Girls Only! Read online

  Books by Beverly Lewis

  GIRLS ONLY (GO!)

  Youth Fiction

  Girls Only! Volume One

  Girls Only! Volume Two

  SUMMERHILL SECRETS

  Youth Fiction

  SummerHill Secrets Volume One

  SummerHill Secrets Volume Two

  HOLLY’S HEART

  Youth Fiction

  Best Friend, Worst Enemy • Straight-A Teacher

  Secret Summer Dreams • No Guys Pact

  Sealed With a Kiss • Little White Lies

  The Trouble With Weddings • Freshman Frenzy

  California Crazy • Mystery Letters

  Second-Best Friend • Eight Is Enough

  Good-Bye, Dressel Hills • It’s a Girl Thing

  www.BeverlyLewis.com

  Girls Only! Volume Two

  Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002

  Beverly Lewis

  Previously published in four separate volumes:

  Follow the Dream Copyright © 2000

  Better Than Best Copyright © 2000

  Photo Perfect Copyright © 2001

  Star Status Copyright © 2002

  Cover design by Eric Walljasper

  Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society. www.zondervan.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Published by Bethany House Publishers

  11400 Hampshire Avenue South

  Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

  www.bethanyhouse.com

  Bethany House Publishers is a division of

  Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  Ebook edition created 2011

  ISBN 978-1-4412-7028-3

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

  BEVERLY LEWIS is the bestselling author of more than eighty books for adults and children, including the popular CUL-DE-SAC KIDS and SUMMERHILL SECRETS series, several picture books, and numerous adult fiction series. Five of her blockbuster novels have received the Gold Book Award for sales over 500,000 copies, and The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award. Beverly and her husband make their home in Colorado, within miles of the Olympic Training Center, headquarters for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

  Follow the

  Dream

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  I am grateful to my daughter Janie, who helped with the story line for this book. Big hugs, honey!

  As always, I refer (and often) to the skating authorities at the U.S. Figure Skating Association. I am also thrilled to live so close to the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

  Now, just a personal note to the many readers who’ve written to me since the GIRLS ONLY series began. Thank you for your amazing enthusiam for these books!

  Thanks to my editor, Rochelle Glöege, of Bethany House Publishers, who first got me thinking about this series. Also, I want to thank my husband, Dave, for his recent surprise gift to me—tickets to Stars on Ice. A very special birthday!

  To

  Amy Meredith,

  one of my most

  loyal fans ever!

  Follow the Dream

  Chapter One

  Olivia Hudson stared at the ice-skater figurine on her bookshelf. She ran her fingers over the delicate work of art. “This is my dream,” Livvy whispered. “Nothing must keep me from it.”

  The piece had been chosen by her mother before her death to leukemia. The statuette was the super-coolest birthday present ever. It was a constant reminder of her mother’s devotion and love. Not to mention Mom’s great encouragement.

  “I believe in you. . . .” Her mother’s words still echoed in Livvy’s memory.

  Carefully, she placed the skater back on the shelf. Then she turned toward the windows. Through the delicate yellow curtains, she looked out at the Colorado sky. The sun was making its gradual descent behind the ridge of purple mountains. The sky would soon turn blue-black. House lights would light up the windows along the streets of Alpine Lake.

  Livvy sighed. Why’d Grandma have to stick her nose into my life? she thought. Dad and I were doing fine on our own.

  Grandma Hudson’s recent hovering was making Livvy a little crazy. Constantly, she was reminding Livvy, “There’s a very good reason why I’m here, Olivia Kay.”

  “I know the reason,” Livvy muttered to herself. She drew the curtain back, continuing to brood. “She thinks I need a ‘good dose of mothering.’ ” It had become her grandmother’s catchphrase, but Livvy was beginning to despise it.

  Something had to be done. Very soon. Especially if Livvy was ever to reach her skating goals.

  She let go of the curtain and moved away from the window. Falling onto the bed, she thought back to the past months since her father’s mother had moved here from Illinois. At first, things were only slightly tense. Now, though, Grandma insisted on driving her to the rink and attending every single practice session. Livvy actually preferred to walk the short distance to the mall skating rink. After all, it was only a few blocks. Walking was one way to get her leg muscles limbered up before her rigorous stretching exercises.

  “I have to talk to her,” Livvy said into the air. “But how?” She absolutely dreaded the thought of confronting her aging grandmother.

  Oh, she could just imagine the sorry scene. Grandma’s eyes would turn misty and wide. Her heart-shaped face would get all pinkish red. Livvy knew this because she’d accidently observed Grandma’s reaction one other time when she was terribly upset. Dad had been annoyed with Grandma’s choice of laundry detergent. Very politely, he’d said it gave him a skin rash.

  Grandma’s feathers had gotten quite ruffled, and several days passed before things blew over. That was at the beginning of December. Now it was mid-March, coming up on Easter. What a lousy time to be ungrateful.

  But Livvy couldn’t help it. Her gripe with Grandma would never just blow over. She draped her arm down over the side of the bed, groaning. “It’s pointless,” she said aloud. “Grandma will never understand.”

