The Love Bet

  THE LOVE BET

  Written by

  Kate William

  Created by

  FRANCINE PASCAL

  Copyright © 2015, Francine Pascal

  To Diane Schwemn

  "But Dana and Aaron—a couple? I wasn't really thinking when I said that." Todd shook his head. "Let's be practical. Aaron and Dana have nothing in common. She's into rock music and art, and he's a total jock. She's hyper, and he's laid-back. They're like oil and water, Liz. They won't mix."

  But Elizabeth knew that love didn't follow any rules. "Haven't you heard that opposites attract? Maybe if they had a little encouragement, Dana and Aaron could see beyond their differences and become friends."

  Todd looked into Elizabeth's earnest, glowing eyes. "It would be an interesting experiment," he conceded.

  "Let's do it," she urged.

  "If Operation Pair-Up works, I'll grant you three wishes. If it doesn't you owe me three wishes."

  "It's a deal," Elizabeth said. And she couldn't wait to collect her three wishes!

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  One

  "Did you hear that, Liz?" Jessica Wakefield asked her twin. "There's going to be a new rock band at Sweet Valley High! Baja Beat. Isn't that a cool name? You know their songs are going to be great to dance to."

  Jessica did a little shimmy. Elizabeth and the others within earshot at Patty Gilbert's party laughed. Everyone knew Jessica loved to dance. If there was music playing, she couldn't stand still.

  Patty Gilbert, a tall, beautiful black girl and one of the most popular students at Sweet Valley High, was throwing an informal Friday night get-together to celebrate that her boyfriend, Jim Hollis, a freshman at Pacific College, was in town for the weekend.

  Elizabeth turned to Patty. "Andy Jenkins is in Baja Beat, isn't he?" Andy dated Patty's cousin, Tracy, and they were both juniors at Sweet Valley High.

  Patty nodded. "Andy formed the band," she told Elizabeth. "They've been playing together for a while, and they're finally ready to go public."

  "It's going to be hard for them," remarked Penny Ayala. "The Droids have such a following in Sweet Valley. Their fans are very loyal."

  "There's room for more than one band in town—right, Dana?" Patty smiled at Dana Larson, the lead singer of The Droids. "Besides, Baja Beat has a completely different sound."

  "When will we get to hear them?" asked Patty's best friend, DeeDee Gordon.

  "There may be a sneak preview tonight," Patty replied. "I know Andy brought along his guitar and a tape of the band's last practice session. Uh-oh—looks like we're running low on dip," she observed. "Be right back."

  Patty and DeeDee headed for the kitchen to replenish the snack and soft drink supplies.

  Jessica turned to Dana. "What do you think about Baja Beat? Aren't you worried about competition for The Droids?"

  The tall, thin singer shrugged. "Not really. There are a couple of other bands in town already. I think Patty's right—there's always room for more music in the world. Besides," Dana added, running a hand through her short blond hair, "if anything, I'll be glad for a diversion."

  Elizabeth exchanged a look with Penny. She had a feeling she knew what was coming.

  "Having more competition will give me an excuse to spend more time writing songs and performing with The Droids," Dana went on. "Since I gave up love, the band has really become my life!"

  Elizabeth wasn't surprised by Dana's announcement. She had heard quite a bit lately about Dana's disillusionment with romance.

  Jessica looked mystified, however. "Gave up love?" she repeated.

  Jessica's question was just the encouragement Dana needed to launch into her favorite topic. "That's right," she declared. "I've had it with relationships! Since I stopped seeing Brent . . ." Dana paused.

  Jessica gave Dana a cool look. She was the one who had fixed Dana up with Brent in the first place, and she hated it when her plans didn't work out.

  "I've been looking for a new boyfriend, but with no luck," Dana continued. "There's just no one out there for me!" She shrugged her shoulders.

  "Sure there is. There's someone for everybody," Elizabeth countered.

  "Well, I'm tired of looking for him," Dana replied. "It's not as if I haven't tried dating different guys. But between the musician types who are totally obsessed with themselves and the guys who have nothing to offer at all, I'm starting to wonder if it's worth the effort. If you ask me, love's completely overrated!"

