Hayride by Bonnie Bryant Page A

and two, without ever answering Carole’s invitation.
    Stevie and Lisa emerged from the basement staircase carrying plastic liters of soda. They set them down by the card tables. Noticing the group at the door, they immediately came over to rescue Carole from what looked like an awkward situation.
    Veronica flashed the two of them a superior smile. “Why, Lisa—you decided to come, anyway. Of course,
Simon
and I didn’t think you should stay home—in fact, I have to say that I admire you for being such a good sport.”
    Carole was about to ask Veronica what she meant when the doorbell rang again. She opened the door. This time a cute, blond, red-faced boy stood there. Carole knew it had to be Bob Harris.
    She introduced herself and then said kiddingly, “Since I don’t recognize you, you must be Bob Harris!”
    “That’s right,” Bob said, “and a very late Bob Harris. I’m really sorry.” While The Saddle Club plus Veronica and Simon listened, Bob explained that he had lost the address and—not wanting to look stupid—had looked up “Hanson” in the phone book. Unfortunately, he had picked the wrong Hanson. “So I ended up across town, knocking on some strangers’ door, and insisting that they had a daughter named Carole who was having a birthday party!” Bob finished. The Saddle Club dissolved into good-natured giggles.
    Simon began snorting and chuckling. “Gosh-oh gosh-oh gosh, that is the ultimate story, huh, Veronica?” He reached out and slapped her on the back.
    Veronica’s face froze in a pained expression. She was beginning to have a bad feeling about the party. “Hello, Bob. I didn’t know you were going to be here,” she said. Her voice sounded as if it was going to crack.
    “Yes, Veronica, I’m here. I guess I’m not too
delicate
for a birthday party,” Bob answered. Then he turned back to The Saddle Club. “Anyway, pleased to meet you and happy birthday, Carole, and again, I apologize,” Bobsaid. He looked Lisa directly in the eye and asked, “Forgive me?”
    “Anytime,” Lisa said, her heart skipping a beat. She and Bob stared at each other for a minute.
    “Ahem,” Stevie said.
    Remembering himself, Bob finally broke the silence. “Nice sweater. That color’s great on you.” Lisa blushed beet-red and mumbled thank you.
    “Bob, I—” Veronica began.
    “Yes?” Bob asked coldly.
    Veronica swallowed. She looked from him to Lisa. Lisa was beaming, her eyes on Bob. “Nothing,” Veronica said. “Absolutely nothing.”
    It was all Stevie could do to keep from laughing aloud and giving high fives all around. Her moment of triumph over Veronica had arrived, and she was looking forward to savoring the victory all evening. Deciding it was high time that she get back to the party—and as far away from Veronica as possible—Stevie began to shepherd Bob and Lisa back toward the others. “Come on, Bob,” she said. “We’ve got to introduce you to everyone and get you in on some games.”
    Simon, who had been quiet during the exchange, all at once blurted out, “How ’bout a game of Simon Says, Stephanie? I’ll be the leader, heh-heh.” He doubled over with laughter at his own joke. Veronica glared at him with distaste. Everyone else smiled tolerantly.
    “Uh, maybe later, Simon,” Stevie said. She, Bob, and Lisa walked over to join the crowd, each of them grinning from ear to ear. Bob and Lisa were grinning at each other. Stevie was grinning at them but also to herself.
    Joining Phil, she murmured, “Project Date-for-Lisa just ran head-on into Project Revenge-on-Veronica. And I, for one, like the results.” Phil held out his hand for her to give him five. She did, loudly.
    C AROLE TURNED TO Veronica. Simon had draped an arm over her shoulder, which Veronica was trying to shrug off. “What I was going to say was that I didn’t know if you’d make it, since you never answered the invitation,” Carole said.
    Whatever was left of the smirk she’d had when she came in