Page 4 of Scarlett and the Kiss Thief

“I do not,” I said. By association, I was actually popular. My three best friends, Sophie, Axel, and Jacob practically ruled the school. And I…was friends with them. So, yeah.

“She needed to change her whole appearance to fit in,” Liam said in a whispery voice but not at a whispery volume. “Clearly her status is on the fritz. And having a little brother at the school that is way cooler than her is going to drive her nuts.”

“Twerp,” I said and lightly hit the back of his head.

He laughed. “See you in there,” Liam said, opened the door, and climbed out without a care in the world. It was his first day at Empire High. I kind of thought he’d ask me where his first class was. And let me take him under my wing. But instead he just slammed the door closed.

I decided to wait a minute before following him. I’d suddenly decided I didn’t want anyone to know I was related to the little menace.Take him under my wing my ass.

“Scarlett?” my dad said from the front seat.

I looked up at him.

“Don’t let him get under your skin. But he’s right about one thing. Despite what you think, you don’t need different clothes, or contacts, or more makeup. You’re beautiful just the way you are.”

If only Axel thought so.“Thanks, Dad.”

“You should get going,” he said. “You don’t want to be late. And neither do I.”

I pulled my backpack over my shoulder and glanced out the window. So much for avoiding Liam. He was standing with Sophie and RJ laughing about something. Or at something. Probably me. “Have a good day,” I said to my dad.

“You too, pumpkin. See you in a bit.”

I climbed out of the car and joined them on the steps leading up to Empire High.

“Hey, Scar,” RJ said as I joined them.

“Hey, RJ.” I gave him a quick hug. It was so weird having Liam and RJ here.

Sophie ignored her little brother. “You look amazing, Scar. Ready for phase two of Operation THTH?” She put her arm through mine, linking us together, which automatically gave me more confidence.

“What’s Operation THTH?” Liam asked.

“Something for adults,” she said. She reached up and patted him on the top of his head, not realizing the irony of the fact that she had to reach up to do it.

Liam pushed her hand away.

“Now scram,” Sophie said. “We’re on a mission. But find us at lunch if you need a place to sit.”

Yes, our little brothers were annoying, but it was hard not to look out for them. They had no idea what they were walking into.

“Yeah, definitely not going to do that,” RJ said. “Later.” He and Liam walked up the steps and into the school as if they owned the place.

“Axel’s already inside,” Sophie said. “Let’s do this thing.”

---