The Secret Talent by Jo Whittemore Page A

Vanessa pushed me. “Ryan’s actually a nice guy. He apologized for everything and was really open to change once we got started.”
    He smirked at her, but the way he did it was almost smooth. Not his normal jerky sneer. “Ihave to admit, you were right about the eyebrows.” He reached up and groomed one with the tip of his finger. “Well, done, V.”
    I cocked my head to one side.
    They were on a nickname basis?
    Vanessa beamed and bounced on the balls of her feet. “Show Tim the etiquette stuff I taught you.”
    Ryan leaned forward and extended his hand to me with an easy smile. “Ryan Durstwich. Thrilled to meet you.”
    â€œUh . . .” I shook his hand. “You, too.”
    â€œThat’s an impressive grip you’ve got. Reminds me of this wrestler I saw—”
    â€œNope.” Vanessa cut him off. “ Wrestlers are not in a gentleman’s vocabulary.”
    Ryan cleared his throat and tried again. “So what do you do for fun around here?”
    Now I’d get him.
    â€œI dance,” I said, gesturing to my clothes.“Wearing this. Pretty funny, right?” I even spun so my fustanella fanned out.
    I expected Ryan to snicker or say something snide, but instead he applauded. “That’s amazing! I wish I had that kind of talent.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Great to meet you.”
    He looked to V for approval. “How was that? Am I a classy guy or what?”
    Never mind that I was the one who taught him all of it.
    â€œClose,” she said with a grin. “But you never bothered to get Tim’s name.”
    â€œOh man!” Ryan smacked himself on the forehead and chuckled. “I’m such a goofball.”
    Vanessa laughed too. “I’ll be right back. After sitting in a closet for an hour, I really have to pee!”
    She hurried away, and Ryan turned to study his reflection in the studio window. “Man, I look good.”
    â€œYou sure do,” I agreed, holding up the task list. “With personality to match! The coolest guy in the sixth grade, I’d say. Right?”
    Ryan looked away from his reflection long enough to nod, and I punched the air triumphantly, crossing off the last item.
    He turned to face me. “Except . . .”
    I froze, eyebrow raised. “Yeah?”
    â€œI’ve kind of gotten used to our arrangement.” Ryan stepped away from the window. “I find it suits me. And I still keep getting hints of attitude from you.”
    My eyes narrowed. “What are you trying to say?”
    â€œThat we’re not finished.” Ryan bent to pick up his jeans and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “Here are your next tasks. If you don’t do them, I’ll reveal your dark, embarrassing dance secret, along with a new one . . .” He steppedcloser and smiled. “That you’re so weak, you let me blackmail you.”
    â€œYou . . .” Words failed me, and I stared at him, openmouthed. Ryan slipped the paper into my vest pocket and patted me on the cheek.
    â€œDon’t just stand there, Antonides. You’ve got work to do.”

CHAPTER
7
The Truth About Tim
    â€œY ou can’t do that!” I exploded. “We had a deal.”
    Ryan studied his nails, unconcerned. “And I’m changing it. I don’t see why you’re freaking out. Have you even seen the tasks?” He took the paper back from me and pointed to an item. “Look: iron my pants. I only have one pair, your pair, so that’s an easy one.” He smiled reassuringly.
    I stared at him, dumbfounded. “Why are you torturing me? There’s nothing I’ve ever done to you that deserves this.”
    Ryan’s smug expression slid into a scowl. “How about every time you strut down the hall like you own the school? Or how all the girls flock around you and ignore everyone else? Or all your family members who think you’re so