Marina was finishing the dregs of her lemon ice. “You girls sure you don’t want to try it? It’s really good. Like frozen lemonade. What took you so long in there?”

“Allie ran into her English teacher, who was raving about her,” Jeanie said cheerfully.

“Oh, please. She’d say that stuff about anyone.” I waved my hand to dismiss it.

Jeanie put her hand on my arm. “Allie, seriously. She was raving about you. You must be really talented.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks. English is my favorite subject. Plus, I always like to make friends with the teacher.”

“Me too,” agreed Jeanie.

“Me three!” said Marina.

We all grinned at one another and then set off on a short stroll up and down the streets, window-shopping until it was time to meet our parents for our rides home. We talked the whole time about our favorite books and characters, our favorite settings, and the best poems we could think of. I’d never had friends who loved reading and writing as much as I did, and I felt cozy and happy, like I was being buoyed along in a sea of warm maple syrup, as we walked and talked and talked.

“You know what I wish right now?” said Jeanie. “I know just a few minutes ago I was stuffed, but right now I wish we were at that amazing new ice cream place, Molly’s. I could demolish a mermaid sundae.”

“Oh my gosh! I am obsessed with that place!” agreed Marina. “Allie, have you been yet?”

I started laughing so hard! “You guys!” I gasped. “I work there. It’s my mom’s ice cream parlor!”

Jeanie and Marina could not get over their shock. “Whaaaat? You are so lucky!” they squealed, and then they wanted to go over each and every flavor and how they liked them and why, as we walked all the way back to Crispy Chicken.

We hugged good-bye outside the restaurant.

“And we need an outing to Molly’s ASAP!” said Marina.

“See you in class, but text me if you want to chat in the meantime!” said Jeanie with a wave as she got into her car.

I got into my dad’s car and closed the door. With a happy sigh and a smile that lingered on my face, I pulled on my seat belt and clicked it into place.

“Good time?” asked my dad, already knowing the answer.

“Not a good time… a great time!” I said.

I was so overjoyed that I could hardly sit still in my seat. Making new friends felt amazing!

CHAPTER TEN TEXTING COLIN

Sunday was absolute madness at Molly’s. Sierra and I were so swamped after lunch that we had to get my mom to come up front and help us.

“I miss Tamiko!” I cried as I rushed past Sierra behind the counter.