“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth said.

“Good,” Jessica said, sinking into a chair. “Now, can you wrap this up? I need a ride home. Well, to the mall first, then home.”

“Sure,” Elizabeth said, looking down at her notes. “I think we’re all set here, Bruce. I’ll give you a call if I think of any more questions.”

“Sounds good,” Bruce said, standing up. “I’ll see you ladies later.”

Jessica scarcely waited until Bruce had left the room before she started complaining. “Did you hear all this crap about all the other girls at school starring in my movie?”

“Bruce did mention something about it,” Elizabeth said, closing her notebook and tucking it back into her cleavage. “And I have to say, I’m still not thrilled about any of this.”

“You’re not thrilled about fame? Fortune?” Jessica shook her head. “What about all the guys who will be lining up to date us?”

Elizabeth laughed. “Guys are already lining up to date us,” she pointed out. “Well, you, anyway.”

“I don’t know, Liz,” Jessica said, a teasing note in her voice. “You and Bruce looked awfully cozy in here.”

Elizabeth blushed. “We were just talking, Jessica.”

“Well, Todd seemed to think otherwise,” Jessica replied.

Elizabeth’s face darkened. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice tight.

“Oh, nothing,” Jessica said, twirling a strand of hair. “I’m sure it was nothing.”

“You’d better tell me,” Elizabeth said, leaning in toward Jessica.

Jessica continued to play with her hair. “It’s just that Todd was waiting outside the door just now, and when he saw you and Bruce, he took off down the hall,” she said. “He practically sprinted out of here! But I’m sure he was just in a hurry to get to football practice or something,” she added soothingly.

“He plays basketball,” Elizabeth said. “Come on. We’ve got to go find him!”

Jessica stood up reluctantly. “Can you drop me off at the mall first?”

Elizabeth turned the red Fiat into the driveway. She had searched every square inch of Sweet Valley, but Todd was nowhere to be found. It was as if he’d just disappeared! If only there was some way to reach someone by telephone, no matter where they were, Elizabeth thought, tears pricking her eyes. Then I wouldn’t have had to drive all over, and we could have resolved this right away!

But it wasn’t as if she and Todd had never had a fight before, Elizabeth reminded herself.