Cutting Edge (15 page)

Authors: Carolyn Keene

“He was just picked up at JFK Airport, in New York,” Nancy added. “We found out at the police station.”

“Wow,” Trish breathed. “It's all so incredible. Was Dad with you?”

“Yes,” Nancy said. “He's waiting for you outside.”

“You know,” Trish said, “I never wanted to admit it, even to myself, but I often had an uneasy feeling that Ronnie resented me. You know, because my family had money and my father was still alive.”

Trish's face took on a sad, faraway look. “And I can't believe she would do that to Daddy, who's been totally kind to her.”

“Hey,” Nancy said gently. “This is your day. Don't let Veronica spoil it for you. You've been through enough.”

Trish picked up her bag. “You're right,” she said, the smile returning to her face. “Hey, you two, can you come to the ASF party at Harper's? It's for the skaters and their friends and family. I'd love for you to comeâwith Kevin, if you want.”

She reached out to give Nancy and George a big hug. “Thanks for being there for me, you guys. I don't know what I would have done without you.” Then, with a wave, she ran out to see her father.

“George,” Nancy said, looking at a list of the final standings that was posted on the locker-room door. “Look who else is going to BerlinâTerri Barton. She came in fourth!”

“Ann Lasser is in fifth,” George noted. “I guess that means she'll be going, too, since Veronica is sure to be disqualified.”

Shaking her head, Nancy said, “Poor Veronica. I do feel sorry for her, don't you?”

“After the way she flirted with Kevin?” George shot back. “Not one bit!”

“Speaking of Kevin,” Nancy said, “shouldn't we go upstairs and say hello?”

“I suppose so,” George agreed. “I have been kind of rough on him.”

“I told you something about that gift was phony,” Nancy reminded her.

“I should have realized it, too,” George said sheepishly. “Let's go upstairs and invite him to the ASF party.”

“So you're not mad at him anymore?” Nancy asked, a wry smile crossing her face.

“Let's just say he was skating on some pretty thin ice there for a while,” George said. “But now we're back on solid ground.”

“That's great, George,” Nancy said. “I knew it wasn't like you to drop a guy without at least giving him a second chance.”

“Hey, Nan,” George said with a wink, “I guess I just wasn't cut out to be an ice queen!”

Laughing, the two girls headed out of the locker room. “Wow! I'm glad we're going to this party,” said George. “These last few days have been tense. I'm ready to have some fun! How about you?”

“Absolutely,” Nancy agreed. “Absolutely, positively. Let's go!”

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.