"TheNewtons are giving a cocktail party on Friday and they need someone to watch the kids while they're busy with the guests," she explained. "I'm so excited! Six till eight. . . . I'll probably get to give Lucy a bottle — " Kristy broke off, finally realizing that nobody else looked nearly as happy as she did. "Oh," she said. "Sorry."

"Kristy!" exclaimed Claudia. "You're supposed to offer the job around. You know that. It's your rule, I'd like to sit for Lucy, too."

"So would I," added Stacey.

"Me, too." I checked our record book. "And we're all free then."

"Boy," said Claudia sullenly. She produced a large piece of chewing gum from under the quilt on her bed, unwrapped it, popped it in her mouth, and chewed away. "Some people around here sure are job-hogs."

"I said I was sorry," exclaimed Kristy. "Besides, look who's talking."

Uh-oh, I thought. This doesn't sound good.

"What do you mean, look who's talking?" said Claudia.

"Well," Stacey began, and I could tell that she was trying to be polite, "you have done that a lot yourself. Remember that job with Charlotte Johanssen? And the one with theMarshalls ?"

"And the one with the Pikes?" I added cautiously. It was true. Claudia had forgotten to offer a lot of jobs.

"Hey, what are you guys? Elephants? Don't you ever forget anything?"

"Well, it has been a problem," said Kristy.

"I don'tbelieve this!" cried Claudia. "You" — she pointed accusingly at Kristy — "break one of our rules, and everyone jumps on me! I didn't do anything. I'm innocent."

"This time," muttered Stacey.

"Hey," said Claudia. "If you're so desperate to have new friends here in Stoneybrook, don't argue with the ones you've got."

"Is that a threat?" exclaimed Stacey. "Because if it is, I don't need you guys. Don't forget where I'm from."