The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre Page B

a matter of fact, she’s right, but mostly because he’s uncoordinated. Most guys eventually master their arms and legs, but he’s still struggling. I used to find his awkwardness adorable. Cassie probably did, too. I wish I didn’t feel bitter, but last year, I had such a crush on him, after his dorkiness crossed some kind of line until he was cool. The hours I spent wondering why he didn’t see me that way … I shake my head and sigh.
    “Shut up,” I mumble.
    “Are you blushing? Oh my God, you’re totally blushing.”
    “Pick up some trash already.” I curse my fair complexion.
    In the sun, I don’t tan. Ever. With enough exposure to daylight, I will freckle over every inch of my body. Since I worked inside most of the summer, I’ve got them down to a sprinkling on my cheeks and shoulders. It’s bright today, though, so I can expect a fresh crop just in time for fall. And nothing says hot like an uneven distribution of melanin.
    Gwen thought to bring her iPod along with a dock that has a couple of small speakers. She blasts Black Veil Brides, which is supposed to make us rock out and work faster. It actually is pretty fun. Lila and I race to see who can get the most plastic bottles. This lot is absolutely disgusting. Even if I can’t get permission to plant a garden here in the spring, just getting the trash hauled away will make a huge difference.
    It takes three hours, but eventually we have eight full bags, plus some random junk. I’m amazed when a truck pulls up. Gwen grins at me. “I bothered my dad to make some calls for us. And voilà ! Phil is taking everything to the junkyard today.”
    “Thanks. This is really impressive,” I say.
    Gwen doesn’t answer; she’s counting piles before Phil can take them. Looks like Tara and Conrad gathered the most. He punches the air when he gets his five bucks, which is basically a latte or a frap. Still, it’s better than nothing. She’s more restrained, but she beams at Kenny, who cheers up a bit beneath his drooping Mario hat.
    “That’s it,” Gwen announces, then she beckons to her dad’s friend.
    Ten minutes later, when the truck pulls away, the lot looks fantastic. I can imagine how the garden will look. It would be awesome if we could do three different types: herbs, vegetables, and flowers nearest the sidewalk, adding both beauty and purpose to the wasted space. There are shops to either side of the lot. I think Aunt Gabby told me there was an inn here, a long time ago, but it burned down, and nobody cared to rebuild as this isn’t a tourist destination. There’s a motel out near the freeway, but this isn’t the kind of town that gets the bed-and-breakfast crowd.
    “Good start,” Conrad says in his slow, dreamy way. “But we probably need to keep an eye on the place, make sure it doesn’t get junky again before spring.”
    “Seconded,” Ryan murmurs.
    That’s the first thing he’s said in my hearing this afternoon. I wonder what he and Shane talked about, if anything. Lila and I kept too busy for me to stare at them, but I was tempted. Gwen makes plans for a weekly watch program, and while I register my day to walk by, I’m only half paying attention. The meeting is breaking up by the time I tune back in again.
    “Some of us are heading over to the Coffee Shop to wait for our rides,” Theo says.
    I take that as an invitation, but I’m not interested. “I need to get started on my homework, but thanks. Next time?”
    “Totally,” Kimmy says.
    “That wasn’t horrible,” Mel is saying as the four of them stroll off.
    “Next meeting’s at the library, usual time,” Gwen shouts and gets random finger gestures from people who are so done for now.
    “So what’s next, Princess? Can we save a kitten from a tree?” Lila opens her eyes obnoxiously wide, so she looks like an anime character.
    “Not tonight. I have to get home. And please don’t call me that.”
    “Sorry.” She actually sounds it. “Old habits.”
    I surprise