  Yet she was determined to do something. She had to. Her skating future was at stake!

  Across the room, Coco, her parrot, began flying back and forth in his cage. “Livvy . . . Livvy . . .” he called repeatedly.

  “That’s my name, birdie-boy.” She sat up.

  “Birdie-boy . . . birdie-boy” came the reply.

  Livvy got up and went to his cage. “Aren’t you a lively one!” She watched him preen his feathers. “Must be nice not having a care in the world,” she muttered.

  “Not a care.”

  She laughed at the parrot’s innocent mockery. Before moving to Alpine Lake, Livvy had actually considered Coco one of the best listening ears around. Now Jenna Song, her closest friend, definitely filled that spot. For always.

  Thinking of Jen, Livvy wiggled her fingers good-bye to her beloved pet. “It’s time for some people talk. Sorry, birdie.”

  Coco began cawing, making a general nuisance of himself.

  “Oh, calm your feathers.” She closed the bedroom door and hurried downstairs.

  Coco kept screaming, but Livvy knew he’d cool it event
ually. She crept into the kitchen, relieved the portable phone was available. She eyed the small, fragile woman near the sink. Grandma was wearing a bright red apron, making a supper casserole of chicken and noodles. Before Grandma could notice her, Livvy disappeared back upstairs with the phone.

  In the privacy of her bedroom, she dialed Jenna’s number.

  Her friend picked up on the first ring. “Song residence, Jenna speaking.”

  “Jen! I’m glad you answered. It’s Livvy.”

  “Hey,” Jenna said, warm as always. “How’s your day going?”

  “Okay, but I need some advice.” She sighed. “Oh, how can I ever say this . . . without sounding super horrible?”

  “Well, try me. How’s that?”

  Pausing, Livvy remembered the occasions when Grandma had nearly followed her right onto the ice. At practice, no less!

  “Liv?” prodded Jen.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. . . .”

  “Everything all right?”

  Livvy couldn’t keep it inside any longer, “You know I love my grandmother, but . . .” She bit her lip. “She’s making my life totally miserable.”

  “What’s happening between you and her?”

  “To begin with, she treats me like a four-year-old,” Livvy explained. “She follows me around at home, makes sure I do my homework, make my bed . . . stuff like that. But on the ice, it’s even worse. Grandma’s starting to act like my coach!”

  “You’ve gotta be joking!”

  “She doesn’t know the first thing about ice-skating!”

  Jenna was quiet for a moment. Then, “Is there something I can do?”

  She wouldn’t burden her friend with a family problem like this. “I don’t know . . . probably not.”

  “What about our Girls Only club?” suggested Jenna. “Maybe the four of us can help. We could talk it out at the next meeting.”

  Livvy shook her head at the phone. “That’s why I called you, Jen. I’d rather not blab it around.”

  “I understand. But I’m sure Heather and Miranda will keep this quiet,” Jenna persisted.

  Livvy didn’t want to tell the whole world. “Sorry, Jen, I didn’t mean to bother you. Besides, I better get ready for supper. Grandma’s calling.”

  “See you at school,” Jenna said.

  Before Livvy could press the Off button on the phone, Grandma was already calling up the stairs for the second time. “Food’s getting cold, Olivia” came the insistent voice. “Hurry, now, and tell your father.”

  Livvy trudged down the hall to the door leading to the attic art studio. “Dad,” she called, leaning her head into the stairwell. “Supper’s ready.”

  “I’ll be right down.” He sounded distracted. Like he was preoccupied with an important project—something more important than a chicken casserole.

  She knew she’d better make herself very clear. “Grandma’s called twice already, Dad.”

  That’s when she heard his chair roll back from his sketching table. He knew Grandma wasn’t kidding. Grandma had attempted to train them, in only a few months, to come to the table promptly when called.

  Turning, Livvy hurried back down the hall. It would be a mistake to delay supper with Grandma in charge of the kitchen. A very big mistake!

  Follow the Dream

  Chapter Two

  Their suppertime conversation centered around Livvy’s practice schedule and several upcoming skating events. All Grandma’s doing, of course.

  “Now, Olivia,” her grandmother said, “we must discuss your costume for Springtime on Ice. The revue is coming up very soon now.”

  Livvy’s stomach knotted up. “Coach Sterling said it’s not necessary to buy a new outfit. Not this time.”

  “Oh, never mind him.” Grandma waved her hand as though Livvy’s coach didn’t know beans. “Of course you’ll have a new outfit.”

  Never mind him? How could Grandma say such a thing? Coach Sterling was her guide, her mentor. She wanted to follow his instructions to a tee.

  Sneaking a peek at her dad, Livvy wondered what he thought of Grandma’s chatter. Looked like he was busying himself with other things, all right. At the head of the table, he was winding up the noodles on his fork. Focusing attention on his plate was one way to block out mealtime stress.

  Livvy picked up her fork, wishing she could do the same. Sure, she could daydream while Grandma jabbered on and on. That was always an option. . . .

