Sugar and Spice by Sheryl Berk Page A

yourself and celebrate what makes you unique and special.” She glanced at Lexi in the wings and winked.
    The judges applauded and Harleigh walked gracefully offstage. She found Lexi waiting for her. “You rocked it!” she said.
    â€œI was going to say I wanted to be an Olympic gold medalist,” Harleigh admitted. “Then I heard what you said, and it inspired me.”
    â€œMe? I inspired you ?” Lexi asked. “But you’re the one who’s won so many pageants.”
    â€œAnd you’re the one who has great friends who care about you and the coolest club I’ve ever heard of,” Harleigh replied.
    â€œAnd now I have another great friend,” Lexi said, hugging her. “And you have an open invitation to come bake with us anytime.”
    â€¢ • •
    The judges deliberated for more than an hour. They handed out the awards for the youngest contestants first—the babies, toddlers, and five- to seven-year-olds. Lexi could barely stand still as Mr. Jim next went through the list of eight-, nine-, ten-, and eleven-year-old divisional titles.
    Harleigh looked just as nervous. “I always think this is the hardest part of the whole pageant,” she said. “The waiting.”
    Finally, it was time to announce the preteen queens. Lexi, Meredith, and Harleigh all took the stage with seven other girls as Mr. Jim held up a list from the judges. There were so many categories: Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic, Best Smile, Best Hair, Best Eyes. Lexi watched as one by one, girls went up to receive a trophy and a tiara. She, Harleigh, and Meredith were still standing there, crownless.
    â€œFor Best Costume, number fourteen, Meredith Mitchell,” Mr. Jim read.
    Meredith raced forward and snatched the trophy out of his hand.
    â€œI’m not surprised,” Harleigh whispered to Lexi. “Hers was very flashy—literally.”
    â€œNext, we have the award for Preteen Ultimate Talent,” Mr. Jim read. Lexi squeezed Harleigh’s hand. “You got this one,” she whispered.
    â€œThe winner is number fifteen, Lexi Poole!” Lexi was stunned—there had to be some mistake! She had won for singing ? It was crazy! She saw her parents, sister, friends, and Jeremy in the audience, jumping up and down and cheering.
    Harleigh gave her a little push forward. “Go on!” she whispered. “I’m so proud of you!”
    â€œCongratulations!” Fitzy said, pinning a huge, sparkling rhinestone crown on her head. As the cameras flashed, Lexi felt like she was having an out-of-body experience. Could this really be happening to her?
    The rest of the crowning ceremony felt like a dream. Harleigh won Best Interview and Best Fitness, while Meredith took Best Gown.
    â€œDo you think Lexi has a chance of winning the whole enchilada?” Jenna asked Delaney.
    â€œCrazier things have happened,” Delaney replied.
    Jeremy moved up to the front row and sat there with his fingers and toes crossed.
    Mr. Jim opened the envelope from the judges and prepared to the read the name on it—the Ultimate Grand Supreme for the entire pageant.
    â€œLadies and gentleman, please welcome your new Miss New England Shooting Starz, Harleigh Park!”
    Harleigh opened her mouth to scream, but Meredith beat her to it.
    â€œ Nooooo ! ” she howled.
    â€œYes!” Lexi cried. “Harleigh, you did it! You won! You won!”
    She watched as her friend received her banner and huge crown from Fitzy and Laura. As Mr. Jim serenaded her, she walked the runway, waving to the crowd.
    â€œIt’s not fair,” Meredith complained. She tossed her tiara on the floor. “I should have won.” Lexi was enjoying seeing Meredith utterly miserable, until she noticed the tears in Meredith’s eyes.
    â€œHey,” she said softly. “It’s no big deal.”
    Meredith sniffled. “My coach and my parents are going to be