Just Claire Read Online Free Page A

ya.” Belinda pulled her to the door, her grip more like a metal vise.
    Stack of Curls took hold of ClaireLee’s other hand. “Beat it, Cruz, she’s going with me.” She tugged on ClaireLee, and Belinda let go.
    In the outside hallway, ClaireLee clicked on her tongue. If Belinda’s scowl could form words, they would have roared and echoed.
    On the playground, Grayson waved, and Lolly ran to ClaireLee and hugged her. “Hi, Sissy Pie.”
    â€œHow’s class?” She hugged her back.
    â€œI get to color.” Her eyes lit up like twinkling stars within a black sky.
    â€œGood.” ClaireLee planted a kiss on Lolly’s head. “Now go make friends.”
    Obeying, Lolly ran to a group of little kids, and ClaireLee released a soft breath. “My sister.” She searched the playground to check on her brothers. Grayson was playing kickball. Liam leaned against the swing-set pole, hands flying as he talked to another boy. It wasn’t hard to imagine the conversation by his dancing fingers. Bragging, definitely bragging.
    A creepy thought came to ClaireLee. What if one of the kids got hurt? Who would help them?
    Stack of Curls was saying something. She flipped a ringlet off her cheek. “I’m Wendy.”
    Remembering the note, ClaireLee pulled it from her coat pocket and waved it. “You have nice printing, Wendy.”
    Swaying her hip to one side, Wendy crossed her arms. “I should. I’ve attended the best private school in Boston since first grade. By the way, I chose to come to Gallagher Springs.” She shrugged. “It’ll be an educational experience.” Pointing to a tall pole on the far side of the grounds, Wendy said, “Do you play tetherball?”
    â€œSure.” ClaireLee tagged behind Wendy as she walked to the tetherball line. Students whistled and cheered the players. “I enjoy sports and am good at them. Back home in Oregon where I came from, I hike the deer trails on our mountain.”
    Wendy sniffed. “Your family owns a mountain?”
    Edging behind Wendy, Belinda crossed her eyes at the back of Wendy’s head.
    Giggles rose from her chest and ClaireLee said, “Yes, I do, with ninety-nine acres of forest and a small pasture next to our house. I also own a rental cabin up the hill from my place, and I have a creek, chicken house, and rabbit hutches behind our house.” She straightened her back. “Daddy said he’d buy me a milk cow when we leave here and go back home.”
    â€œCows stink.” Wendy wrinkled her nose. “And you mean your parents own all this, don’t you?” ClaireLee’s face warmed when Wendy corrected her for bragging. “What does one do with a mountain?” Wendy asked.
    Belinda’s mouth split into silly, crooked lines and she whispered, “Do?”
    Relieved Belinda made a kind of joke, ClaireLee could no longer control her laughter.
    â€œDid I say something to amuse you, ClaireLee?” Wendy’s manicured brows furrowed.
    She shook her head and pointed at Belinda. “She’s making faces at your head and saying funny stuff.”
    â€œYou’re so ignorant, Belinda.” Wendy whirled round and waved her arms into the air. “But, of course, you were born in this do-nothing folk town.” She faced ClaireLee again. “My dad owns five skyscrapers in Boston. I ride the elevators and know every elevator operator’s name.”
    Her lips parting, ClaireLee wanted to ask what a skyscraper was, but Belinda saddled next to ClaireLee. “This is high and mighty of you, Wendy.”
    Between clenched teeth, Wendy said, “ClaireLee, have you everridden an elevator?”
    â€œUm,” she tapped her chin, “you know, I don’t think so.”
    Belinda snorted in raucous laughter, and Wendy glared. “Would you mind, scar face?”
    As though slapped, Belinda said in monotones, “Would I mind what,