.

But you don’t have to let me.Come as you are.I just want you here.

My shoulders slumped.

Alright.What’s a good time?

Before pushingsend,however, I paused and asked myself what I was doing.This was complete insanity.And yet still, that little voice in my head that said,he’ll be there, forced my thumb to press the screen, sealing the deal.

Xander replied instantly.

Really?Oh my God!Yes.Thank you, thank you, thank you!You won’t regret this.It’s going to be so much fun.And how about seven or seven thirty?We’ll get ready together.No one’s going to start showing up until eight or nine, I bet.

I glanced at my watch.That gave me an hour and a half.

---