Playing With Fire, chapter 1

“Well, if it isn't her royal highness herself." Todd Wilkins gently nudged Elizabeth Wakefield's shoulder and pointed toward the entrance to the school gymnasium.

Elizabeth peered into the crowd that had already assembled for the Sweet Valley High dance contest. She sighed with relief when she spotted the person Todd was talking about-her twin sister, Jessica. With the contest only minutes away, Elizabeth had begun to worry about Jessica, even though it wasn't the first time her twin had shown up late to an important event. Casting a concerned look back in her boyfriend's direction, Elizabeth murmured, "I wonder where Jessica was all this time."

"Really, Liz." Todd shook his head in mock exasperation. "You know Jessica always waits until everyone's gathered to make her grand entrance."

"You're exaggerating, Todd," Elizabeth replied defensively, although silently she admitted there was some truth to Todd's words. Jessica had always said that a party never really started until she got there, and this occasion appeared to be the perfect time to prove her point. Already a small crowd had begun to form around the popular blonde. "Anyway, so what if Jess likes to shine in the spotlight?" Elizabeth added. "She was elected fall queen, you know, and royalty's entitled to certain privileges. Besides, she's not hurting anyone, is she?"

"No-except maybe the king," Todd noted pointedly.

About six paces behind Jessica stood Winston Egbert, Sweet Valley High's fall king and Jessica's date for the evening. Elizabeth would have liked to say something to explain away her sister's lack of concern for Winston, but she held her tongue, refusing to get into yet another fight over Jessica. Her twin was the only sore spot in Elizabeth's relationship with Todd. He still hadn't forgiven Jessica for the time she'd made him think Elizabeth wasn't interested in him, and Elizabeth saw no point in making the situation worse.

Besides, Elizabeth was well aware just how unthrilled Jessica was at having to spend the evening with Winston, for Elizabeth had spent the better part of her afternoon listening to her sister moan and groan about it. According to school tradition, the fall queen was supposed to accompany the king to certain school-sponsored activities during the semester. There was no way Jessica could get out of it, short of giving up her crown-and all the glory that went with it. It wasn't that she didn't like Winston, she'd carefully explained to her twin sister. Who at Sweet Valley didn't? He was always smiling, always joking-something of a class clown-yet in his own way one of the more interesting boys in school. It was who he wasn't that bothered Jessica. He wasn't Bruce Patman, the boy she longed to be with, the boy she'd hoped to snag when she'd schemed to be elected queen. The fact that Bruce still eluded her was a constant source of torment to Jessica. She always got what she wanted, and she hadn't yet met a boy who could resist her for very long. She desperately hoped Bruce wasn't turning out to be the exception.

Jessica was getting impatient. She'd been secretly in love with Bruce for years. He was good-looking and charming-and his family was one of the most prominent and richest in Sweet Valley, which made him even more attractive to her. But Jessica's frustration had begun to mount almost immediately as she'd watched him go after nearly every girl on the A list at school.

Every girl, it seemed, but her.

Jessica was already chatting with Cara Walker and a few of her other Pi Beta Alpha sorority sisters by the time Winston reached her side. There was a look of admiration on his face.

Dressed in a bright blue, skin-hugging mini-dress and matching tights, Jessica was an eye-catching sight. The outfit accented her long, shapely legs and brought out the blue in her sparkling aquamarine eyes. Across the room, Elizabeth, in her stylish but more casual wheat-colored pants and tan, striped shirt, also eyed her twin with admiration. Blessed with the same all-American blond good looks, the sisters appeared as alike as identical twins possibly could, but Elizabeth sometimes envied what she felt was her sister's more dramatic flair.

The floor of the gym was dotted with couples keeping pace with the rhythmic beat of The Droids, whose frenetic tempo and catchy original tunes made them Sweet Valley High's most popular band. Dana Larson, the group's lead singer, was in the middle of their latest song, "I've Found Paradise." The lyrics told how her Eden would be complete only when she found the right guy to share it with. Elizabeth mused that with as many guys as there were hooked on Dana's miniskirted figure, exotically styled short blond hair, and tantalizing voice, the singer would have no trouble making that wish come true.

"Hey, Todd, do you know who that guy is?" Elizabeth asked. She pointed to a tall, lanky man in his early twenties standing at the back of the gym near the bleachers. He was dressed in red leather pants, with a matching skinny tie knotted loosely over his white shirt. He was staring intently at the stage and seemed absorbed in the music.

"Nah, never saw him before," Todd answered. "Maybe he's Ms. Dalton's new boyfriend."

"I doubt it. Since we've been here, he hasn't been near her. He's handsome enough for her, though."

Todd grinned. "I'm sure your reporter's instincts will sniff out the truth by the end of the evening. C'mon, let's wish Jess good luck on the contest. She's going to need it 'cause she's in for some tough competition."

