We took our bikes from the nearby bike rack and put our rackets into my basket. As we rode through Stoneybrook (our quiet Connecticut town) I thought about Andi and Sheila. Why had I let them bug me? Andi was really okay, and Sheila had been the one who first let me know that Robert liked me. They weren't horrible.

Was it because I felt that Robert wanted to hang out with them? Possibly. I wanted him to want to be with me — only me. Was that jealousy? Maybe.

I didn't want to be jealous. I don't think jealousy is a particularly attractive trait in a person. "We can go back and play tennis with them," I told Robert as we pulled up alongside each other at a stop sign.

"No, it's okay," Robert said. "It sounded like fun at the time, but I know you're not really wild about Andi and Sheila."

"They're all right, I suppose, but, you know ... I want to spend the time with you," I explained.

"Yeah, me, too," Robert said. "I'd rather be with you, too."

We pushed off on our bikes and I suddenly felt light and happy. My perfect day with Robert hadn't been ruined after all. I was glad he'd rather be with me. My worries had been silly.

I promised myself never again to let mistrust or jealousy get the best of me. Robert and I were tight. Definitely. Nothing could change that.

When we reached my house, I used my keys to let us in the side door. Since it was Monday, Mom was still at work. The house was quiet. Which was why I jumped when the phone rang.

"Hello?" I said when I'd recovered from my surprise. It was Dad!

My mom and dad are divorced. My dad still lives in Manhattan, which is where I lived most of my life. I spend lots of weekends with him in the city, which I love. Not only do I get to see Dad, I get to spend time in Manhattan. I am a 'huge fan of New York. City. (Not that I hate Stoneybrook or anything. I like it here, too. But this way I get the best of both worlds.)