Lucas and I were sitting Svorski's Bakery, the best Ukrainian bakery in New York. Well, it might be the only Ukrainian bakery in New York. I like it here, it's homey and got the Old World theme, there's even a rotary phone. We were waiting for Riley and Maya; it's not a date (I'm hoping it is), although, Lucas would just be a third wheel to my double date.

"Farkle, do you ever think that Maya and Riley think of you as a friend?" Lucas asked.

"Even if they do, they'll come eventually," I answered, sounding cocky.

"What makes you think you're such a ladies' man?"

"What doesn't?"

Lucas didn't believe that I really had Riley and Maya's hearts. No one does. But underneath this somewhat average exterior with a mop top haircut is a red-hot heart full of burning passion. Lucas has the face, but he doesn't know romance. Girls aren't interested in me because I'm not as handsome as Lucas but if I was, girls would cling to me. And besides, I known Riley all my life, I know everything about her. And it's not just because I hacked into her computer. Who says every Prince Charming needs to be handsome, all he needs is his princess.

Riley and Maya were a little late to lunch, at least Lucas is here. He's my best friend, even though he doesn't have my stellar intuition. People say I'm a little too cocky, I prefer the word confident. And people can say anything bad about me, I'll rule over them someday. Lucas and Dad are the only ones who think I have the potential to be a dictator.

"So why are you in love with Riley and Maya? I really don't think it's possible to be love two people equally. I mean, you must have some preference, right?" Lucas asked.

"I just do. Love can't be explained," I said.

"How long have you been in love with them?"

"Ever since the first grade, I still remember the day I fell in love with them."

"Was it love at first sight?" Lucas asked.

"Definitely, and I met them on the same day. Riley first, though. I still remember those light-up sneakers she wore. She was funny and quirky and stood out in a crowd. And Riley's smile was unmistakable, in elementary school she was Smiley Riley. Maya was the outcast, she wore the same jeans every day and during recess she sat underneath a tree and drew random things. Every other girl wore skirts and tried on their mom's lip gloss while Maya was the only tomboy. In first grade, every girl did the same thing, played hopscotch and braided each other's hair and while Maya was on the sidelines, all alone. Riley loved everyone and thought every day would be a good day," I said.

"How do you love two girls who are the completely different? Do you ever wonder who are you gonna end up with?" Lucas asked. I'm pretty sure that he had all the girls' hearts and never even noticed. He was oblivious that way. He didn't know girls like I did.

"It's weird, one of the greatest mysteries," I answered. I think that's the one of the few times I didn't have an answer to a question.

"Tell me how you met Maya and Riley, I bet it's a good story," Lucas said.

"Okay, but we're gonna be here a while," I said, "Mrs. Svorski, can we get two smoothies?"