“Wait we need heels. And let me find that sheer top real quick...” her voice trailed off when my phone buzzed in her hands. “Shit.”

“What?”

“Your mom just texted you asking where you were!”

“WHAT?!” Oh God, I was hours away from being ungrounded. And now I was going to be grounded again!

Sophie gave me my phone, but I tossed it back. She bobbled it like hot potato and threw it back at me.

“What do I say?!”

“Just...hurry.” Sophie picked my uniform blazer up off the ground.

I didn’t have time to take off the bikini. I just pulled on my uniform as we ran out of the bedroom. I almost tripped as I hopped on one foot, pulling on my knee-high socks.

Sophie grabbed my arm to steady me as we high-tailed it toward the ladder. I was just about to be ungrounded. I couldn’t believe I let Sophie talk me into this photoshoot.

We both made it up to the guest bedroom and just tossed the carpet back over the hole when my phone started buzzing again.

“She’s calling!” I hissed.

“Just play it cool.”

We both knew I didn’t know how to play it cool.

Sophie seemed to remember who she was talking to. Instead of answering my phone, she opened the door of the bedroom. “Down here, Aunt Penny!”

“What are you doing?” I hissed. “If she comes in here she’s going to break her neck.”

“I’ve got this.” Sophie hopped onto the bed. “You stay there and make sure she doesn’t touch the carpet.”

I realized one of the corners of the carpet was folded over. I just tapped it down with my foot as my mom came to the door.

“What are you guys doing in here?” she asked.

“I was testing out the bed to see if I wanted to spend the night.” Sophie patted the mattress. “This should work.”

My mom raised her eyebrow. “Sophie, Scarlett is grounded. You can’t spend the night.”

“But...”

“No buts. And the two of you are supposed to be working on some project, aren’t you?”

“We finished early,” Sophie said.

“Then I think you should probably leave Scarlett to her chores. Since she’s grounded.”

Sophie sighed and slid off the bed. “I guess you’re right. See you tomorrow at school, Scar. Have a fun night.” She winked at me.

My mom looked around the room, like she thought something was amiss. But then she shook her head and followed Sophie.

Phew. Sophie was a lifesaver.

I hurried up to my room before my mom could ask me any questions. I changed out of the bikini I stole and into a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top. I hid the contraband at the bottom of one of my drawers. I’d return it as soon as I got a chance.