Inside, Excerpt 1

“Order, order,” shouted a voice over the sound of a loud bang. Immediately we all stopped what we were doing and turned to face the front of the classroom. Standing behind the podium with a gravel in her hand was Claire Carlyle, the president of the Florence School for Girls sophomore class. When Claire demanded attention everyone respected her request. She was small yet giant. Young yet adult. Girlish yet macho.

Clair politely grinned at her fellow classmates for following her instructions. Though it was not as if she ever thought we would do otherwise. That’s because Clair never saw us as her peers. We were more like her fans and she, our fearless leader. Clair was in charge and we were her hapless minions.

“Our primary order of business today is to discuss what will be the first fundraiser of the school year!” Clair cheerfully announced, “After a long and thoughtful process of choosing the perfect charity we have decided on a very deserving organization Makeovers for the Homeless.”

People clapped and cheered. I think I even heard a ‘bravo’. All in celebration for what my peers believed to be a worthy cause. I had a different reaction, of course. I felt my eyes roll into the back of my head. Could this organization be real? The thought of someone sitting around all day and suddenly declaring, “By George I think I’ve got it! I’m going to start a charity that will give makeovers to homeless people!” was bonkers. Add to that those around me concurring with “Wow that is a good idea and exceptionally philanthropic.”

“Yes Katrina and Bella?” Clair said.

Inside, Excerpt 2

dramatically, “Rite Aid”. There was an audible shudder heard around the room at the mere mention of Rite Aid. What was so bad about Rite Aid anyway? It was where I bought all my toiletries.

“You have something to add, Charlie Trout?” Clair asked, nodding to the imp sitting in the back of the classroom.

“It would bring me no greater pleasure than offering up one of my hotels, The Castle, as the location to host this superb fundraiser. I know we can provide the best possible service and hospitality for such an earnest and well-intentioned event,” purred Charlie as he fixed the scarf that hung around his neck.

“Thank you Charlie. That is so gracious of you as well as beyond—”

“Ah sorry I’m late!” proclaimed a lively voice, entering the room with a loud commotion. We all looked over at the door. Sabrina Vou Sloneker was standing there with a burly man in uniform who was pushing a cart full of wooden boxes. “Did somebody say happy hour?”

…in the middle of a meeting” Clair chastised her best friend….”Live a little. Open ‘em up Bud”…dozens of cases of Dom Perignon. Sabrina…bubbly and popped it open as if it were a can of soda. “Who wants a glass or five?” People raised their hands and Sabrina began doling out champagne into plastic cups. Clair looked around the room. This surprise visit had turned her orderly meeting into a raucous party. Looked like the dictator had a revolt on her hands.

But then an unexpected thing happened. Sabrina approached Clair with a bottle in her hand. “Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends,” Sabrina giggled as she poured the glass.