Caroline clears her throat. “Uh … did you hear that?”

I spare her a brief, scathing look. “No. I went deaf.” Relief actually flashes across her face for a moment. I didn’t think even Caroline was that dumb. I look at Darcy in disbelief.

“You think I’d actually want to be friends with you two? Please.”

I don’t wait for her reply. I sweep from the room, slamming the door behind me.

Back in the cafeteria I find Jane, who’s talking to Bing – Krish Bingley, Darcy’s best friend. Yet another rich popular kid she’s known since birth. He seems nice enough, but then so did Darcy until five minutes ago. He’s gorgeous, half-Indian, with cheekbones that make him look like a sculpture in the Met.

Jane is smiling a lot, and they are leaning very close together. Clearly, she is having a better night than me.

She spots me just as I am about to veer away, and motions me over.

“We were talking about Mr Oglevie’s chemistry class,” Jane says, and she’s a goner, it’s clear.

“It’s such a coincidence! Jane has Mr O. this year, and I had him last year!”

I do a double-take, but Bing is in complete earnest. He’s smiling at Jane every bit as much as she’s smiling at him. Clearly they’re both having a better night than me.

“Bing!” someone calls, and Bing looks over. “Bing!”

“Oh … just a sec. I’ll be right back – don’t move.”

He and Jane smile again, and then he’s gone.

Jane looks over at me, goofy grin still spread across her face. Her fair skin is flushed.

“Having a nice time?” I ask, raising one eyebrow.

She giggles, and tucks her blond hair behind her ear. “Oh, Lizzie, it’s been the most amazing night! I’m so glad your mom arranged for us to come with Bing and Darcy and everybody!”

I try to keep my face straight but I must have grimaced, because her smile falls a bit.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing.” I brush it away with my hands. “Just something Darcy said in the bathroom.”

“What did she say?”

I think about telling her, but she looks so happy. And Darcy is Bing’s best friend. “Doesn’t matter.”

She frowns for a second, but can’t keep the smile away for long. “Well, whatever it was, you’ll get over it. I still think you’d make an adorable couple.”

I roll my eyes. “Just because—”

Jane cuts me off. “—you’re the only two lesbians out at West… I know, I know. But you have to admit – she is your type.”

I have to admit nothing of the kind. “What about you and Bing? You looked pretty cosy.”

“He’s sweet,” she says, blushing. Her smile is back in full and her eyes are moony.

“Just sweet? OK, I’ll go see if Lydia wants to dance with him…”

She fake hits me with her clutch.

Jane waves and I turn to see Bing heading towards us, smiling. But before he reaches us, Darcy appears.