Is Bridgeport big enough for Kae, Robyn, Alex and Jasmine? They're all beautiful, captivating, and a little bit crazy... but there can be only one It Girl.
[ Based on the It Girl series by Cecily Von Ziegesar ]
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Chris sat at the small, slightly crooked table with his father, wishing he were anywhere else but at this overpriced restaurant. He picked up one of the thirty-seven forks at his place setting and twirled it in his fingers, willing it to turn into a blunt. Mr. Brown gave his full attention to the menu in front of him. He had always been an imposing figure when Chris was growing up—almost six-four, broad-shouldered, deep-voiced, and now, with his gray head of hair and belly that looked like he'd filled it with Virginia barbecue every day for the last twenty years, he was even more intimidating.
Chris sighed. Where the hell was Robyn? He'd seen Jasmine peek into the dining room, looking excited about something. Maybe she was on a date with another Bridgeport teacher. But at least five minutes—or fifty—had gone by since then. He really hoped Robyn hadn't bailed.
As if reading Chris's thoughts, one of his dad's least attractive skills, Mr. Brown said, "I certainly hope your girlfriend isn't standing us up."
"She'll be here, Dad." Chris glanced up as their waitress poured water into their heavy crystal glasses. "And she's not my girlfriend."
If his dad were a little more human, he'd actually try and tell him about Kae ... but Mr. Brown had a way of trivializing everything Chris felt strongly about, and he didn't want to share Kae with him yet. But maybe it was totally messed up that he was having dinner with his father and not even bringing up the new girl in his life. Or inviting her to dinner.
Fuck that. Kae was worth more to him than any trivializing bullshit his dad could throw at him. He shifted in his seat and leaned forward. "Actually, I'm kind of..."
"Hi." Chris heard a soft familiar voice behind him. He turned around. Standing beside his chair was Robyn, looking a little frail, with a nervous smile on her face. She looked pretty in a slim-fitting plaid skirt and dark red top with girlish puffed sleeves. Her pixie-cut hair was pulled back from her face, and if she was wearing makeup, it was totally invisible. "Am I late?"
Chris and his dad both stood up. "What a sight for sore eyes!" Mr. Brown immediately flipped on the charm switch and gave Robyn a quick kiss on each cheek. "It's wonderful to see you again, Miss Robyn Fenty."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Brown." Almost immediately, it was like Robyn's nervous shell dropped away. She gave Chris a wink over his dad's shoulder, and he couldn't help smiling. "It was nice of you to invite me."
"Please do me the honor of calling me J. L. It keeps me young."
Without thinking, Chris followed his dad's lead and stepped over to Robyn himself. "You look ... uh ..." He quickly leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek. He could feel the heat rushing to his face. Suddenly he was nervous. "Good."
"I think I need to teach my son how to give a lady a compliment." Mr. Brown chuckled as they all took their seats. "Robyn, my dear, you look absolutely lovely. Doesn't she, Chris?"
