"My cousin Heather's coming into town again this summer, and I'm going to get her to go out with you," Lizzie said with the smirk of someone who knew she had the upper hand.
"Quit your yappin'! We've got work to do!" Gordo said urgently.
So the exchange had gone in October of their 7th grade year. Fright Night, Hillridge Middle School's Halloween carnival, was coming up. Kate--who else?--was in charge. Lizzie wanted to dress as the Vampire Mistress in the Dungeon of Terror, the vampire hottie, and she knew she'd have to beg Kate at the very least. Kate agreed to allow her to do it, on condition that she clean out the janitor's utility room. Lizzie got Gordo to help her. Kate ended up keeping Vampira for herself anyway.
--
Heather arrived for a week's visit. Lizzie, true to her word, had sketched the situation for Heather before she came. She had also let Miranda in on it, as Miranda hadn't been there when Lizzie convinced Gordo in October.
The three girls were in Lizzie's room, hanging out and renewing acquaintances.
"So you're sure this is OK with you?" Miranda asked.
"Sure I'm sure," Heather replied. "I liked hanging out with you guys last summer."
"Well, we'll have to show you the Digital Bean. A lot of middle school kids hang out there after school," said Lizzie.
"It's really cool, with booths and comfy couches and stuff like on Friends," Miranda said, the animation in her voice matched in her face. "They make really great smoothies, too."
"Cool. I like smoothies."