Elly grabbed Sarah at her locker a few hours later and practically dragged her into the lunch room. “So how was it working with Bent in Calc today?” she asked, getting into the lunch line. Sarah followed her, taking a lunch tray. “It was okay. I mean, Bent is so smart. It’s embarrassing that he seems to get everything right away. He doesn’t even have to try.” Elly 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. Sarah 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,” Sarah 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!” Elly laughed. She pointed to the roasted chicken salad. The woman behind the counter placed it onto her tray.Sarah 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?” Elly asked, studying Sarah’s almost empty lunch tray. Sarah grabbed a vanilla pudding. “That’s what this is for. It’s the best.” Elly 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.” Sarah rolled her eyes. This was high school. Not a fancy 3-star MICHELIN restaurant. “Come on. Let’s sit over there,” Elly said. She walked over to a crowded lunch table. She and Sarah dropped down next to Trish. One of the soccer captains, Dan, who’d been at Elly’s sleepover, also sat next to Elly. Sarah’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 Elly. It’s cool. I’ll be over here where it’s safe! ~E (laugh emoji)Sarah 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 Sarah. He even blew her kisses. Erin shoved him back down in his chair, laughing hysterically. “Okay, game plan,” Elly 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 Elly’s shoulder. “Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center?” Elly lightly jabbed Trish with her elbow. “Ooh, nice. But I have a feeling Bent may want to take me there at some point.” Sarah felt herself recoil inwardly with jealousy. She heard Erin’s words again, loud and clear. Bent has LOTS of girls. Sarah could easily be the fiftieth one in line. Why did the world have to find guys like Bent so attractive? Why didn’t everyone prefer short, fat, and balding guys instead? Elly and Trish had their heads together going through Elly’s phone. “What about Grand Banks? I love oysters! And, it’s on a boat!” Sarah took a spoonful of her soup. “I actually had oysters recently with my parents,” Sarah said. Elly shrugged and continued to scroll. “Ooh, how about Daniel? I always liked that place.” Sarah 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?” Elly and Trish looked aghast. “You mean…try someplace new?” Trish asked, her face revolted. Sarah 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?” Elly and Trish looked at one another with the same expression. “That’s crazy,” Elly said. “What if it’s terrible?” Sarah shrugged, picking up her spoon. “If the place is great, you two can be the first to recommend it to EVERYONE you know.” Elly clapped her hands. Her excitement obvious.