And Lilly turned all red and excused herself.

But I think Lilly must have apologized, and the two of them have made up already, because Lilly let herself into the supply closet a little while ago, where Boris was practicing, and I haven’t heard a sound out of there ever since.

Still, it was hard to meet Tina’s gaze after that, because she’s been wanting one of those heart necklaces for, like, ever.

So I said, to make her feel better, as we were heading back to class, “I’ll come to your Audrey Hepburn movie marathon tonight, Tina, if the invitation is still open.”

And she totally cheered up. Especially when I gave her my Whitman’s Sampler. Because Lilly is right: I really don’t like the cream-filled kind.

Friday, February 14, French

Michael just caught me in the hall and tried to hand me one of my “Dinner with Mia” coupons.

“Let’s go out tonight,” he said. “For a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. I know you won’t believe it, but I got reservations at One if by Land, Two if by Sea. I guess they had a cancelation or something.”

He was right. I couldn’t believe it.

And the worst part was, he looked so cute—so handsome and hopeful—standing there with my coupon in his hand, and just the beginning of a five o’clock shadow on his neck.

But I had to say, “I’m sorry, Michael. But I already made plans with Tina. She’s having a Valentine’s Day slumber party, and you never said anything about doing anything together, so I told her I’d go.”

Because no way was I canceling on Tina the way Lana had on Trish. I don’t want any bad karma coming back at ME!

His face fell. “You’re kidding me.”

“Well, you kept going on about how you didn’t even believe in Valentine’s Day, so I just figured—”

“I know!” he said, laughing. “I know, I know! I’m an idiot, all right? It’s just…I’m not used to having a girlfriend.”

SO TINA WAS RIGHT!!!! It wasn’t that Michael had anything against Valentine’s Day. He’d just never had a reason to celebrate it before!!!

“Listen,” he went on. “Will you go out with me tomorrow night, then?”

“I’d be delighted to,” I said.

“Good,” Michael said gravely, tucking the coupon into my hand. “I’m going to make this one Lupercalia dinner you’ll never forget.”

And I remembered what he’d said about the ancient Roman feast of February 15.

“Maybe Lupercalia will be our private Valentine’s Day,” I said. “From now on.”

“Deal,” Michael said.

And kissed me. Right in the hallway. Where Mr. G or Principal Gupta could have seen.

But I didn’t care, because I was so happy.

I’m not going to end up with a Leo—or KENNY—after all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ha!!! Take THAT, Dr. Steve!

Friday, February 14, the Plaza

Well, Grandmère’s back. I knew it was too good to last.

When I walked into her suite, I didn’t see her at first, even though I knew she was there because I called ahead this time. It turns out the reason I didn’t see her was because she was stretched out on the couch in a cream-colored peignoir, a Sidecar and ashtray within reach, and her leg in an enormous air cast.