  Even though Jessica had fixed Dana up with Brent, she could understand her friend's position. Jessica herself had done a lot of dating, and she still hadn't found Mr. Right.

  In Elizabeth's opinion, however, love was truly wonderful. She had had rocky times with her boyfriend, Todd Wilkins, in the past, but she had never given up on love. And these days she and Todd were happier than ever.

  "I think you're wrong!" Elizabeth protested, and at the exact same time Jessica declared, "I know exactly what you mean!"

  In spite of herself, Dana burst out laughing.

  "What a surprise—the Wakefield twins actually disagree on something!" Penny observed.

  Jessica and Elizabeth joined in the laughter. Even though they were identical in appearance—both girls had silky blond hair and perfect size-six figures—the sixteen-year-old sisters had distinct and very different personalities and opinions. Elizabeth's playful sense of humor was balanced by a serious side. She was conscientious about all of her responsibilities, from schoolwork to her duties as a columnist for the Sweet Valley High newspaper. Her most cherished ambition was to be a successful writer.

  Jessica approved of ambition as long as it was directed at something worth having—for instance, a funky new outfit or a date with a gorgeous guy. The academic aspect of school didn't interest her that much. She preferred social activities, such as cheerleading and her membership in the Pi Beta Alpha sorority.

  For all their differences, however, the twins were extremely close. Jessica knew she could count on Elizabeth to bail her out of scrapes, and Elizabeth knew that Jessica would always be there when she needed her.

  "I have an idea, Dana. Why don't you take out a personal ad?" Penny suggested playfully. "After all, it worked for Neil and me."

  "You guys," Dana said. "I'm serious. I've given up on boys—and dating!"

  "Well, I'm serious, too." Elizabeth still hoped to persuade Dana to take a more optimistic outlook. "And I really believe that if you met the right person—"

  "He doesn't exist!" Dana exclaimed. "I'm telling you, the last thing I want to do is get involved with anyone new. I've given up love, and that's final. I'll stick to my music. It's much more satisfying—and a lot less painful."

  Todd Wilkins, Lynne Henry, and Lynne's boyfriend, Guy Chesney, approached the girls just in time to hear Dana's declaration of independence.

  Lynne shook her head, and Guy laughed. As the keyboardist for The Droids and a good friend of Dana's, Guy had heard this speech before. "Complaining again, Dana?" he remarked.

  Dana smiled. "I am starting to sound like a broken record," she acknowledged. "But love is pointless. I just think everyone should know!"

  "So why don't you write a song about it?" Lynne suggested. Lynne herself had written a number of songs for the band.

  Dana's brown eyes lit up. Hopping up from the couch, she tapped Andy Jenkins on the shoulder. A moment later, Dana was improvising a tune on Andy's acoustic guitar for an amused audience.

  "I'm fed up with love," she sang in her husky, distinctive voice. "Don't know what I was thinking of, letting romance fog my mind and waste my precious time. . . ."

  Dana's silly, sarcastic song was a hit. In seconds, she had everyone at the party laughing. Or rather, everyone but Sweet Valley High soccer star Aaron Dallas.

  Aaron stood alone at the snack table. He looked bored as he dragged a potato chip through a bowl of onion dip.

  Their arms around each other, Elizabeth and Todd joined him. "Hey, buddy," Todd said cheerfully.

  Aaron ignored the greeting. "You know, she's absolutely right," he declared.

  "Who's right?" asked Elizabeth.

  "Dana," Aaron replied. "Love stinks."

  Elizabeth's glance met Todd's. Oh, no, not another one! her bemused expression said.

  She knew Aaron hadn't been the same since his girlfriend, Heather Sanford, had moved away recently. He had dated a lot, in fact, he'd gone out with Jessica a few times, but he hadn't found anyone he wanted to get serious with.

  "The world would be a much better place without it," Aaron went on. "I'm so sick of seeing happy couples everywhere I turn! And I hate the way all of my friends have to check in with their girlfriends before they can do anything with me." Aaron eyed Todd severely. "It really bugs me!" Aaron folded his arms across his chest. "Nobody knows how to have fun anymore. Every single party in Sweet Valley turns into a makeout session."

