The Big Night Read online

  "See, my car died," Jordan continued, sounding apologetic. "Would you mind picking me up at my house?"

  "Sure." Jessica could just imagine Jordan's surprise when she arrived in a fancy limo. Tonight is going to be so wonderful.

  "Great. I'll see you this evening." Jordan's voice dropped to a sexy whisper. "And Jessica, I'm looking forward to it."

  A tingle raced up Jessica's spine. "Hmmm, me too," she whispered. Noticing Lila lift her head and squint at her through the bright morning sunshine, Jessica coughed to disguise her tone.

  "Who is it?" Lila whispered.

  "Oh, no one!" Jessica shrugged Lila's question off with a grin and hung up the phone. She froze for a moment. Was she forgetting something? Wasn't she going to write something down?

  Lila propped her chin on her hand and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What's going on, Jess? Your face is beet red. You're blushing!"

  Jessica grabbed a sun hat from the table, then yanked it over her head. "No way. I must be getting sunburned. And I can't have a red nose on prom day. Everyone would call me Rudolph!"

  Lila threw back her head and laughed. "You're right. That would totally ruin your night. It would be almost as bad as getting a zit!"

  "And nothing's going to spoil the prom!" Jessica said, grateful she'd distracted Lila. She laid her outstretched fingers on her lap. "Now, let's get back to the really important stuff. What color should I paint my nails? Passion Pink or Raspberry Red?"

  Chapter 2

  "Liz, that dress is dynamite," Jessica said as she glanced from her makeup mirror to her sister. Elizabeth fitted her long, flowing gown over her slender body and spun around in a circle.

  "You're sure it's not too tight?"

  Jessica rolled her eyes at her sister. "Liz, when are you going to learn that a dress can't be too tight when you're going out with a guy?"

  Elizabeth blushed. Just as Jessica had expected, Elizabeth had run in from school, had actually worked on an article for the paper, and now she was almost dressed for the prom. Meanwhile Jessica still hadn't decided which earrings to wear! A moment of panic hit her, but she brushed it aside. The perfect image took time. Still, she needed to hurry or she'd be late picking up Jordan—and she definitely didn't want to miss a minute of Lila's preprom party.

  "Are you sure I shouldn't have gone with the blue dress or the black one?" Elizabeth asked, arching a perfect blond eyebrow at Jessica.

  "No. That gown is totally gorgeous," Jessica exclaimed. "You look positively fabulous, Liz. You'll knock Devon right off his motorcycle."

  Elizabeth smiled, turning sideways in front of the mirror to check the backless gown again. "I don't think we're riding to the prom on his bike, Jess."

  Jessica grinned mischievously, thinking it might be kind of cool to see that dress flowing in the wind as the motorcycle roared through the streets of Sweet Valley. The dress accentuated Elizabeth's every curve, and the soft lavender color definitely highlighted the blue-green of her eyes. Our eyes, Jessica corrected herself. Elizabeth had definitely given up on conservative this time. Sequins sparkled as they caught the light, and the dress shimmered with sex appeal. Jessica couldn't wait until she could borrow it. Maybe if things worked out between her and Jordan tonight—

  "You're right. I'm glad I chose the lavender over the others," Elizabeth said, cutting into Jessica's thoughts. "It makes a statement. Elizabeth Wakefield is her own person."

  "And a knockout too." Jessica giggled as she brushed a light coating of blush across her golden cheeks. "You look almost as good as me!"

  Elizabeth shot her a look of disbelief as she began closing the straps on her dressy black sandals. "You are too much, Jess," she said, chuckling.

  Jessica scrounged through her jewelry case, holding up two different earrings, trying to choose between the rhinestone or sapphire. Then she glanced at the clock, suddenly panicking again. The limo would be here soon. She silently ticked off the list of things she needed to do. Pick up Jordan's boutonniere—check. Plenty of cash—check. Her evening bag complete with essentials, lipstick, blush, powder—check. What was she forgetting? Something—

  "Girls, when you get ready, come down and let us get some pictures," their father yelled from the bottom of the stairs. "Your mom says there's a blank space on the wall, and we have to fill it."

