Prom Queen, The (Life at Kingston High Book #3) by Melody Carlson Page A

sternly told her. “That’s like gossiping. And you know that’s wrong, Janelle.”
    Janelle held up her hands. “Just saying.”
    “Well, don’t!” Megan glared at her.
    “Sorry.” Janelle rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to go ballistic.”
    After lunch, Megan joined Jack in the courtyard, where they made a quick plan to meet after school, get some scripts, and practice a scene together. Megan knew she might be putting too much on her plate, but she didn’t care. If anyone had told her just a few weeks ago that she would be trying out for the spring musical with the delectable Jack Speers, she would not have believed it. It was like her life and high school experience were finally turning into what she’d always dreamed they should be, and she had to think it was all due to Pastor Robbie’s Shower of Power sermon about positive thinking. Maybe she should write him a thank-you letter.
    Another interesting development in Megan’s amazing new life was that Dayton Moore (star quarterback and Kingston hottie) seemed to be growing increasingly interested in her. At first she’d assumed he only wanted her academic assistance. But after she helped him with his essay, he continued trailing her, and Megan realized that for the first time in her life, she was actually flirting. And it felt great!
    “Want to go grab something to eat with me?” he asked her after school.
    “You mean right now?” She closed her locker and studied him.
    “Yeah, I’m starving.”
    She laughed. “Thanks, but I have to meet someone.”
    He frowned. “What about later?”
    She explained her plan to try out with Jack for the musical.
    Dayton made a crooked smile. “Well, I guess I don’t need to be too worried then.”
    “Huh?”
    “I mean ’cause it’s just Jack. It’s not like he’s real competition.”
    Megan’s smile faded.
    Dayton patted her on the cheek. “You’re sweet,” he said in a patronizing way. “Catch ya later.”
    She just nodded as she called Arianna’s number, explaining that she was going to be running late again.
    “More prom queen stuff?” Arianna asked.
    Megan told her about the musical.
    “Really, you’re going to be in Fiddler on the Roof ?” Arianna actually sounded impressed. “That’s so cool.”
    “Nothing is for sure yet,” Megan explained. “Tryouts aren’t until Thursday. But I promised to practice with a friend today. Probably tomorrow too.”
    “I’ll just plan to ride home with Olivia this week,” Arianna offered.
    Megan thanked her and headed off toward the music department, but on her way, she noticed Zoë again. Determined not to make the same overly friendly mistake as before, Megan considered taking a different route, except that she was already running late. Zoë was with a guy today, so Megan decided to give them plenty of space. Keeping her eyes off them, she cut a wide berth, attempting to hurry past.
    “Ouch!” Zoë shrieked. “Knock it off, Trevor!”
    Megan heard the guy curse, followed by what sounded like a loud smack. Despite wanting to ignore whatever was going on, Megan stopped and turned to see. Zoë’s hand was on her face, and she had a hurt look in her eyes. Had he hit her?
    “I said knock it off,” Zoë told Trevor. But instead ofbacking off, he grabbed her arm, twisted it behind her, made a fist, and looked like he was about to punch her in the face.
    “Hey!” Megan yelled. “Zoë said to knock it off.”
    “Butt out, you—”
    “Go away!” Zoë warned Megan.
    “No.” Megan reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and held it up like a weapon. “If you don’t leave Zoë alone, I’m calling 911. Right now.”
    Now he swore at her.
    “I mean it,” she yelled loudly, hoping that someone would hear her and come over to help, or at least witness what was escalating into a frightening scene. “Leave her alone!”
    Trevor released Zoë’s arm, but now he came directly toward Megan.
    “Back off!” Megan yelled as she focused on her