by Betsy Haynes
Jana's heart was beating triple time. She knew what Randy was going to say, but most important, she knew that he really did believe her now and that he really did care.
Randy put his hands on his hips and looked at Keith with disgust. "Because she doesn't like sausage pizza, even with double cheese. You wouldn't know that, of course. What you also wouldn't know is that she always eats pepperoni, green pepper, and mushroom pizza. She's got good taste!"
Keith's expression went rapidly from surprise to fear as the crowd began to grumble.
"Hey, so I forgot what kind of pizza we had. Big deal!" he said, scowling. "So I was wrong. Okay?"
"You were wrong, all right," snapped Randy. "And you'd better never pull a trick like that again."
Jana stood awkwardly watching the two boys faced off at each other, her heart in her throat, praying that neither of them decided to throw a punch.
Slowly Keith began backing toward the school building, muttering, "Big deal, big deal."
As the crowd began to disperse, Randy approached Jana. "Gosh, Jana, I'm sorry I didn't believe you," he said softly. "I know Keith can be a real jerk sometimes, but he really had me convinced until he came out with that stuff about the pizza."
"That's okay," Jana told him, feeling suddenly shy. "It was my fault, too. I shouldn't have been so stubborn."
Randy's soft laughter broke the tension, and Jana laughed, too. Everything was going to be okay between them now. She could feel it. "And I really loved your line about good taste."
"Jana." Beth's voice was quiet beside her.
Jana turned to look at her friend, whose eyes were glistening with tears. Katie and Melanie stood silently beside her.
"I knew Keith was a jerk sometimes, but I never dreamed he'd pull something like that," Beth went on. "I'm sorry I blamed you."
Sighing, Jana tried to find words to explain. "I suppose you can guess most of it now. Keith was trying to get me to go out with him all those times you saw us talking together. I couldn't tell you. I knew how much it would hurt you."
"You should have at least told us," said Katie. "Maybe Melanie and I could have thought of a way to handle it."
"I know that now," admitted Jana. "I hurt you worse by keeping it a secret, Beth, and I hurt you guys, too, by not confiding in you. I guess I was just . . . well"—she swallowed hard—"being stubborn again. I expected you to believe me, no matter how bad things looked. I shouldn't have done that. No friendship, not even ours, can take that kind of strain."
Beth rushed up and gave Jana a gigantic hug. "I just feel awful! I should never have believed those rumors. I should have known better. Can we still be best friends?"
"Of course, silly," said Jana. She looked at each of The Fabulous Five. "We're all still best friends. And, Beth, I'm especially sorry about Keith."
Beth's face clouded. "Yeah, me, too." Jana thought she saw Beth's chin tremble, but Beth sighed and said bravely, "Oh, well. I guess I can live without him. I mean, I've always known he was immature, and he's acted like a jerk lots of times, but . . ."
Jana squeezed her hand. She hoped with all her heart that Beth could find someone as wonderful as Randy. But right now, she knew, Beth hurt too badly to even think about anyone else.
"Hey, I've got an idea!" piped up Katie. "Why don't the three of us fix a très gourmet dinner for Jana and Randy to celebrate their getting back together. I've got some great recipes." Turning back to Randy and Jana, she continued. "Melanie and Beth and I could cook the food, set a romantic candlelit table, and then leave you guys alone."
Randy gave Katie a blank look. "What's a tray gourmet meal?" he asked.
"Très," Katie insisted. "It's French for very. A very gourmet meal. Don't you people ever pay attention in French class?"
Randy looked at Jana, and she knew what he was thinking.
"Thanks, Katie," she said. "But if you don't mind, we'll find a way to celebrate getting back together on our own."
Then she winked at Randy and slipped her hand into his, and they walked away together.
BONUS! Here is one of Katie Shannon's très gourmet recipes for you to try out on your friends.
TACO SOUP
1 lb. ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning mix
1 can refried beans
1/2 cup picante sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
4 cups water
In a skillet, brown ground beef and drain fat. Add seasoning mix and refried beans, mixing well. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for one hour. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Serve with corn chips. Makes six servings.
Table of Contents
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15