  Just then, Elizabeth noticed that the music had changed. As if to prove Aaron's point, Patty had put on a love song. Aaron, Elizabeth, and Todd watched as Jim took Patty in his arms. Everyone paired up for the slow dance—Penny and her steady boyfriend, Neil Freemount; Guy and Lynne; Andy and Tracy; DeeDee and her boyfriend Bill Chase,
and even Jessica was dancing with one of Jim's friends. Everyone except Dana, who remained alone on the sofa in the corner, strumming softly on Andy's guitar.

  "It's disgusting," Aaron said, sounding just as disillusioned as Dana had a few minutes earlier. "I think I'm going to start boycotting dating and parties, too!"

  Before Todd or Elizabeth could say another word, Aaron had stormed off. It looked as if his boycott was starting right then and there!

  The party broke up around midnight. Outside, Elizabeth and Todd climbed into his black BMW, and Todd started the engine. "I suppose I have to take you home," he said with an exaggerated sigh.

  Elizabeth checked her watch and then smiled. "Yes, you do," she agreed, "but not for another half an hour or so."

  Todd grinned. "Just what I was hoping to hear!"

  A few minutes later they were at Miller's Point. Above them, countless stars sparkled in the black velvet sky. Below were the twinkling lights of Sweet Valley.

  The car windows were rolled down. A fragrant night breeze washed over Elizabeth and Todd as they shared a gentle kiss. With Todd's strong arms wrapped around her, Elizabeth felt both loved and lucky.

  "We are a happy couple, aren't we?" she murmured.

  Todd dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "You bet." He chuckled. "Poor Aaron. I told you he'd been complaining a lot lately."

  "You weren't kidding." Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't know when I've heard him sound so—so cynical."

  "Well, he's come full circle," said Todd. "He started out missing having a girlfriend, and now he claims a girlfriend is the last thing in the world he wants."

  "Do you really think he's serious?" Elizabeth asked. "I'll bet if the right girl came along, he'd change his mind fast. I bet even Dana 'Fed Up with Love' Larson could fall in love again."

  "Maybe we should get the two of them together!" Todd laughed. "We'd be doing everyone at Sweet Valley High a favor, sparing them all that moaning and groaning!"

  The idea appealed immediately to Elizabeth. There was something irresistible about the thought of matching miserable Dana and miserable Aaron.

  Who knows? she speculated. If it works, maybe they won't be miserable anymore! "I think you're onto something," she told Todd.

  "Liz, I was only kidding—" Todd began.

  Elizabeth cut him off. "No, it's perfect," she said. "Aaron and Dana both think they hate happy couples, but they'll feel differently once they're part of one again."

  Todd laughed. Bending down, he brushed Elizabeth's lips with a soft kiss. "You're such a romantic," he said.

  "What's wrong with that?" she asked. "I just want everybody to be as happy as I am."

  "I know. But Dana and Aaron—a couple? I wasn't really thinking when I said that." Todd shook his head. "Let's be practical. Aaron and Dana have nothing in common. She's into rock music and art, and he's a total jock. She's hyper, and he's laid-back. They're like oil and water, Liz. They won't mix. I mean, picture it!"

  In her mind's eye, Elizabeth pictured Aaron and Dana together. Preppy, clean-cut, all-American Aaron and funky punk rocker Dana. Aaron in khakis and a crisp oxford-cloth shirt, Dana in a miniskirt, an oversize jacket, and glitter in her spiked hair. Todd was right—they did seem like opposites.

  But Elizabeth knew that love didn't follow any rules. "Haven't you heard that opposites attract?" she reminded Todd. "Maybe if they had a little encouragement, Dana and Aaron could see beyond their differences and become friends."

  Todd looked into Elizabeth's earnest, glowing eyes. "It would be an interesting experiment," he conceded.

  "Let's do it," she urged, hugging him tightly as if to squeeze him into agreeing with her.

  "OK, OK!" he gasped, laughing. "I'll go along with you. How are we going to manage it, though? Both Aaron and Dana have sworn off dating. How do you propose to get them together?"

