Viva Vermont! by Melody Carlson Page B

want.”
    â€œMaybe I don’t want …” DJ took a sip of her soda.
    â€œAnd maybe you do,” said Casey.
    â€œWell, if I end up being dredged out of the bottom of the diving pool with lead weights tied around my ankles, you guys will know who to blame.”
    â€œThat’s a lovely picture, DJ.” Taylor rolled her eyes.
    â€œYeah … I know. Conner assured me that this thing with Haley would blow over by now, but it’s not going away. If anything, I think Haley’s just digging in deeper. And the swim meet on Saturday could really turn ugly.”
    â€œMaybe you need bodyguards,” said Casey. “Want us to come and watch your meet?”
    â€œConner already offered,” admitted DJ. “But I’m afraid that could make it even worse.”
    â€œHmm …” Taylor actually seemed to be considering this. “I suppose there would be some hot-looking guys there, right?”
    DJ shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”
    â€œIn those little Speedo suits?”
    DJ sort of laughed now. “Always on the prowl, aren’t you, Taylor.”
    â€œI like to keep my eyes open.”
    â€œWhat about Seth?” asked Casey.
    â€œWhat he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” “So, what time is the meet?” asked Casey.
    â€œIt starts at eight in the morning,” said DJ. “I’m not sure how long it’ll go. But the coach said at least until noon.”
    â€œHow about if we come and watch you do your thing,” said Taylor, “and then we can do some shopping afterward.”
    â€œShopping for what?” asked DJ.
    â€œThe general’s ski trip,” said Taylor. “You know it’s the weekend after next.”
    â€œThat’s right,” said DJ. “I nearly forgot. I still have to check with my physical therapist to see if it’s okay to do a little snowboarding.”
    â€œAnd did Eliza tell you the good news?”
    â€œWhat good news?”
    â€œHarry’s renting a cabin up there for the same weekend.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œAnd he’s inviting some of his buddies to join him, including Garrison and Seth.” Casey winked at Taylor.
    â€œReally? I hadn’t heard about this.” In fact, DJ wasn’t too sure how she felt about this new little development. It was one thing doing a ski weekend with the Carter House girls. Even that had potential to get a little crazy. But throwing their boyfriends in as well … now, that could get downright scary.
    She wondered if her grandmother had any idea what was going down, but at the same time realized that was highly unlikely. DJ also knew it was unlikely that she would tell the old woman. And equally unlikely that Grandmother would be too concerned even if she did know.
    â€œI’m sure Conner will get an invite too,” Taylor assured DJ.
    â€œSo next weekend should be extra fun,” said Casey.
    â€œI just hope I can survive this weekend first.” DJ let out a dismal sigh.
    On Friday, DJ considered foregoing the football game.
    â€œBut why?” Conner had demanded as they stood outside in the school parking lot. “That’s like letting Haley and her thugs win.”
    She rubbed the bruise on her arm as she considered this. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
    â€œAnd the more you stand up to them and live your life, the sooner they should get bored with their little game.”
    â€œI just don’t want to take any more hits from Bethany.”
    â€œTrust me, you won’t have to.” He gave her his tough-guy look now. “I’ve never struck a girl and I don’t intend to, but I wouldn’t hesitate to block one of her punches.”
    DJ laughed. “Well, thanks. Maybe you should come to the pool with me now.”
    â€œI thought you said the girls were still doing the morning shift.”
    â€œThey have been, but I keep expecting it to