Red(19)

She squared her shoulders. “It’s not like anyone would believe you if you told them my hair color was fake. I’m a celebrity around here right now, with the pageant coming up. You couldn’t even get a rumor started. Everyone would think you were just jealous of me. You probably are.”

Gabby adopted the tone one might use to explain something to a dim-witted kindergartener. “Felicity, have you seen how rumors spread in this school? Everyone would believe me. And even if they didn’t, they’d still tell everyone they knew.”

That was a distressingly valid point. Felicity’s popularity was no match for the Scarletville High rumor mill. Everyone was always hungry for a scandal, and a disgraced pageant contestant was even more exciting than a potential winner.

She slumped against the door, her bravado gone. “Does anyone else know? Did you tell your friends?”

“No, not yet.”

That was a relief. “Are you going to?” She hated the desperation in her voice.

“I haven’t decided. Do you have any convincing reasons why I shouldn’t?”

Felicity had hoped she wouldn’t have to resort to groveling, but it was clearly time to abandon her pride. “Seriously, Gabby, I’ll do anything you want. This absolutely cannot get out, or my life will be over. What can I do for you? Do you want money? Do you want me to try to get you into the pageant? I could probably get my mom to pull some strings.”

But Gabby just laughed. “That’s what you think I want? To be in the pageant?”

It did sound a little ridiculous, but Felicity didn’t know what else she could offer. Social status didn’t come with actual power. “I don’t know what you want. I don’t know why you’re doing this to me!”

“I’m not doing anything to you. You’re the one dyeing your hair. All I did was find out about it.”

Gabby was definitely doing something to her, and that something was called blackmail. But Felicity fought the urge to argue. “Okay, so you don’t want to be in the pageant. That’s fine. What do you want? You just tell me, and I’ll work on getting it for you.”

Gabby gestured to the little red envelopes, which Felicity was still clutching in a death grip. “I’ve been very clear about what I want. And you’ve done such a good job of following my instructions so far.” She gave Felicity a condescending little smile. “I’m so looking forward to seeing my painting on the wall of your art show.”

Felicity closed her eyes and rubbed her temples as she imagined what would happen when Haylie and Ivy saw the painting … and when her mom saw it. “Gabby, I’m not opposed to what you painted on principle, and I really do think you’re talented. But people know I’m curating the show, so if I include something offensive, it reflects badly on me. If the pageant judges see your painting, it could jeopardize my chances of winning. Can’t I give you something a little less … public?”

Gabby raised one eyebrow, obviously amused. “What do I care if you win the pageant? How does that affect me?”

“Look, I’m totally happy to put another one of your paintings in the show instead. Maybe you have something more accessible?”

“I don’t want another painting in the show. I want this painting in the show.”

“What if I included two of your other paintings? Nobody else has two submissions.”

Gabby chuckled. “Nice try, but the hyenas are what I’m offering. Take them or leave them. And you know what happens if you leave them.” When she smiled, it reminded Felicity of the face Ivy’s cat made just before he eviscerated a mouse he’d been batting.

She knew she’d have to hang the painting after all. But maybe the backlash wouldn’t be that bad; it was just a piece of student art. If her friends confronted her about it, she could always say it was Jonathan’s choice. “Fine,” she said. “Bring the painting to the squash courts on Tuesday, when we’re hanging the show.”

“Fabulous. I look forward to it.”

The first bell rang. Hoping it would soften her tormentor up a little, Felicity tried to smile and said, “You know, Gabby, I really don’t have a problem with you.”

“Of course you don’t have a problem with me. You don’t even see me.” Gabby grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “We’re done here.”

“So you won’t tell anyone?”

“For now.” She gestured for Felicity to move out of her way.

Felicity stepped away from the door, hating that Gabby was so clearly in charge. Her enemy paused in the doorway and looked back at her. “By the way, your life will not ‘be over’ if this gets out. Don’t be so melodramatic. You may have noticed that my hair is brown, and amazingly enough I’m still very much alive.”

With that, she let the door swing shut behind her, leaving Felicity with only her shame for company.





6


     SATURDAY, MAY 8


Saturday was dress shopping day, and Felicity woke in a flurry of excitement. Playing dress-up had always been one of her favorite things. Ginger had wanted to take her shopping, but Felicity had begged for permission to look for dresses with her friends. “Let me surprise you this time,” she’d wheedled. “You’ve taught me so much. You’ll see, I’m going to choose the perfect dress.”