  Elizabeth frowned. Dana and Aaron did present a matchmaking challenge. "I guess we'll have to use a roundabout approach. Make that a devious one!"

  "I guess I could be devious with you," Todd offered generously. "It seems harmless enough. But I still think Aaron and Dana are the least likely couple in town. And for that reason, Liz, I'd like to make a wager." His coffee-colored eyes twinkled. "If Operation Pair-Up works, as you say it will, I'll grant you three wishes. If it doesn't, you owe me three wishes."

  "It's a deal," Elizabeth said, and she and Todd sealed the bet with a kiss. She was convinced that with a little outside help, the Aaron-Dana match would work. And she couldn't wait to collect on her three wishes!

  Two

  "Aaron and Dana?" said Olivia Davidson, unable to hide her surprise. "I mean, I like them both a lot, but—Aaron and Dana?"

  Elizabeth, her best friend, Enid Rollins, and Penny had met at the school newspaper office during lunch period on the Monday after Patty Gilbert's party. As editor in chief of The Oracle, Penny spent just about every free moment at the office. Elizabeth, who wrote a weekly gossip column called "Eves and Ears" as well as feature articles, could often be found there too. Today, however, they had a nonjournalistic project in the works. They were discussing Phase One of Operation Pair-Up.

  Upon arriving at the office, the three girls had found Olivia, the arts editor of the paper, at work proofreading a movie review. Elizabeth had explained the plot to her in order to enlist her help.

  Olivia's dubious reaction concerned Elizabeth. "Do you think they're too different to be a couple?" she asked Olivia, suddenly unsure she was doing the right thing.

  "I can think of odder couples," Olivia conceded. "But at first I thought you'd picked their names out of a hat."

  "Well, I did, sort of," Elizabeth admitted. "But they have one important thing in common—they're both fed up with love."

  "The object is to change that by making them fall in love with each other," Penny explained, glancing at the clock. "Dana's going to be here any minute—we'd better get ready!"

  Penny had a legitimate reason for asking Dana to stop by the newspaper office. She had written out the lyrics of Dana's song about giving up love and was going to print them in the next issue of The Oracle as a humor piece. Penny wanted Dana to look over the copy before it went to the typesetter.

  "What exactly are we supposed to do?" Enid asked.

  "Well, I think the best strategy is to start slowly," answered Elizabeth. "Todd and I figure it will only scare Dana and Aaron away from each other if we make any kind of obvious statement about fixing them up. So instead, we'll just drop a few suggestive remarks." Elizabeth perched on the edge of a desk as her friends gathered around her. "This is what's supposed to happen . . ."

  A few minutes later the door of the office swung open. That was their cue.

  The four girls were huddled close together, as planned. "Aaron was asking a million questions about Dana at Patty's party the other night," Elizabeth related in a conspiratorial tone. "I don't know what—" Elizabeth stopped talking abruptly as she pretended to notice Dana for the first time. She exchanged embarrassed looks with Enid, Penny, and Olivia, then casually said, "Oh, hi, Dana!"

  Dana's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard what Elizabeth said about Aaron, Elizabeth guessed. But it was obvious that the remark was supposed to be a secret, so Dana was going to pretend she hadn't heard it.

  Sure enough, Dana addressed them nonchalantly, as if she hadn't interrupted anything. "Hi, you guys. Do you want me to read the galleys on 'Fed Up with Love,' Penny?"

  Penny went to her desk and flipped through the galleys. "Here it is. Read it through and let me know if I got the words right. I'm taking the layouts to the printer this afternoon."

  As Dana and Penny bent their heads to study the printed page, Elizabeth smiled triumphantly at Enid and Olivia.

  Enid gave her a thumbs-up sign. "We've given her something to think about," she whispered.

  "So far so good!" Elizabeth whispered back.

  "So, are you guys ready?" Todd asked.

  Neil Freemount and Winston Egbert nodded.

  Gym class was about to start, and the three boys were changing into shorts and T-shirts in the locker room. Todd had just strolled casually past Aaron's locker two rows away to check out if Aaron was ready to head to the gym. Aaron had been lacing up his sneakers.

  "If you ask me, this is nutty," Winston said.