  Elizabeth and Jessica laughed. "Be down in a sec, Dad," Elizabeth called. She added simple rhinestone earrings and her gold watch, then grabbed her brush and swept it through her hair, flipping her head upside down to give her hair more body.

  Jessica turned back to her own preparations, still feeling as if she'd forgotten something. Oh, well, she thought as she opened a tube of her favorite Mocha Mauve lipstick and dabbed the color across her lips. Must not be too important, or I wouldn't have forgotten it. Blotting the excess lipstick with a tissue, she examined her completed face in the mirror, searching for any imperfection that needed her attention.

  Her tan was perfect, smooth and bronze, not even a strap line on her shoulders. She barely needed any makeup at all. But Jessica Wakefield wouldn't dare go to the biggest event of her life without adding vibrant touches of color to highlight her already flawless skin. A little mascara, light touches of plum eye shadow, a thread of eyeliner to highlight the deep blue-green of her eyes. Perfect. Look out, Jordan, here I come!

  She stood and slipped into her elegant white gown, then moved back and admired the way the dress hugged her curves and the slit up the side showcased her long, golden legs.

  The simple rhinestones on her dress glittered like diamonds around her slender neck, and her hairstyle, the sophisticated twist she'd worked painstakingly to create, added just the right touch of elegance. The gold clasp holding it in place had been the perfect choice, and the small tendrils falling around her face made her look exotic. Jordan would love it. He'd be nibbling on her—

  "Girls!" Mr. Wakefield shouted.

  "Coming!" they shouted at once.

  "Hey, Liz, will you hook me in the back?" Jessica asked.

  "Sure." Elizabeth fastened Jessica's dress. "You look fabulous, Jess. This is just the way I dreamed, the two of us getting dressed together for the biggest night of our lives."

  For a moment Jessica felt weepy, touched by the tender sisterly expression on Elizabeth's face. Elizabeth's eyes were bright and shiny too, as if she felt the same way. As different as they were, they'd always shared a special bond, and tonight was an important night for both of them.

  Mrs. Wakefield tapped on the door and poked her head in the room. "Hey, you two, come on; let's get these snapshots. The limo's here!"

  They laughed, hurried down the stairs, and followed their parents outside. "OK, Dad," Jessica said, posing against the side of the sleek dark limousine. Elizabeth put her arm around Jessica's waist, and they both flashed gorgeous smiles.

  "You look wonderful," Mr. Wakefield said. "And you'll be glad we bought a lot of film. You'll want these pictures later so you can remember tonight."

  "Like we'll need pictures," Jessica said, flipping her hair like a runway model.

  "Yeah," Elizabeth said softly. "It'll be nice to have photos, but we won't need them. After all, the prom's going to be so much fun, how could we possibly forget it?"

  "Yep," Jessica said dreamily. "It's going to be a night to remember."

  Dressed to kill, Elizabeth trekked across the trail by the lake, searching for Devon. She almost stumbled but caught herself in time and leaned against a tall palm tree for support, being careful not to mess up her evening gown. She stared over the crystal blue water and laughed as she remembered her sister's excited squeals when she'd climbed into the limo. Apparently Jessica couldn't wait to pick up her date. So where's mine? Elizabeth thought, suddenly feeling uneasy.

  She glanced around in case she'd missed Devon. She had thought he would already be at the lake when she arrived. Knowing how romantic he was, she'd expected a ten-course picnic on the water or another private fireworks display like the one he'd made for her at school. But so far he hadn't even showed.

  Suddenly she remembered what had happened when she'd gone to meet Todd, and she was struck with déjà vu. No, she thought, shaking herself, Devon cares about me. And this night is too important to both of us for him to stand me up.

  A branch snapped behind her, and she turned, her heart racing in anticipation. But it wasn't Devon who emerged from the bushes. It was Todd.

  Elizabeth's heart started to pound in her ears. What was Todd doing here? And why did he have to look absolutely gorgeous? He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black bow tie, and his brown curls were slightly tousled. He hadn't spotted her yet.

  "Um . . . hey, Todd," Elizabeth said.

