How to Date a Millionaire by Allison Rushby

burning the roof of my mouth off Thai hot style can make me forget about the events of this afternoon for a while.

    ‘Feeling a bit better, possum?’ My dad takes my arm as we leave the restaurant.
    I nod. And I’m not lying. I actually do feel a bit better after spending the evening with everyone, especially Dad and Holly, who try to cheer me up. It kind of dulls the edges of the day, being with people who make me feel comfortable. It makes me remember what I’d realised on the shuttle this afternoon – the reason I’d done my lurching vampire leech thing on Seth was because I cared about him. And, really, there’s nothing wrong with that.
    Well, apart from the fact that he wasn’t interested back. Still, as my dad says, there’s plenty of other mahimahi in the sea. That’s what he said about Ben, Ned and Justin, anyway.
    Oh, great. I’m so glad I remembered that. Are we seeing a pattern here, or what?
    And you know something? I’m getting tired of saying Ben, Ned and Justin. I think, like Shatze in How to Marry a Millionaire , I should just start calling them the gas pump jockeys. The guys who weren’t worthy.
    I nod harder at my dad now, wanting to convince him I’ve had at least a semi-good evening, because I have.
    ‘The Evil Jungle Prince was great. I’ve never had that before.’ It was great too. The chicken, cooked in coconut milk and dotted with fresh basil and chilli, was one of the best things I’ve tasted in a long time. ‘Maybe I can convince Holly to give up her Peanut Butter & Co. addiction and move on to a Keo’s addiction? We could fly to Hawaii every second day!’
    Next to me, my dad laughs. ‘I think we’d better start cooking some Thai ourselves. After B and G arrive, I can’t see any trips to Hawaii on the cards for a while.’
    ‘It’s enough trouble travelling with me, huh? Let alone twins.’
    Dad reaches down and plants a kiss on top of my head. ‘But always good trouble. You’re the best trouble I’ve ever had. You’re not too upset about this boy? Honestly?’
    I shake my head. Not for the reasons he’s thinking, anyway. ‘I just keep telling myself it’s nice he got his chance where we didn’t.’
    ‘That’s the spirit.’
    I snort. ‘Oh yeah. Yay, team!’
    Dad laughs at this. ‘That’s my girl. It’s good of you to think that way, but it still … er … sucks, doesn’t it?’
    Now I really laugh. Holly’s been influencing my dad’s vocabulary again. ‘You’re right,’ I tell him. ‘That’s the best word I can think for it. It really is.’ There’s silence for a moment, before I remember something. ‘Hey, when we get back, I was thinking of ringing Marc. I think there’s a chance he and Seth might know each other from film school. I haven’t asked Seth about it yet, though. While I’m on the phone, do you need to talk to him as well?’
    Dad shakes his head. ‘We spoke to him yesterday. But you go ahead. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you, sweetheart. He always does.’

    ‘Marc?’
    ‘Hey, Ness, what’s up?’
    Where do I start? ‘Just thought I’d give you a call.’
    There’s silence on the other end of the line. In true big-brother (even though he’s not even close, being Holly’snephew, but still …) fashion, Marc knows I must be calling for a reason. I must want something.
    ‘Well, okay. To brag about being in Hawaii. And to ask you a question.’
    Marc laughs. ‘What’s that?’
    ‘Do you know a guy called Seth? From film school?’
    ‘Seth? Yeah, sure. He’s a great guy. Did you meet up with him somehow?’
    ‘He’s staying upstairs from us.’
    ‘Oh, right. I remember him saying his dad has a place on Waikiki. Lucky him.’
    Yeah, lucky old Seth. Lucky old Seth with his penthouse apartment and girls throwing themselves at him here, there and at Pearl Harbor. ‘There are two other guys with him as well. Jason and Connor.’
    ‘Oh.’ Marc’s voice gives away the fact he doesn’t think either of them are in