The Black Sheep by Sandy Rideout Yvonne Collins Page A

pressuring me to do the wrong thing; and last, that I am very sorry for breaking the rules. Unfortunately, my mouth has other plans. “I don’t see why you’re making such a big deal about this, Lisa. It was just a bucket of fish.”
    â€œIt was not just a bucket of fish. The rules exist for a reason.”
    â€œJust think of me as an exception to the rules—like you think of Mitch.”
    Lisa scowls, but doesn’t respond.
    â€œTell me, Lisa,” Judy says, “will Kendra’s behavior derail your plans to Free Willy ?”
    My bravado evaporates instantly. It never occurred to me that sliding Maurice an extra snack could ruin his chance at freedom. “Why would that matter?”
    â€œYou gave him the wrong mix,” Lisa says. “If he gets sick, we can’t release him.”
    Judy’s head twitches toward Chili, but he is too riveted by Lisa to notice. At least, he is until Mitch nudges him helpfully. “Judy wants you to get a shot of Kendra’s expression,” he says. “She looks like she’s going to faint.”
    â€œShut up, Mitch,” I say. How can he make fun of me when there’s so much at stake for Maurice? “Do you think he’ll be okay, Lisa?”
    She pauses long enough to make sure I really get the point before letting me off the hook. “Probably.”
    I’m so relieved that it takes me a while to tune in to the lecture again.
    â€œI won’t tolerate your recklessness,” Lisa is saying. “I’m sure you get away with acting like a spoiled child in New York, but around here, the animals are the priority.”
    â€œMaurice is a priority for me, too,” I tell her.
    â€œIf you want a pet, get a goldfish. The rest of us are here to study, and you’re disrupting our work. Since you can’t be trusted, I don’t want you here unless you’re supervised.”
    I gesture at the crew. “I’m supervised constantly.”
    Lisa turns to Mitch. “Your family brought her in here, you keep an eye on her.”
    Judy jumps in before Mitch can protest. “Good idea. Mitch is used to babysitting.”
    Black Sheep Rule Number Six: It isn’t murder when you’re doing the world a favor .
    Carrie rolls her eyes as Mitch stalks ahead of us up the street. “I know Mona asked him to chaperone tonight, but it’s not like she’s around to know whether he actually does.”
    â€œHe would know,” I say, projecting my voice. “Perfect, responsible, exceptional Mitch would never ignore a commitment.”
    Mitch speeds up until he’s nearly out of sight. Not that I care. I couldn’t be happier that he refused to walk with us. Since the crew went ahead to set up, Carrie and I have a rare opportunity to chat privately. We’ve already managed to share stories from our past, and our hopes and dreams for the future. Finally, I have the chance to ask the question that’s been on my mind for days: “Do you think that hot guy from the mall will be at the party?”
    â€œJordan? Absolutely. He’s Aaron’s best friend.”
    We turn down Aaron’s street and I’m suddenly wracked with insecurity about my hair, my makeup, my outfit, and my personality—or lack thereof.
    â€œYou’ll be fine,” Carrie reassures me. “That skirt and tank top are all you need. It’s casual and sexy all rolled into one.”
    At the end of the driveway, we hear someone shout, “They’re here,” and the bright lights of several cameras flick on. Although I’ve become more accustomed to being in the spotlight lately, it’s still intimidating. I stop in the middle of the road and rummage through my purse.
    â€œQuit stalling,” Carrie says. “You’re practically the guest of honor.”
    â€œPlease.”
    â€œI’m serious,” she says. “You’re famous around this town. I’ve had