  Todd turned and his coffee brown eyes widened in surprise, then suddenly lit up as he took in her appearance. Jamming his hands into the pockets of his dress slacks, he kept his distance, but his gaze raked over her from the tips of her bare toes to the tight-fitting waistline to the thin strap at her neckline. Then he finally paused, and his eyes lingered on her face. "Liz, why are you standing here in the woods with your prom dress on?"

  Elizabeth shivered, old memories of Todd flooding her mind. Todd, the first time she'd seen him dressed up, the first time he'd asked her on a date, the first kiss. Then she remembered Todd bringing Courtney to the prom committee meeting, knowing she would be there, and all the hurt swelled up again.

  She cleared her throat before she spoke, reminding herself that Todd had a date with Courtney and she had a new guy in her life.

  "Liz?"

  "I was supposed to meet Devon here before the prom," she said, refusing to look into his eyes.

  "Oh." Disappointment laced his voice, and he stared at his black polished shoes.

  "Why are you here, Todd?" Elizabeth scanned the area, half expecting to see Courtney Kane slither from beneath a rock. "And where's your date?"

  He shifted, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "I came here because it's our place, Liz," he said softly. He dug his hands deeper in his pockets as his shoulders slumped. "I was feeling confused; I . . . I was missing you so much."

  Elizabeth folded her arms across her waist, refusing to let him make her feel guilty. "If you were missing me, then why did you ask Courtney to the dance?"

  Todd's head snapped up. "Because you were with Devon," he answered quickly.

  "But Todd," Elizabeth said in confused frustration. "I didn't agree to go with Devon until last weekend. You and Courtney were official way before that."

  Todd narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? You and Devon . . . I saw him kissing your hand. . . ."

  Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "When did you see that?"

  "After school one day. You guys were in the hall by the bathrooms, and he—"

  Suddenly realization swept over Elizabeth. "Todd, I cut my hand, and he was helping me bandage it. He hadn't asked me to go to the prom then. We were barely friends."

  Todd's face registered shock, then he frowned. He looked at her as if he was searching her face for the truth.

  "You made the choice, Todd; you chose Courtney," Elizabeth said quietly.

  Todd looked totally miserable. "I'm sorry, Liz. I thought you and Devon were already going together."

  Elizabeth's heart squeezed at the sincerity in his voice and the puppy dog look in his brown eyes. She and Todd shared so many memories—dancing under the stars at the beach, splitting chocolate shakes at the Dairi Burger, cuddling together in the den and watching old movies. She felt as if she'd been with Todd her whole life.

  But tonight was supposed to be a night of new beginnings, Elizabeth remembered in a rush, a night to start a scrapbook of memories with Devon and to close the book on Todd.

  "Liz, I can't believe it all happened like this." Todd shook his head sadly. "I always thought we'd go to the prom together."

  "I thought so too," Elizabeth admitted.

  Todd stared at her, longing and regret shining in his eyes. "I guess I really messed up our chance, didn't I?"

  Elizabeth smiled gently. "It's not your fault. But it is too late. I'm with Devon now."

  Todd waved his hand toward the deserted woods. "Then where is he, Liz?"

  Elizabeth bit her lip and checked her watch. "He should be here any minute." But doubts began to seep through as she searched the darkness. Yeah, Devon, where are you?

  Chapter 3

  Jessica leaned back against the plush interior of the limousine and sighed in contentment. She noticed pedestrians and several people in their cars staring at the classic lines of her posh transportation. This was the life Jessica Wakefield was meant for—first-class style. She inhaled the scent of the cream-colored leather upholstery and ran her fingers over the crystal ice bucket filled with sodas and sparkling cider, imagining the totally stunned expression on Jordan's face when he walked out and saw this baby. And Lila's when she saw the two of them arriving together! Her excitement bubbled over into giddy laughter. Things couldn't get any better.

  The driver maneuvered onto Jordan's street and practically slid into his driveway, smooth as glass. Jessica leaned forward, checking herself in the mirror. She looked incredible! The driver opened the door for her and she climbed out, gracing the tall, gray-haired man with one of her charming smiles as she started to saunter up the sidewalk. She made sure to sway her hips seductively, just in case Jordan was watching from his window.

  But suddenly another stretch limousine pulled into the drive and parked right behind hers. A very familiar-looking limo. Lila's limo.

