The Ashley Project by Melissa de La Cruz Page A

a view of the grassy wetlands, their attention focused on Dex, who really was too cute for words, as he stood behind the counter, pouring rounds of energy drinks, telling jokes, and showing them card tricks.
    â€œAce of spades,” he said, as he turned over A. A.’s card and showed her the black ace.
    â€œHow did you know?” A. A. marveled, turning to her friends and giggling.
    â€œThat’s for me to know and you to find out,” Dex teased, reshuffling cards like a pro.
    It was obvious that A. A. thought Dex was adorable. She couldn’t stop blushing whenever he looked at her. That girl was so boy-crazy she went gaga over every attractive guy within a five-mile radius. Not surprisingly, Dex seemed really into her, too. Sometimes Lili felt a little jealous of her laid-back friend’s easy rapport with guys. It must come from hanging out with her brother’s friends and Tri Fitzpatrick all the time, she mused. Speaking of whom, the poor guy had turned a sickening shade of green when he found out about A. A.’s Internet amigo the other day. She wondered if Tri knew that A. A. was finally going to get to meet the famous “laxjock” next week. Ashley joked that he was probably some fat, home-schooled loser, but somehow Lili didn’t think so.
    â€œC’mon, pick another card,” Dex was urging, his bright blue eyes fixed on A. A., who fluttered her eyelashes at him in response.
    A. A. put a slim hand on the deck and pulled out another one, just as they heard a loud cough right behind them. They turned around to see Lauren standing outside of their little circle. She was wearing a cool vintage-looking jumpsuit and a pair of ass-kicking knee-highboots that Lili immediately added to her own wish list. The Ashleys immediately crowded around her.
    â€œHi, pretty!” Ashley said, calling Lauren over. “Sit here . Scootch over, Li,” she went on bossily, patting the barstool next to her. And even though Lili knew Ashley’s friendship was as fake as her “Stella McCartney” jacket, she still felt a bit jealous of all the attention Ashley was heaping on Lauren. It was one thing to befriend the girl to get a guy. It was another thing to make her your new BFF completely.
    â€œThanks for sending the car,” Lili said politely, as she took one single cashew nut from a wooden bowl on the counter and ate it. “Omigod. I’m so full,” she announced.
    â€œWhat time’s wheels up?” Ashley asked with a yawn. She always had to make sure everyone knew she’d been on a private jet before and that this was just an ordinary event.
    â€œMom’s just checking with the pilot now,” said Lauren, just as Trudy Page entered the room.
    â€œWelcome, girls!” Trudy gushed, planting effusive kisses on each Ashley’s cheek. “So wonderful to have you all here!” she trilled, waving her hand so that they couldn’t help but notice the massive rock on her finger and the row of diamond bracelets that glittered in the sunlight and threatened to blind them all.
    Lili wrinkled her nose at the showy display of jewelry. Lauren’s mom was a trip. She looked like a Christmas tree: overdecorated and way too shiny.
    Ashley seemed to think similarly. “Is that real fur?” she asked, motioning to the pouffy white collar on Trudy’s pink velvet coat. “It’s gorgeous,” she added, her voice dripping with insincerity.
    â€œWhy, yes it is,” Trudy beamed, totally clueless.
    â€œFigured,” Ashley smirked, shooting Lili and A. A. a look.
    â€œCan we go now?” Lauren asked her mother, sounding just a bit whiny. Lili wondered if she’d noticed the exchange among the Ashleys.
    â€œOf course. I just spoke to Captain Jim and they’re all ready for us,” Trudy said. “Hello, Dexter. Could you make sure we’re all set here before we leave?” she asked grandly.
    â€œSure thing, Mrs.