“And how are your roommates?” she asks. That’s another question they always ask, even though the cast has done a bunch of group interviews. What they want us to do is break down and talk shit about each other, which totally worked when Jasmine told the YTV.com features editor that James has a small package and was overcompensating for it by sleeping with a ton of girls.

“They’re good,” I say. “Jasmine and Dale are officially a couple, although she still has a few problems actually saying the word ‘boyfriend.’” She laughs. “Simone’s dating this guy she met in her calculus class, and as for my friend Grant—who was practically a guest star—his parents actually agreed to have Brett over for dinner next week.” I always add Grant in on that question—he likes the face-time.

“So things are good,” she says.

“Yeah,” I say, thinking about it. “Things are good.”

“Are you happy?” she asks, studying my face. I try not to show my surprise. No one has ever asked me this before. Usually they don’t care if I’m happy, and would actually prefer me to be miserable. Miserable = good story. Happy, well-adjusted Ally = boring.

“Yeah,” I say, smiling as I realize it’s true. “I really am.”

She smiles back. “That’s really all I have,” she says, snapping her notebook shut. “Thanks so much for your time.” She reaches out to shake my hand, and I shake it back.

“Write good things about me,” I say, only half joking. She laughs and says she will.

I wrap my scarf around my neck and walk out of the coffee shop. The cold air hits my face, and I shove my hands in my pockets and start walking back to Drew’s apartment. I’m hoping by the time I get there, he’ll have finished setting up his bookshelf so that we can just order pizza and hang out.

As I walk, I start wondering what Drew told the reporters that asked him about me. His interviews have been done for almost a week now. For some reason, I got more interview requests, which makes no sense. You’d think that the guy hottie of the house would get the most press. Note to self: Find out every publication that interviewed Drew and buy copy ASAP. Thinking about Drew telling some reporter that we’re dating makes me flush, even though it’s cold out. I pull my coat tighter around me, and start walking faster.