CHAPTER 26 BILLY’S BIG NIGHT

April pushed the sand around with her bare toes. The sun had set half an hour ago, but the sand still felt warm against her foot. She heard voices. Glanced up. A boy and girl strolled along the beach, chatting.

Kylie and Irene had pulled her aside at the barbecue last night. The three of them had agreed to meet tonight on the beach as soon as it turned dark. To compare notes on how their bet was going.

Kylie and Irene were half an hour late. April wondered if they had forgotten. After all, they had been sort of distracted at the barbecue last night.

April grinned, thinking about it. She had enjoyed watching Kylie and Billy. Kylie did everything she could to get his attention. But Billy seemed distracted, upset about something. Kylie had been really angry, and it showed.

I’m surprised she didn’t grab him and bite his neck right there, April thought.

Bats flapped overhead. April gazed up, thinking it might be Kylie and Irene. But they were just bats, flying from the island for a night of feasting on the mainland bugs.

It was a clear night. The moon was no longer full, but it still shone brightly. April could see the beach clearly.

She spotted two figures approaching across a large dune. Kylie and Irene.

“You’re late,” she informed them when they reached her.

“So what?” Kylie asked. “You’re immortal. What’s a little time to you?”

“We’re going to be late for play practice if we don’t hurry,” April said.

“Kylie doesn’t care,” Irene stated. “I told her we were late, but she had to try on three different pairs of shorts and half a dozen tops.”

Kylie yawned.

“It’s too bad we can’t see our reflections in the mirror,” Irene went on. “Poor Kylie really misses admiring herself.”

“At least I’ve got something to admire,” Kylie shot back.

“Will you give me a break,” April begged. “I don’t want to waste the whole night while the two of you snap at each other. I’m hungry.”

“She’s right,” Irene agreed. “We’re supposed to be comparing notes.”

“Okay,” Kylie replied. “How are you two doing?”

April grinned. “I’m going to get Jay alone after play practice tonight.”

Irene shook her head disgustedly. “I haven’t gotten Nate alone long enough to get a sip. His bratty little sister is always tagging along! I’m so happy his parents took her home. They said she was having nightmares about vampires!”

April shook her head.

“You’re both going to lose,” Kylie declared. “Billy doesn’t suspect a thing. I’ve been taking it slow.” She smiled, showing the tips of her needle-sharp fangs. “But tonight is his big night.”

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 526