Free Speed Dating by Natalie Standiford

being friendly and she made it sound as if Walker had
     already told her everything. But I filled in all the details for her, like an idiot. God, Walker is going to kill me! But,
     first, I think I’ll play field hockey with her head.”
    Mads looked toward the library door and gulped. “Uh-oh.”
    Lina knew before she even turned her head. Walker.
    “Here comes Squeaky,” Mads said.
    His face was stony. “Lina, can I talk to you for a minute. Alone?”
    “It’s not your fault,” Holly whispered. “Don’t let him take it out on you.”
    “Yeah, the two of you should gang up on Autumn,” Mads said. “Bond in your anti-Autumn-ness. Use it to make your relationship
     stronger.”
    “Good luck,” Holly said.
    Lina walked out of the library with Walker. He cornered her against a locker.
    “I thought we said no more sharing our secrets with the whole school.”
    “I know,” Lina said. “I never meant for this to happen. I’m furious with Autumn! She tricked me! We were just talking girl-to-girl.
     I had no idea she was going to post everything I said!”
    “God, I can’t believe you girls,” Walker said. “Why did you have to tell her anything at all? You don’t even like her.”
    “I told you, she tricked me,” Lina said. “She made it sound like you had told her everything. She said she’s your source for
     lacrosse news.”
    “She did? That little liar! Well, I have talked to heronce or twice about their goalie problems… but that’s not the same as telling her I slept over at your house.”
    “I know, Walker. I’m really sorry. I won’t tell her anything else—I promise. Her source on Peter and Tess has dried up. She’ll
     have to find somebody else to gossip about now.”
    “I hope so,” Walker said. “I’m sorry I got so mad at you, Lina.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “It was kind of fun
     to wake up next to you that morning. Lying on the cold, hard floor with a blanket tangled around us and the sofa cushions
     under our heads… .”
    “Yeah, it was fun, wasn’t it?”
    They kissed. It was a definite make-up kiss. He had forgiven her.

9
N-n-n-naked
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    To:     mad4u
    From: your daily horoscope
    HERE IS TODAY’S HOROSCOPE: VIRGO: You are on a search for wisdom. At least, you should be.
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    R ound Two,” Mads said. She and Lina were setting up the second Speed Dating party at Vineland. Holly had begged off, claiming
     her mother needed help getting ready for a dinner party that night.
    “I don’t believe that for a second,” Lina said. “She hates helping her mother.”
    “I don’t believe it, either,” Mads said. “She’s chicken.”
    “Can’t face her adoring public,” Lina said.
    “She only likes
E-li,”
Mads said. Mads and Lina had tried to convince Holly that another Speed Dating party might bring another soul mate, but Holly
     insisted that you can’t have more than one at a time.
    The partyers trickled in and took their seats at the long table in the garden. Mads quivered at the sight of Sean in seat
     #3. She’d quivered when she had seen his name on the sign-up list. She’d quivered when she had seen him at school. She’d quivered
     when she’d heard his name. He made her quiver, that’s all there was to it.
    Quintana slinked into a seat near the end of the table. “I can’t believe she’s back for more,” Lina whispered to Mads. “She
     got at least four dates out of the last party.”
    “I know,” Mads said. “Speed Dating works really well for her.”
    “How many dates does a girl need?” Lina said. “Do you think she does it for the ego rush? Being constantly reminded that so
     many boys like her?”
    Mads had wondered about this herself, and come to a different conclusion. “I think she’s an idealist. She’s looking for her
     ideal guy, and she doesn’t want to rule anyone out. So she has to meet as many guys as possible.”
    “Did she say that?”
    “No,” Mads said. “It’s my theory. Is everyone