"Oh, really? From whom?" Elizabeth asked.

Todd pointed to the ground. "These feet were born to dance. And my partner's not exactly clumsy, either. I heard somewhere that identical twins have identical talents."

"Jessica and I aren't identical in every way-as you should certainly know," Elizabeth said airily, shrugging off Todd's challenge. "Look, if we're going to see Jess, we'd better hurry. The contest will be starting anytime now."

Jessica lit up in a wide smile at the sight of her sister. "Hi, Liz," she said, beaming. "Having a good time?"

"Don't I always?" Elizabeth answered brightly. Then she turned to her sister's date. "You ready for the contest, Win?"

"Are you kidding?" He did a quick shuffle, nearly tripping over his gangly legs. "After tonight we go on to Dance Fever. Right, Jessica?"

Jessica, who had been scanning the room snapped back into the conversation at the sound of her name. "Oh, sure-whatever you say, Win." Turning to Elizabeth and Todd, she added, "By the way, you haven't seen Bruce Patman around, have you?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Todd replied. "Over by the bleachers, surrounded by the usual horde of girls dying to get near him. Why do you ask?"

“Oh, nothing important." Jessica tossed her head as if to dismiss the subject, but her tone was a little too light to be totally believable. "I just wanted to wish him good luck tonight."

Elizabeth shot her sister a warning look. How can she talk about Bruce with Win standing right next to her? she thought angrily. "I hope he doesn't upstage you, little sister," Elizabeth said, using the affectionate nickname she had long ago given Jessica because she was four minutes younger than Elizabeth was. "I know how much winning this contest means to you."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that, big sister," Jessica declared. "Just remember what we talked about this afternoon-and don't blow it, OK, Lizzie?"

Elizabeth was saddened by the urgency she heard in Jessica's voice. Earlier in the day Jessica had practically begged her not to try to win the contest, but Elizabeth hadn't taken her seriously. Jessica simply never begged for anything. But now she could see that her sister meant every word. She'll really do anything to attract Bruce's attention, Elizabeth suddenly realized. Glancing at Todd for a moment, she avoided Jessica's stare, then replied noncommittally, "I'll remember, and I'll see."

The high-pitched voice of Robin Wilson cut abruptly into their conversation. "Jessica! What an incredible dress! I love it! Where did you get it? I've got to get one just like it!" A recent arrival to Sweet Valley, Robin had quickly attached herself to Jessica. Robin had the unfortunate tendency to show up at the most inopportune times. Such as that moment.

"Cool it, Robin. I get your point," Jessica said, giving the overweight girl one of her fake, bright smiles. “Oops, there's Lila. I've got to talk to her." Jessica quickly excused herself. Turning to Elizabeth, she added, "I'll catch up with you later. You're going up to Ken's, aren't you?"

"Wouldn't miss it for anything. Ken always throws the greatest parties."

"Ta-ta, then." And with that she ran off.

"Party? What party?" Robin asked, running after Jessica as fast as her plump legs would carry her.

But Jessica was off like a frenetic butterfly to huddle with her friend Lila Fowler. She's probably getting tips on how to snare Bruce Patman, Elizabeth thought worriedly, fearing that her sister's apparent single-mindedness might force her to do anything to get him. Lila had had a brief fling with the handsome, dark-haired senior some months earlier and considered herself an expert on him.

The dance contest was about to begin. The Droids had finished up their set, and as the lights dimmed, Roger Collins bounded onto the stage. Looking as handsome as a rock star, but dressed conservatively in comfortable, well-worn cords and a sweater, the popular, good-looking teacher positioned his lean frame behind the microphone. He clearly enjoyed his role as chaperon for the dance. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began grandly.

"Good evening, Mr. Collins," they all singsonged back at him in unison, affectionately mocking his master-of-ceremonies act.

Smiling broadly, Mr. Collins continued. "Welcome to Sweet Valley's Fifth Annual Rockin' Dance Party Contest. You all having a good time tonight?"

The crowd answered with a roar.

"Great!" he cried. "You know the rules. The band will play three songs. While our contestants dance, the judges will circulate around the floor, and after a short break the winners will be announced." Pausing a moment for effect, Mr. Collins smiled at his audience, which was practically squirming with anticipation. "OK, then! Let's get started! Per Sweet Valley tradition, we'll lead off the contest with our king and queen. So without further ado, I present to you King Winston Egbert and Queen Jessica Wakefield."

A lone spotlight focused on the couple as The Droids let loose with a fast, wall-shaking number. Jessica was clearly in her element, moving with the music naturally and without effort. Even her lustrous golden hair swayed to the beat, completing the perfect picture of a dancer caught up in ecstasy.

Unfortunately for Jessica and her dreams of placing first, she had to share the spotlight with Winston. That's where the perfect picture ended. He was a very clumsy dancer, trying to hide his ineptness by acting like a clown.

