Liz makes a face. "Actually I have to go."

"What?" I protest. "We haven't even had salad yet."

"I know." Liz looks guilty. "I was going to tell you earlier, but we kept getting interrupted. Mikayla's dad's best friend is on the board of directors at NYU and he's in town visiting. Mikayla said I could come over and schmooze. I only found out last night. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I say, disappointed. "I was just really looking forward to hanging out."

"I know." Liz sounds apologetic. "I've been too. I just can't pass this up, Kates. Meeting with NYU board members is a huge deal. It could give me an edge, you know?"

"You don't need an edge," I tell her. "Your SAT scores were great, you've got good grades and nine million after-school activities. NYU would kill to have you."

"Thanks, but it's so competitive." Liz sighs. "Mikayla says it's important to distinguish yourself. This meeting could really help me. Can you hang out tomorrow instead?"

I bite my lip. "Tomorrow I have my SAT tutor in the morning and a Fever photo shoot in the afternoon." Fever is this cosmetics line I'm a spokesmodel for. "But I really want to talk to you. So much is going on."

"I want to talk to you too," Liz insists. She grabs her new Cinch purchase and the pink gift bag. "I'll call you later and we'll figure out a day to get together."

We hug again and I watch Liz go. A small part of me is upset that Liz left. I know meeting board members from NYU is a great opportunity, but couldn't she have gone afterward? We've had these plans forever. I try to make the best of the situation and talk to the other girls at my table over the salad course, but the conversation is awkward. I get the feeling they just want to be left alone. Maybe I should go mingle. I haven't said hi to Miley yet.

"Kaitlin! Over here!"

I look up. Ava is standing two tables away with Lauren and they're calling me over. Without the spilled drinks and hubub surrounding them, I get a good look at what they're wearing. Ava looks great in a short, canary yellow dress that folds in ripples across her tiny waist and wraps around her knees. Her long, straight blond hair is piled in a low bun and she's wearing what must be at least ten-carat diamond earrings. Why do I have a feeling she didn't borrow them? Lauren is dazzling in a thigh-length silver dress.

I excuse myself and walk over. "I didn't know you were going to be here," Ava squeals as she hugs me tightly, like we're best friends. "We've been meaning to call you."

"Who are you sitting with?" Lauren asks. "Forget them. You're sitting with us."

Ava holds out the chair next to her. I look back at my own table. I'm sure the girls won't mind if I leave. Ava and Lauren smile at me expectantly.