  She let her mind wander back to a road trip. She and her mother had been driving home from a skate competition in Michigan. They’d played all sorts of road-trip games—finding as many different states as they could on license plates. And, of course, Twenty Questions. Super-fun stuff.

  Between games, Mom had glanced over at Livvy, sitting next to her in the front seat. “You’re star material, honey. I hope you know that.”

  Livvy hadn’t known what to say at the time. She wanted to believe her mother. She was doing her best; she knew that much. “I’m glad I have someone to believe in me,” she’d said at last.

  “I know in my heart you’ll go far,” Mom had said, reaching over and smoothing Livvy’s hair. “I just know it.”

  Mom had always understood her dreams to make the Olympics someday. She’d cheered her on at every skating event, competitive or otherwise. She wanted to be there for her daughter, no matter what. Dad, on the other hand, was the introspective artist in the family. Quiet and thoughtful, he preferred to stay home. So Mom and Livvy would fly or drive different places—always together.

  Dad had made small strides this school year, Livvy recalled. He’d come out of his shell long enough to be introduced to her new coach. But that was months ago, and her father had slipped back into his own work routine. More than half the day, he hung out in his newly remodeled attic studio. Although it was a fantastic getaway for a master artist, Livvy felt shut out of his life. Again.

  “You’re awfully quiet, Olivia,” Grandma said.

  Olivia this. . . Olivia that, thought Livvy. Forcing a smile, she managed to say, “Your casserole’s delicious.”

  Grandma leaned closer, across the table from her. “Tell me, dear, what would you say if I made your new springtime skating outfit?”

  Please, God, don’t let this be happening, she prayed silently.

  Grandma continued talking, her hands fluttering about. “How about a pale pink skirt with a delicate lace bodice insert? And just in time for Easter, too. Oh, dear me, you’ll look perfect.”

  “Perfect?” Livvy squeaked. “But, Grandma—”

  “Now, don’t you go worrying over the cost of materials and such things,” the older woman interrupted. “I’ve made a good friend down at the Cloth Mill. Mrs. Newton says she’ll be glad to help me economize any time at all.”

  Livvy hadn’t realized it, but she’d begun to slip down slowly in her chair. She stared at the salt-and-pepper shakers. They were part of her mother’s set of best china. Why were they mixed in with the everyday dishes?

  She fumed about it. Everything was off kilter since Mom died. No . . . since Grandma had come to live here. Worse yet, why didn’t Dad intervene? Better yet, why couldn’t she speak up for herself?

  She glanced at her dad again. Busy with his green beans now. She wanted to say something. Do something! But she felt completely helpless. Next thing, Grandma would have her dressed up all prim and proper for Fifth Avenue’s Easter parade, carrying a basketful of dyed eggs!

  * * *

  Two hours later, she complained to Jenna by phone. “Grandma’s starting to plan my outfits. And, get this, she wants to sew my spring costume!”

  “Maybe things’ll calm down. Just relax.”

  Livvy couldn’t believe her ears! “You want me to forget about this? How can I?”

  “It won’t hurt to let it go just this once. Let your grandma do whatever.”

  Livvy wished she’d never brought any of this up with Jen. Her friend was being totally unreasonable. “Let me ask you a question,” she shot back.
“Would you wear a gymnastics leotard sewn by your grandmother?”

  Jenna was silent for a moment; then came her apologetic words. “I see what you’re saying. You’re right, Liv, and I’m sorry.”

  Livvy leaned back against the headboard of her bed. She thought of her petite friend wearing a hand-sewn leotard. How ridiculous that would be! Jenna was an advanced gymnast—nearly a Level Nine. The highly competitive sport was her life, just as ice-skating was Livvy’s. No way would Jen’s grandmother think of intruding into that part of her granddaughter’s life.

  Livvy pondered her own predicament. “It’s the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do. I just know it.”

  “What is?”

  Taking a deep breath, Livvy continued. “Telling Grandma to back off. Somehow, I have to do it.”

  “Have you thought of asking your dad? Won’t he talk to your grandma?”

  “Don’t I wish,” Livvy said softly.

  “So your dad’s too busy?”

  “He’s working on a new project. The studio’s actually off-limits to both Grandma and me.”

  “Then you’re stuck, right?” asked Jenna.

  Livvy imagined her Korean friend holding the phone, her dark brown eyes narrowing with concern. “I’m going to pray about it. That’s all I can do,” Livvy said at last.

  “Good idea. I will, too.”

  “I need all the help I can get,” Livvy admitted.

  “So why don’t you bring it up Friday afternoon at Girls Only? It’s really ideal.”

  Twice now Jenna had suggested it. She was a determined friend. She probably wouldn’t give up till Livvy gave in.

  So . . . what could it hurt? Maybe it would help to talk things out with the other girls in the top-secret club.

  “Well, I hope I won’t regret it,” she said hesitantly.

  “Great, Liv. You won’t be sorry,” her friend said before hanging up the phone. “Things’ll work out.”

  Things’ll work out. . . .

  Livvy wished with all of her heart it could be true.