Jessica sat on the bleachers and watched the football players
do their cool down exercises. Jessica had always been thankful
that the cheerleaders didn't have to practice on Saturday. Jessica's
eyes were glued to Jason. He looked so cute in his football pants
and he was definitely on of the best players on the field. Part of
Jessica felt bad. She knew that Lila liked him and he obviously was
somehow attracted to her. Jessica didn't have a right to make a play
on him but she couldn't help herself. Jason was one of the hottest
guys in school and she could just imagine herself dancing in his arms
at the Christmas dance. And she needed to be happy too. It wasn't fair;
Lila had just gotten to him first. She knew that once she and Jason were
properly introduced, sparks would fly and he would forget all about Lila
Fowler. After all, what guy could resist the charms of Jessica Wakefield?
Jessica noticed that the guys were walking towards the locker room. She
climbed down the bleachers and positioned herself near the locker room
exit. A few minutes later the guys started filing out. Many of them smiled
or greeted Jessica. When Ken Matthews came out Jessica grabbed his
arm and pulled him over to the side of the building.
"Jessica?" Ken said surprised. "What's going on?"
"Ken, I need your help," Jessica stated.
"Sure," Ken said confused. "Why do you need my help?"
"You know Jason?"
"Yeah," Ken said looking even more confused.
"Listen, I have a huge crush on him but I'm not sure how to meet him."
"I thought you were like the queen of first impressions," Ken said.
"Usually," Jessica said smiling. "But I want you to ask subtly if he likes me."
"Most guys like you Jess," Ken said patting her shoulder.
"Duh," she said shrugging away from him. "I want to know if he likes me
likes me."
"Oh," Ken was quiet for a minute.
"So will you? Please?" Jessica pleaded.
The last thing Ken wanted to do was get involved in one of Jessica's crazy
schemes but when he took one look and her sweet face and pleading eyes
he knew he was lost. "Sure, Jess. I'll ask around."
Jessica broke into a huge smile and Ken felt like the two-hour practice was
suddenly worth it. "Thanks Ken! If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask."
Then she danced away leaving a stunned Ken.

Elizabeth drove along the highway to Molanari's. She felt horrible lying to her
parents about being at Enid's but she knew she couldn't tell them the truth. It
had been hard enough sneaking out of the house in a red sleeveless dress
but after explaining that Enid's mother was having a dinner party, her parent's
had asked no more questions. She just prayed that Enid would remember
not to call. She knew her friend did not approve of her date.
Elizabeth got off the highway and drove through the countryside until she
reached the small restaurant. She felt guilty about suggesting this restaurant
since it was a little expensive for the first date. But it was miles away from
Sweet Valley and it was doubtful that she would run into any of her friends.
But she recalled when Todd had run into her and Nicholas Morrow on "date"
at a similar restaurant.
She walked in and was greeted by the maître d' who asked her who her
party was. She was then led to the back of the restaurant where a very
nervous Conner McDermott was seated. Elizabeth thought he looked very
handsome in his suit but she smiled when she saw how much he was
fidgeting. He stood up and pulled out her chair. After the maître d'' had
left they sat in uncomfortable silence.
"You look really nice," Conner said.
"Thanks," Elizabeth said and she opened her menu. "This is a really nice place."
"Yeah," Conner agreed. "My friend Tia said that the shrimp pasta is good."
"Let's have that," Elizabeth said closing her menu. "Your friend Tia has good taste."
"I'll let her know," Conner said laughing. "She's always trying to buy me clothes
or shove weird food down my throat."
Elizabeth giggled. "She sounds like my sister Jessica."
"You have a sister?"
"Yes, Jessica's my twin sister."
"There are two of you?" Conner said, his eyes widening. "I find that hard to believe."
"It's true but we're so different most people don't get us confused."
"What's Jessica like?"
"She's a cheerleader-"
"So is Tia," Conner cut in.
"She's also likes to shop, dance, and meet boys."
"Sounds like Tia," Conner said chuckling.
"Oh," Elizabeth said quietly.
"Just because she's like Tia doesn't mean…I would never date Tia or anyone
like her," Conner said firmly. "I like girls who are a little bit more low key."
Elizabeth smiled at him and Conner felt like this whole stupid evening was worth it.
Never before had he made reservations, worn a suit and had drive twenty miles to
take a girl out. But Elizabeth seemed to be the exception to every rule.

"Thanks for taking me out," Elizabeth said shyly they sat in his mustang in the
parking lot. "I had a really nice time."
"Me too," Conner said taking her hand. "Even though this really isn't my kind of thing,"
he admitted.
"I know," Elizabeth said smiling. "I would have been just as happy watching a video
at home.
Conner grinned back. "I should get going," she said. Conner lightly grabbed her
arm and was pleased when she didn't fight back. He ran his hand up and down
her arm and smirked when he felt her shiver. He pulled her closer and placed his
hands on her bare shoulders. He wanted to hold her so bad. Conner wasn't used to
feeling like this and he felt slightly nauseous. But in a good way. He lightly brushed
his lips against her and was happy when she didn't pull back. Feeling more confident
he kissed her harder and his heart surged when he kissed her back. Suddenly she
pulled back breathless. "Wow," she sighed.
"Wow," he said too. Conner didn't want her to go. "Listen my mom is probably gone,"
he said. Conner knew his mother was probably out getting trashed. "How would you like
to come over?"
Elizabeth nodded.