A few hours later, Ella grabbed Sara at her locker and practically dragged her into the lunch room.

"So how was it working with Bentley in Calc today?" she asked, getting into the lunch line.

Sara followed her, taking a lunch tray. "It was okay. I mean, Bentley is so smart. It's embarrassing that he seems to get everything right away. He doesn't even have to try."

Ella took an apple and placed it onto her plate. "Totally. I mean, he's like the smartest person in this entire school. The only other person who was even close to that smart, I think, was your brother, Charles." She took a skim milk container from the ice bin.

Sara reached for a chocolate milk carton. Normally she opted for only water or juice. But today, she needed an extra dose of chocolate for energy.

"Yeah," Sara agreed. "Charles was super smart. It annoyed me to no end. I have to work hard for my good grades. Charles barely studied. Talk about frustrating!"

Ella laughed. She pointed to the roasted chicken salad.

The woman behind the counter placed it onto her tray.

Sara surveyed the options. There weren't that many today. "The chicken noodle soup please," she told the lunch woman.

The lady passed her a bowl of soup from the counter.

"Aren't you hungry?" Ella asked, studying Sara's almost empty lunch tray.

Sara grabbed a vanilla pudding. "That's what this is for. It's the best."

Ella made a face. "Oh, eww. I would never touch any of the desserts at this place. They're not made fresh. All shipped and refrigerated."

Sara rolled her eyes. This was high school. Not a fancy 3-star MICHELIN restaurant.

"Come on. Let's sit over there," Ella said. She walked over to a crowded lunch table. She and Sara dropped down next to Trish.

One of the soccer captains, Dan, who'd been at Ella's sleepover, also sat next to Ella.

Sara's phone beeped. She took it out of her bag. It was a text message from Erin.

-Trevor told me I have to go on the Miami trip. OMG! It's so hot and sticky down there! Pam's not going, obviously. She has a MILLION things to do here. Like see Patrick at the Grill. Also, I'm sitting way to your right in the lunch room. Know you need to stay buds with Ella. It's cool. I'll be over here where it's safe! ~E (laugh emoji)

Sara giggled and put her phone away. She leaned back in her chair and waved to Erin.

Trevor, who was sitting across from Erin, immediately started waving like crazy back at Sara. He even blew her kisses.

Erin shoved him back down in his chair, laughing hysterically.

"Okay, game plan," Ella said. She took a bite of her salad and scrolled through her phone. "What are the best places in Manhattan we can go to for our double date?"

Trish peered over Ella's shoulder. "Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center?"

Ella lightly jabbed Trish with her elbow. "Ooh, nice. But I have a feeling Bentley may want to take me there at some point."

Sara felt herself recoil inwardly with jealousy. She heard Erin's words again, loud and clear.

Bentley has LOTS of girls. Sara could easily be the fiftieth one in line. Ugh, why did the world have to find guys like Bentley so attractive? Why didn't everyone prefer short, fat, and balding guys instead?

Ella and Trish had their heads together going through Ella's phone. "What about Grand Banks? I love oysters! And, it's on a boat!"

Sara took a spoonful of her soup. "I actually had oysters recently with my parents," Sara said.

Ella shrugged and continued to scroll. "Ooh, how about Daniel? I always liked that place."

Sara polished off her soup. She took a bite of her vanilla pudding. "Why don't we try someplace where none of us have ever been?"

Ella and Trish looked aghast.

"You mean...try someplace new?" Trish asked, her face revolted.

Sara set down her spoon. "Why not? You two have likely been to all of the best restaurants in the city. Maybe this is a chance to expand and find a new secret go-to place?"

Ella and Trish looked at one another with the same expression. "That's crazy," Ella said. "What if it's terrible?"

Sara shrugged, picking up her spoon. "If the place is great, you two can be the first to recommend it to EVERYONE you know."

Ella clapped her hands. Her excitement obvious.