My Deadly Valentine by Carolyn Keene

goodness you’re back!” Brook exclaimed as she greeted the girls at the front door of the Theta Pi house. She took the grocery bags from Nancy and Bess.
    When Nancy had called the house, she hadn’t given details. Now Brook gasped as Kristin described the near accident. “I guess Cupid’s struck again.” She shook her head. “I can’t bear to even think about it now. The rushees will be arriving in fifteen minutes, and we specified tea attire. You’d better change.”
    â€œWhat about the coffee urn?” Kristin asked. “And the music? Did Etta pick up the flowers?”
    â€œIt’s all under control, Madam President,” Brook said. “Your sisters wouldn’t let you down. But you’d better get cleaned up—unless you want to meet the rushees in your snowboots.”
    Nancy, Bess, and Kristin bounded up the stairs, peeling off their mittens and jackets along the way. They dashed into their bedroom, then stopped short when they noticed Mindy curled up in her bed.
    â€œHey, sleepyhead!” Kristin teased. “Up and at ’em! It’s almost time for the rush.”
    â€œI feel lousy,” Mindy said. She rolled over to face them, and Nancy could see that her face wasflushed. “My stomach’s rocky, and my head hurts. Maybe I’m coming down with the flu.”
    â€œThat’s a shame,” Nancy said.
    â€œAnything we can get you?” Bess asked.
    Mindy shook her head. “No, thanks. But you’d better hurry, or you’ll miss the greeting.”
    Bess was already taking a cherry-colored sweater and matching skirt out of the closet. “I didn’t realize we’d be dressing up for this,” she said. “Do you think this is okay?” she asked Mindy.
    â€œPerfect,” Mindy said, clutching her knees.
    â€œSome of the rushes are informal,” Kristin explained as she sat on the edge of her bed and tugged off her boots. “Today’s just happens to be one of the fancier occasions.”
    Kristin finished changing first. Like a shot, she was out of the room and down the stairs. Not long after that, Bess had wound her blond hair into a sophisticated French twist.
    â€œYou look great,” Nancy said as she pulled a gold-and-black brocade vest over her black wool dress. She followed Bess out the bedroom door. “That’s got to be a record breaker for you, Bess. Completely transformed in less than ten minutes.”
    â€œI’m so glad to be included in a sorority rush. I don’t want to miss a single second,” Bess said as they hurried down the stairs.
    When the doorbell rang, four of the sisters lined up at the foot of the stairs. As the front doorwas opened to the guests, the quartet sang a chorus of a Theta Pi song in four-part harmony. Other sisters took the rushees’ coats and escorted them to the coffee and tea service in the dining room.
    â€œEach rushee will get a carnation as she leaves, along with a booklet explaining the goals of Theta Pi,” Kristin explained as Nancy and Bess looked on.
    â€œAnything we can do to help?” Bess offered.
    â€œWith Mindy sick, we’re a little light in the kitchen,” Kristin said. “Do you mind?”
    â€œNo problem,” Nancy said, turning toward the back of the house.
    â€œJust make sure you’re not stuck back there when I give my speech,” Kristin called after them. “It’s a real showstopper.”
    In the kitchen, Denise put Nancy to work filling sugar bowls and arranging tea packets in baskets. “And put these on here,” she said, handing Bess the heart-shaped box of chocolates and a silver embossed tray.
    â€œSomeone’s been sneaking some of the secret admirer’s candy,” Bess said as she removed the satin-covered lid from the box.
    â€œThat must have been Mindy,” Denise said. “She’s notorious for her sweet tooth.”
    Bess transferred