As they danced, Jessica's expression went from happiness to pure, helpless fury as she watched Winston run in circles around her, comically kicking his feet and clapping his hands. With the way Winston was carrying on, she realized, there was no way she'd ever win the contest, even if Elizabeth-who was as good a dancer as her twin-held back a little.

Halfway through the first dance, in an act of quiet desperation, Jessica made heavy eye contact with a strikingly handsome boy. To her surprise and enormous delight, he caught her mental SOS and began to walk in her direction.

Jessica's pulse quickened. He's coming, she thought excitedly, not quite believing her eyes. Bruce Patman is coming to dance with me! She was so overcome by the very thought that she stopped moving-and Winston immediately stepped on her foot.

"I'm so sorry, Jessica," he apologized.

Jessica snapped back to attention. "It's OK. I'm used to it," she grumbled. "But what are you trying to do, put me in the hospital?"

Before Winston could reply, Bruce tapped his shoulder. "I've been watching your moves, Egbert, and I think you could use a little help. Watch how I do it." In one smooth move Bruce pulled Jessica from the startled Winston and took her in his arms.

Bruce got no argument from Winston. He knew when he was upstaged. Accepting the inevitable, he quietly slunk to the refreshment table at the side of the gym.

With conflicting emotions, Elizabeth had watched the scene unfold. Her sister did deserve to win, but it hardly seemed worth hurting Winston to get the prize. Especially if, as Elizabeth suspected, the prize was Bruce. "Well, would you look at that!" she said to Todd, nodding toward Jessica's new partner.

"I'm not surprised. Jessica always gets what she wants."

"Bruce Patman." Elizabeth mouthed the name of the one boy she'd hoped Jessica would never catch. "I wonder what brought this on?" she said aloud. "What does that egomaniac want with Jessica?"

"Looks simple enough to me," Todd remarked. "The guy wants to win the contest-and Jessica's his best hope. I'm sure that's all it is."

Elizabeth hoped that Todd was right, and she had to admit that Bruce was as good a dancer as Jessica. Together they moved across the floor as if they'd always been partners.

When the first dance ended, they were clearly unwilling to separate; and during the second and third songs Bruce and Jessica shifted into more complex moves. With the strength of his well-muscled body, Bruce lifted Jessica high in the air and spun her around his broad shoulders and across his body. They were pure grace, electricity in motion, and as more and more couples grew aware of what they were up against, they dropped out of the contest to stand aside and admire this masterful performance. By the time the third song ended, only a handful of couples remained-and the outcome of the contest was certain.

Even Mr. Collins didn't try to prolong the suspense when he stepped back on stage to announce the winners. "Jessica Wakefield and Bruce Patman, come on up here and get your award." To a smattering of applause the handsome couple accepted the trophy from Mr. Collins. "Now you can lead everyone in the next dance."

Elizabeth was sure that the smile on Jessica's face had little to do with winning the contest. It appeared she'd won what she considered a more valuable prize-Bruce Patman. But Elizabeth couldn't force herself to share her sister's happiness. She knew the real Bruce better than Jessica did. Back on the dance floor, Bruce had wrapped Jessica tightly in his arms as they moved in time to a slow ballad. She held on to him as if she were living a dream she was afraid would end at any moment.

"You're some dancer, Bruce," she whispered breathlessly. "A big improvement over Win-especially on these slow numbers."

"Glad you noticed, baby," he murmured sweetly. "Anyway, slow dancing isn't really dancing."

"What do you mean, Bruce?"

"It's just the easiest way for a guy to get his arms around a girl."

"Oh? Is that the only reason you picked me for a partner tonight?" Jessica pretended to pout.

"It's a good reason-and I do have my arms around you."

"And I have mine around you. I'd say it works for both sexes," she retorted, pulling her body closer to his in typical Jessica Wakefield fashion.

But Bruce pushed her back ever so slightly. "In dancing, at least, the guy still takes the lead."

His meaning wasn't lost on Jessica. She'd have to be less aggressive if she wanted to keep him interested. "Then I'll follow wherever you lead," she said with uncharacteristic submissiveness. Bruce nudged closer and rubbed his hand approvingly over the nape of her neck.

Over at the refreshment table Winston downed his fifth cola as he stared disconsolately at the dance floor. Elizabeth, hoping to cheer him up, poured herself a root beer and sauntered over to him. "For a guy who's usually in the middle of everything, you're pretty quiet tonight," she remarked.

Winston pasted a broad smile on his face. "Just taking a time out. We kings have a heavy schedule."

Elizabeth wasn't fooled by his false show of bravado. "Don't let Jessica get you down, Win. She's always doing things first and thinking about them later."

"You talking about her and Patman? No big deal," he said lightly. "Why shouldn't she want to dance with someone who doesn't step all over her toes?"

