Ruby Parker Hits the Small Time by Rowan Coleman Page B

person. Like I don’t even have feelings that count.”
    I put an arm around Nydia’s shoulder and we bump-walked together along the road. “She treats you like that because that’s how she feels about herself,” I said, using a line I’d thought of for one of my problem-letter replies. “Nydia, you’re not only a person, you’re the best person in the whole world. A million times better than Anne-Marie! You’re always there for me. And I know how horrible it was for you sucking up to her today, but you know I’d always do the same for you, don’t you?”
    â€œYeah, I do,” Nydia said. “Although I never get myself into those situations. The worst thing I’ve got myself into was detention for two weeks.” She grinned at me and giggled. “Poor Anne-Marie. It must be so hard being thin and blonde with those big blue eyes and all that money. Poor her.”
    â€œYes, poor her,” I said. “Poor little Anne-Marie.” Then I remembered what I’d promised her. “She’s going to be really, really angry Anne-Marie pretty soon.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Nydia asked.
    â€œWhen she finds out I haven’t arranged any meeting with Liz. That never in millions of years could I arrange any meetings for anyone. I’m only a kid! She must think I’m miles more important than I am. That’s really going to hack her off when she finds out.”
    Nydia giggled even more, and we both laughed our way to the bus stop until I remembered something else Anne-Marie had said.
    â€œHang on a minute. What did she mean when she said she would get someone for me to practice on?”

Chapter Thirteen
    S o, what are you having then, kiddo?” Dad said.
    Kiddo ? He had never called me kiddo before in my whole life. I stared at him from around the edge of my menu. He was wearing this stupid bright red shirt and a stupid new leather jacket. There was something else funny going on. I squinted at him and realized he’d put gel in his hair and made it all spiky, even around the bits where you could see the pink of his scalp. If it wasn’t so sad, it’d be funny. I wondered if he’d gotten himself a girlfriend.
    â€œYour hair looks stupid like that,” I said. “I’ll have the marinara. A large one.”
    â€œAll to yourself?” Dad attempted to joke. “You’ll burst!”
    â€œAre you saying I’m fat?” I asked without cracking a smile.
    â€œWhat? No! Ruby, you’re perfect. I’m glad you don’t worry about what you eat. Too many girls do, especially girls in your industry. It’s not worth it.”
    I rolled my eyes.
    â€œI know that, Dad. I’m not a total moron.” I looked around the restaurant. It was one of our favorite places; we’d been coming here since I was really little. All the staff knew us, and most of the time the other regulars either didn’t recognize me or simply ignored me. But tonight there was a big family party in the corner who kept looking over at me and nudging one another. I tried not to look at them.
    â€œHi, Ruby. Hi, Mr. Parker. How’s it going?” Cassie stopped at our table, her pen and order pad poised. “No Mrs. Parker tonight?”
    My dad opened his mouth, but I stepped in before he could say anything.
    â€œNo, no. Mum’s ill. Got the flu—terrible flu—had to stay in bed, and we can’t cook so we came out to eat. She’s really, really ill. But not so ill that it would be mean to leave her on her own or anything. Just too ill to cook.”
    Cassie looked concerned. “Poor Mrs. Parker. I know—I’ll get some tiramisu for you to take away for her. That’ll make her feel better. What do you reckon, Ruby?”
    I nodded gratefully. Cassie took our orders and headed back to the kitchen, past the family who kept looking at me. Dad smiled at me. It was a new kind of