  Jessica's eyes widened in shock as the driver opened the door and Lila Fowler's face appeared in the doorway of the backseat. Lila climbed out, her sleek figure encased in a long black dress that accentuated the richness of her dark brown hair and made her look positively exotic. Jessica froze, stunned as her supposed best friend took out a small compact to check her makeup. What was going on? What was Lila doing here?

  Suspicions quickly mounted, and a horrible revelation dawned on her. Lila had tricked her! A feeling of doom slammed into her chest, and she started walking faster, determined to claim her date. At least Lila hadn't noticed her yet; she must have thought Jordan had rented the other limo. If she could only reach the door, get Jordan into the car. . .

  She stumbled when the heel of her shoe caught in a crack in the pavement but managed to regain her balance and practically lunged for the porch. Just as she was about to reach it, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Lila look up. Her friends eyes widened in disbelief, then darkened with anger. For a brief second their gazes locked like two enemies preparing for battle.

  Then Lila sprang into action. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she immediately started running up the sidewalk, her steps made small and awkward by her tight, hip-hugging dress and two-inch heels.

  Jessica's temper skyrocketed. This was prom night. She couldn't stand here and let Lila ruin it. Bolting forward, she climbed the two porch steps and reached for the door, but Lila hurried up beside her, heaving and panting. They dove for the doorbell at the same time. Glaring at each other, they raised their hands and punched their fists toward the door at the exact moment it swung open. Jessica gasped. Lila sputtered. They both clutched for something to hold on to. Aiming for control, Jessica straightened and stared in utter shock at the gorgeous guy who was supposed to be her date.

  Jordan was standing in the doorway, wearing a pair of wrinkled Lakers boxers and a tattered, faded gray T-shirt with a hole in the side. He was eating a hot dog—a very messy, greasy, smelly chili dog with mustard dripping off the sides.

  "But wha . . ."

  "Jordan . . ."

  Lila and Jessica both began speaking at the same time, neither one able to utter a coherent sentence. Jordan held up his hand to silence their feeble attempt at communication. He propped himself against the doorjamb and wiped a dollop of gooey sauce from his bottom lip.

  Jessica shuddered. Lila winced. Jordan chowed down another bite, ignoring the chili and mustard as it dribbled on his already grungy shirt.

  "I'm ready," Jessica announced in a wavering voice.

  "Let's go," Lila added.

  Jordan snorted, then wiped his hand on his boxers. Jessica grimaced as an onion dropped and landed on his thigh and he scooped it up with his finger and popped it into his mouth. "I'm not going anywhere," Jordan said. "But I thought you two should meet here because you'll make perfect dates—for each other." His perfect mouth deepened into a frown, and he stuffed the rest of the hot dog in his mouth.

  "But Jordan, we have a date," Jessica whispered.

  "And so do we!" Lila protested, her voice shaky.

  "I can't believe how totally moronic you two are—both asking me to go to the prom behind each other's backs. I thought you were friends." Then, without saying another word, he slammed the door in their faces. Jessica and Lila jumped backward at the resounding thud.

  Jessica's pulse careened off the charts. Her first inclination was to pound on the door, force Jordan to open it, then demand he escort her to the prom as he'd promised—the pig! She glanced at Lila's livid face and reconsidered. Besides, she wouldn't show up dead at any kind of function with a guy dressed the way Jordan had been. And he was smelly too. Yuck!

  But suddenly Jessica realized she was without a date—gross or otherwise—for the biggest night of the year. "I can't believe it! Lila, you sneaky, no good—"

  "Me?" Lila shrieked. "What about you? All that talk about the perfect date. We spent all day together tanning and planning for tonight, and you didn't say a word!"

  "Neither did you!" Jessica accused. "Now the prom is totally ruined! And it's all your fault!"

  "My fault? I'm not the only one who went back on our deal here, Wakefield."

  "Whatever, Li. He was perfect for me in the first place. You should've stepped aside anyway, and now I don't have a date for the prom." Jessica's heart was pounding so hard, she thought it was going to explode. She narrowed her eyes to slits. "This is the lowest thing you've ever done, Lila Fowler. If I show up dateless, I'll be the laughingstock of Sweet Valley High. Especially when my own twin had guys fighting over her!"