The Perfectionists

Chapter 28

FRIDAY EVENING, EVIE STUDIED THE miniature windmill in front of her, biting her lip. She and Doug were at the Auradon mini golf course, where they were playing a girls-versus-boys tournament with a bunch of kids from school. She'd have to time this shot just right to get the ball through the moving slats of the windmill and to the other side, where a tiny white flag fluttered on the Astroturf, marking the end of the putt-putt hole.

She stepped forward, squared her shoulders, and pulled back the putter to swing.

"Don't miss," Doug teased just as the golf club made contact.

Evie's neon-pink ball went wildly off course and landed in the water hazard on the far right. "Hey!" she cried. "That's not fair." But the words died in her throat as she came face-to-face with Doug's wry smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry, we're playing fair now?" he teased, reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. Evie shivered and closed her eyes. It felt so good.

"Come on, Doug, it's your turn," James Wong called out from behind them. Evie stepped aside, feeling lighter than normal. She knew why: Crystal wasn't here.

She glanced over at Doug, her eyes drifting to where the hem of his pale blue T-shirt grazed the top of his cargo shorts, revealing a thin strip of stomach. Doug caught her staring and winked. For a moment, nothing else mattered.

It was Doug's turn next. He gripped his putter and took an expert swing, sending the ball easily into the hole in just one shot. "Yes!" Doug exclaimed. The other boys fist-pumped him in victory.

As everyone started toward the next hole, Doug fell into step next to Evie, reaching for her hand and giving it a squeeze. Her heart raced at the contact.

"I'm sorry for playing dirty," Doug said, his voice low. "What if I make it up to you? I could help you on this hole, show you the proper technique."

"Oh you will, will you?" Evie crooned, liking the sound of that. Then she looked up . . . and froze. Standing underneath the bright red-and-white umbrella of the snack stand was Crystal. She stared hard at Evie and Doug, her eyes blazing.

Evie dropped Doug's hand. "Um, you know what?" she stammered. "I actually need to go change out my putter." It was a stupid excuse—all the putters were the same. "I'll be right back."

"Um, okay?" Doug said, confused. But Evie was already halfway down the sidewalk, anger coursing through her veins.

"What do you want?" she snapped at Crystal, who was lounging at a metal picnic table drinking lemonade. Evie noticed that Crystal was wearing the Alice + Olivia turquoise jeans that Evie hadn't been able to afford, and a billowy white top almost the same as her own, except that Crystal's was too low-cut and had some kind of stain on the shoulder.

Crystal smiled. "Can't a girl come say hi to her friend? You know, Evie, I just think you're the cat's pajamas."

"Please, Crystal." Evie hated the tremor in her voice. It sounded like weakness. She tried to stand up a little straighter. "Please don't tell anyone about what you know. What can I do to change your mind?"

Crystal's eyes flashed. "That's not how this works. Unlike the rest of your little army of minions, I don't blindly follow orders." She nodded in the direction of the group, then broke out into a smile. "I just wanted to see you in your natural habitat one last time. Enjoy your final moments of freedom."

"Crystal—"

"Save your breath for someone who cares." Crystal threw her lemonade in the trash and walked out.

Evie stood there, watching Crystal's retreating form, stunned. Surely she wouldn't really reveal her secret. But what if she did? What would happen if everyone found out—if Doug found out? Suddenly, all Evie could think about was her last school, after word of her secret got out. No one would talk to her. She ate lunch alone in the bathroom. People cleared a wide path for her in the halls, worried they would catch a disease from her, her house was so dirty.

The worst part was, she'd known better. She'd been distracted with Doug, and she hadn't noticed Crystal following her home that day. Normally, she was so vigilant and protective of her secret—it was how she'd maintained her status for so long. This was why she had rules not to date. Not only because she couldn't let anyone in, but also because she ran the risk of losing her head. And now she had.

She turned back to the rest of the group, pasting a smile on her face. Enjoy your final moments of freedom. Whatever Crystal was going to do, she was going to do it soon.

And then everything would come crashing down around her. Again.