Jerry, my older brother, had said the move to New York would change my life. There’d been no need to sell the idea hard, to be honest, because I’d had enough of San Francisco, and the depressing reminders all around me out West after the shark attack. Everybody had said I’d needed a change of scenery, a fresh start in a completely different place. Did I ever! But, wow, when Jerry was “selling” New York to me and the fam, he’d had no idea how much life, could indeed, change. Can’t wait to tell him, and gra’ma, especially, about all my new friends!

Now, if only they could get Tiler to come, too. And I wonder if she’d be interested in a fancy dinner Jerry said he’d spring for in Per Se, if I met his challenge for me to make a new friend here.

When there was a brief break in the jokes and digs flying amongst Bette, Rian, and Rachel, Jia interrupted again, “So, erm, Rachel you were thinking earlier that Tiler could …”

“Join us?” Rachel asked, trying to hide a teasing smile. She dug into her skirt pocket to pull out her phone, one eyebrow raised.

Bette elbowed Rachel as she shook her head with a pretend frown. “ Ahh, Rachel, just give her Tiler’s digits already.”

“I will. I will!” Rachel answered with a friendly smile at Jia. “Here.”

But Jia suddenly hesitated and leaned away from the phone Rachel was showing her, biting down on her lower lip.

Rian rubbed their new friend’s arm. “She doesn’t bite, you know,” she said softly. “And I promise … none of us are going to tease you about it.” She shot a look at Rachel, who was nodding her head up and down vigorously.

But still, Jia hesitated.   “I …. erm … I don’t think I should. I mean …”

Bette whispered to Rachel, “why don’t you text Tiler and tell her that Jia could get in touch.” Rachel was nodding quickly, again, as she started to tap something out on her phone. “I have a feeling Rian could still get Jia to at least consider sending Tiler a quick text,” Bette added. “You know how persuasive Rian can be.” Rachel smirked, nodding quickly in agreement. “Sent it.”