Lies I Told by Michelle Zink Page A

property and fed it through the shredder. Our parents were already locked in their bedroom by the time I followed Parker out of the War Room.
    â€œParker . . .” I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to thank him for looking out for me, but all that came out was, “Everything will be all right.”
    He turned to face me. “Just think about what I said, okay?”
    He didn’t wait for my answer, just walked into his room and closed the door.

Nineteen
    I was heading to my usual table on Monday, surprised to see Selena sitting alone, when Logan waved me over. Liam, David, and Raj were there, and Olivia, Harper, and Rachel. Olivia smiled as Harper moved over to make room. Rachel was the only one who looked less than thrilled. But it didn’t matter. Too many of the others wanted me there now.
    I glanced from Selena, head bent over a book, back to Logan’s table. I didn’t have a choice. Infiltrating Logan’s group was what I’d been working toward since my first day at Playa Hermosa High. It was my part of the job and one of the most important components of the con.
    But Selena was my friend. My only friend. And they didn’t exactly grow on trees. Not for me, anyway.
    I looked at Logan and mouthed the words Hold on.
    Then I headed to Selena’s table.
    She looked up as I approached. “Hey!” She closed her book. “How was the bonfire?”
    â€œWell, I have good news and I have bad news,” I said, still standing. “Which do you want first?”
    â€œUm . . .” Her forehead wrinkled with concern. “The good news?”
    â€œThe good news is: the bonfire didn’t suck as much as I thought it would, although I still wish you would have come with me.”
    â€œOh . . . okay,” Selena said. “That is good. What’s the bad news?”
    I let her eyes slide to Logan’s table. “They want me to sit with them now, and I’m not going without you.”
    â€œWait a minute. You’re asking me to sit with them?”
    â€œNo,” I said. “I’m asking you to sit with me . . . while I sit with them.”
    She gave me a half smile. “Kind of sounds like the same thing.”
    â€œWell, it’s not.” I sighed. “Look, you’re the best friend I have here. I don’t want to lose that just because I’m getting to know other people. And they’re not that bad.”
    She raised her eyebrows. “Not that bad, huh?”
    â€œOkay, Rachel’s kind of a bitch.” I laughed. “But everyone else is really nice. Besides, Ashley and Nina aren’t even here, and I’m pretty sure David’s been checking you out.”
    â€œNow you’re getting desperate.”
    â€œLook for yourself if you don’t believe me,” I said. “Although I don’t recommend it.”
    â€œRight.”
    She turned in her seat to look at Logan’s table. David was staring right at her. When she turned around, her cheeks were flaming.
    â€œThanks for that.”
    I grinned. “Anytime. Seriously, though. Will you come with me? Please?”
    She stood with a sigh. “Okay, but I’m not promising it’ll be permanent.”
    â€œNo worries,” I said. “This is a contract-free arrangement.”
    I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach as I led the way to Logan’s table. It wasn’t about getting in with the group, about the con. I just wanted Logan to like me, and I wanted everyone to be nice to Selena.
    But I shouldn’t have worried. After a moment’s surprise, everyone moved over and made room for both of us. I chose a seat next to Logan, and Selena took the one across from me.
    â€œWhere’s Parker?” Rachel asked.
    I looked around. “Um . . . I don’t know. Probably studying or something.”
    She nodded as conversation resumed at the table. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief when I overheard David ask