You First by Cari Simmons Page B

rejoined the group. “Ladies, I’m feeling rather tired. Okay if we head out?”
    The girls all nodded.
    â€œGood,” Mrs. Avila said. “Gigi, I’m going to drop you off at your place. You can tell me the way?”
    When they pulled up in front of the Princes’ house, Mrs. Avila put the car in park and said, “Gigi, let me walk you to your door. I’d like to say hello to your mother.”
    As the two made their way up the walk, Mrs. Avila said to her, “Try to breathe, honey. It’s going to be okay, I promise.”
    Gigi’s mother didn’t seem to be screaming angry when she answered the door. A little stern, yes. Concerned, definitely. But angry? Not so much.
    Mrs. Avila introduced herself and said some things that Gigi couldn’t focus on. There were apologies exchanged, and at one point, Mrs. Avila said, “I really enjoyed meeting your daughter. She’s a lovely girl, and you raised her to have impeccable manners.” This made her mother smile, even if it was only for a second.
    When they were alone, Gigi’s mother let loose. “Explain to me why, after Ms. Marian told you that you must have my permission before going over to her house, you decided that obtaining said permission wasn’t necessary?”
    â€œI couldn’t get ahold of you,” Gigi explained. “I left you messages, and a note.”
    â€œBack up,” her mom said. “You couldn’t get ahold of me, therefore you couldn’t get my permission—therefore you should not have left the house . Yes?”
    â€œI guess so, but—”
    â€œNo buts!” Gigi’s mother said. “You should not have left the house. Say it.”
    â€œI should not have left the house,” Gigi repeated.
    Her mother sighed. “You’re almost twelve, Gigi. I thought you were mature enough that I could leave you alone for a few hours without you getting into trouble.”
    â€œBut I didn’t get into trouble!” Gigi protested.“I walked to Finn’s house while it was light out. You let me do that all the time. And then I went to the mall with a grown-up that Ms. Marian trusts.”
    â€œBut I hadn’t met her,” her mother said. “ I hadn’t said yes. That’s my point. Why was it so important for you to go in the first place?”
    Gigi considered telling her mother all about Lauren Avila, but she already felt like a big enough loser. So instead she said, “I’m sorry, Mama. I shouldn’t have gone.”
    â€œThank you,” she replied. “Lesson learned?”
    â€œLesson learned,” Gigi agreed. “Am I grounded?”
    Gigi’s mother considered the question. Then she said, her voice softer, “No. Not this time. Next time, I will not be so kind, got me?”
    Gigi nodded vigorously. “Thank you,” she said. “Although . . .”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œIf you wanted to, you know, ground me from soccer for a couple of weeks, I wouldn’t blame you.”
    Her mom laughed. “Gee, if you hate soccer so much, why do you play?”
    Good question, Gigi thought. But she didn’t answer. Instead, she gave her mother a quick hug and a kiss onthe cheek. “I love you, Mama,” she said. “And I really am sorry.”
    Then she headed up to her room, snuggled in with Glamour Puss, and called it a night.

CHAPTER 11
    Gigi walked into the Open Kitchen with a plan in her pocket and a fire under her bum. She marched straight towards Miranda, who was sitting alone, staring off into space. Gigi plopped her stuff down next to her and said, “I have two words for you: tiramisu cupcakes.”
    â€œTirami- what ?” Miranda said.
    â€œTiramisu. Come on, you’ve never had tiramisu? It’s, like, the standard dessert in any decent Italian restaurant. Besides cannoli, but I already tried that and it didn’t work out so well for me. Anyway, are you