"Come on, Win. I saw you! You could be good if you tried."

Smiling appreciatively at Elizabeth, he put down his drink. "Look, the dance is almost over. Once it is, she'll dump Bruce and come back to me. We're still going to Ken's party together."

"I see," she said, with a look that expressed her doubts.

"Hey, don't worry about me," Winston added. "I can handle your sister just fine."

"I sure hope so, Win," Elizabeth said, trying to sound supportive. In her sixteen years she'd yet to come across a boy who could truly control her tempestuous twin.

After The Droids finished their last set, Elizabeth noticed that the mysterious man in the red leather pants was talking animatedly with them. Jessica and Bruce were still in the middle of the dance floor, moving to music only they could hear. In an effort to divert Winston's attention from this scene, Elizabeth steered him into a discussion about whether the Sweet Valley Gladiators had a chance at the state football championship this year. At first Winston talked freely, but when he realized what Elizabeth was doing, he stood up straight and announced, "Excuse me, Liz, but I've got something important to do."

"Win, wait!" Elizabeth called. But Winston wasn't listening.

Elizabeth was about to go after him when she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Got a second?"

She turned to face Emily Mayer, The Droids' drummer. "I may have a scoop for your column," Emily said, casually running a hand through her dark brown, wavy hair. She was referring to the "Eyes and Ears" column Elizabeth wrote for the school paper. "It's not official yet, but it looks like you've just seen our last high school concert."

Elizabeth couldn't hide her shock. "You mean you guys are splitting up?"

"Oh, no! What I mean is-The Droids are going big time!"

"What are you talking about?"

"This guy came up to us after we finished our set." Emily was racing now, trying to get the words out as fast as she could. "He wants to manage us. He says he could make us stars!"

"The guy in the red pants?"

Emily nodded.

"Are you sure he's for real?" Elizabeth asked skeptically.

"I know it sounds crazy, but he's legit, Liz. His name is Tony Conover, and he's a representative of T.G. Goode and Associates. That may not mean anything to you, but they're the agency that books all the major clubs in L.A. Tony said he's the one who discovered August Moon and the Savage Six, and look where they are now. He's been scouting around the entire state looking at bands just like ours, and he says we've got what it takes."

"It sounds impressive," Elizabeth agreed. "But don't rush into anything too quickly. I mean, isn't it all kind of sudden?"

"Look," Emily said with a trace of annoyance, "we're not going to do anything without giving it careful thought. But just think, Liz, soon we could be playing L.A.!"

Elizabeth grinned. "I'll be there when you do!"

Moments later Elizabeth caught up with Todd, and together they rushed to the edge of the bleachers, where Jessica and Winston were in a heated discussion.

"Look, Win, all I'm saying is that I just can't spend the rest of the evening with you!" Jessica shouted.

"But, Jess, we had a date for tonight."

"Just because we came here together doesn't mean we have to leave together. Where's your sense of adventure, Win? C'mon, loosen up. You're free to do whatever you want."

"I want to be with you."

"Well, almost anything you want." Jessica's eyes lit up in inspiration. "I've got it! Why don't you take Robin Wilson to Ken's place? She'd love it. Oh, the two of you would be just perfect." Then, as if everything were now happily resolved, Jessica patted Winston on the shoulder. "See you, Win. And thanks for being such a good sport."

"Sure-anytime," he mumbled to her retreating back.

Elizabeth had heard enough. Leaving Todd to cheer up the defeated Winston, she raced to her sister's side before Jessica had a chance to find Bruce.

"Hold it, Jessica."

Elizabeth didn't use such a commanding tone very often, and Jessica always knew when her sister spoke that way it had to be something serious. She stopped and turned. "What is it, Liz?"

"How could you do that to Win? You've humiliated him."

"Oh, that. He'll get over it," she answered breezily. "It's not like we're a couple or anything."

"No, but you had a date with him tonight."

"So what? Where does it say I have to chain myself to Koko the Clown all night? I've been waiting for Bruce since-since birth, for heaven's sake! If you think I'm going to let him go now, you're wrong!"

"But do you really think he's for you?" Elizabeth persisted.

"Actually, yes. I think he's perfect."

"I'm telling you, Jess-"

"Lizzie, that's enough," Jessica hissed. "You've done your big-sister number. Now it's time to leave me alone."

"But, Jess-"

"I said forget it, Liz. It's none of your business. I've got to find Bruce." She peered into the group of kids milling around the outside door to the gym. Seeing him, her heart melted, and her voice grew noticeably softer. "There he is now. Hey, Bruce, wait for me," she called into the crowd.

With that, Jessica floated into the waiting arms of the most desirable boy at Sweet Valley High.

And all Elizabeth could do was shake her head and hope she was wrong about Bruce. For her sister's sake.