Chapter 31
Saturday afternoon, a little after 2:00, I press the doorbell of the Laughton mansion. I’ve timed my bike ride so I get there fashionably late. I don’t want to appear too anxious. Being an albino geek requires poise. Pretty cool word, huh? Poise. I read a lot of books, so I pick up a lot of cool words. If you don’t know the meaning, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Or you can always Google it.
The door opens wide to reveal Denise in jeans and an oversized black tee. What’s with the shirt? Her smile dazzles.
“Portia!” She spreads her arms and wraps me in a hug.
I grunt in response.
“It’s great to see you,” she says to my neck.
“Yeah.”
Denise lets me go, and I can breathe again.
“C’mon in.” She pulls me inside and shuts the door, before I have a chance to say anything. “My f
