Authors: Melody Carlson

Tags: #JUV033200, #Dating (Social customs)—Fiction, #Clubs—Fiction, #Friendship—Fiction, #High schools—Fiction, #Schools—Fiction, #Christian life—Fiction

The Blind Date (20 page)

“Well, I never knew Felicia before this year, but she doesn't seem like the kind of girl the DG needs.” Devon sighed. “I know I don't say this much, but I actually like how you guys kinda raised the bar on this whole dating thing. I know I don't always act like it, but I appreciate that you have standards and morals. And as you obviously know, I kinda need that in my life.”

“And I care about the DG.” Abby stood up and reached for her bag. “My dad's not real thrilled with me dating in the first place, you know. The DG's my only hope. But not if it turns into something skanky. My dad would put the kibosh on that.”

“That's true.” Bryn nodded. “He would. I guess we need to remember we've created something pretty special here. We need to be careful to keep it that way.” She smiled at Cassidy. “Thanks for making us slow down and really consider this.”

“I gotta go,” Abby said. “See you guys at 5:30.”

Emma seemed to soften as Abby left. “Yeah, maybe you're right, Cass,” she said quietly. “We don't want to do something
we'll regret. As hard as it might be to pass on Felicia, it would be even harder to have to kick her out later on down the line.”

“It could ruin the DG for everyone,” Bryn said.

“Cass and I will get this figured out,” Devon assured them. “And we'll bring the facts to everyone at 5:30.”

“I'll tell Felicia to hang and that I'll talk to her later.” Emma's mouth twisted to one side. “But I do hope you're wrong about her, Cass. I really hope Felicia can be part of the DG. I think she needs us.”

Cassidy nodded as she bit into her apple. She didn't want to admit it, but she was feeling uneasy and wondering if Emma might be right. And Devon's talk about going out to gather “facts” didn't make her feel any better. How were they supposed to get facts when so far all Cassidy really had was a strong impression combined with what truly was only gossip? To pass judgment on Felicia based on such flimsy evidenceâhow fair was that?

Melody
Carlson
is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, including
The Jerk Magnet
,
The Best Friend
,
The Prom
Queen
,
Double Take
, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody recently received a
Romantic Times
Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody, visit her website at
www.melodycarlson.com
.