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isn’t such a hot idea.” Lacey’s mother eyed her daughter speculatively. “And you look thinner too. I think you’re overdoing things with school and the play.”
    To keep from screaming, Lacey took a deep breath. “Mom, I’m fine. I look pale because it’s winter and haven’t been out in the sun, I look thinner because I am thinner. I’m trying to knock off a few pounds before spring and bathing suits come back into fashion.”
    “Is that wise? I mean, you have discussed this with Uncle Nelson, haven’t you?”
    Lacey had not consulted her mother’s brother, of course. He’d never approve of Lacey’s juggling of her insulin doses, but she couldn’t tell her mother. “I might have mentioned it on the phone.” Lacey hated to lie, but she liked the way her body was looking and her clothes were fitting and didn’t want to spoil it.
    “Well, just so long as he knows what’s going on.”
    Lacey eyed the clock. They were standing in thekitchen, where the table was piled with one of her mother’s work projects. Todd was late and Lacey kept wishing he’d hurry up and come for her. “I can handle my diabetes,” she declared. “Haven’t I been doing it for years?”
    “It’s a mystery to me why you even have diabetes,” her mother groused. “I don’t know for sure, of course, but I doubt it came from my side of the family.”
    Lacey ignored her mother’s subtle swipe at her father. “I didn’t wish it on myself, you know.”
    Her mother glanced up, surprise stamped on her face. “I didn’t say that you did. Goodness, who would? I’m simply concerned about you and want to be certain you’re taking good care of yourself.”
    “Well, don’t be. It’s my problem, and I’m handling it.”
    “You have an appointment next Friday with Uncle Nelson. His office called to remind us.”
    Inwardly, Lacey groaned. She couldn’t go for her regular three-month checkup next Friday. Her uncle would discover what she was doing and make her stop. “I won’t forget,” Lacey told her mother, deciding that she’d call her uncle’s office on Monday and reschedule the appointment for the following month. Surely by then she’d have lost all the weight she wanted.
    Mercifully, the doorbell rang. “Todd’s here.” Lacey called, hurrying to the front door.
    “Don’t be too late,” her mother called after her.
    Lacey pretended not to hear her. She’d stay out aslate as she wanted. She was sick and tired of adults telling her what to do!
    The party was in full swing when Lacey and Todd arrived at a soaring modern house of white stucco, glass block, and jutting decks of concrete set with Spanish tile. A live band blasted out the newest hits, and people crowded in rooms and on winding stone staircases. The back of the house faced the beach, where a partial moon glimmered down on a rolling surf. The night was cool but pleasant, almost balmy, heavy with the scent of salty surf.
    “Have a beer,” Todd yelled, thrusting a bottle into Lacey’s hand. She didn’t want it, but she didn’t want to appear uncool either. She took a few deep swallows, trying to disguise her dislike of the bitter taste.
    “Who’s party is it?” she asked above the music.
    “Don’t know. I got an invite from a friend of my brother’s. He’s in college.”
    Lacey could tell that it was an older crowd. She didn’t know a soul except Todd and missed the familiar faces of her high school friends. “Anybody else we know going to be here?”
    “Not hardly.” Todd grabbed her hand. “Let’s go find something to eat. I’m hungry.”
    She wasn’t, but she tagged along after him, dodging people. In the dining room, a glass-topped table stood laden with food. Chairs had been pushed against the wall and dark hardwood floors gleamed under a spectacular chandelier. Todd grabbed twoplates and heaped them with food. “I can’t eat all that,” she said.
    “Come on, this stuff’s great. Don’t be like Monet, always whining about