‘So come on, Tony. Tell us your secret,’ begged Robin as we crossed the road outside school. ‘I need help.’

‘No secret,’ I said. When we reached the other side, I saw that Annabelle Wilson and her mate Mira Jones were coming towards us on the pavement.

As soon as she spotted us, Mira flicked blond hair back off her face. ‘Hi, Tone,’ she said in a low voice and gave me a flirty look.

‘Hi, girls,’ I replied, and gave her a flirty look back (eye contact held a second too long, slightly raised eyebrow and slow smile) then I did the same to Annabelle. She blushed pink. I’d dated both of them last year. Not at the same time. I’d never have got away with it seeing as they’re mates. Mira in the winter for six weeks (a record for me as my cut off is usually around four), and Annabelle in the spring for just a few dates. She was sweet but boring after a while. I like a girl who can hold her own in the conversation stakes. Mira was more interesting but she got possessive and I don’t do clingy as she found out after yet another ‘And where have you been and who with?’ conversation.

The girls walked past and Rob and I continued on our way up towards Highgate. Rob turned around.

‘They’re watching,’ he said.

I shrugged and carried on walking. ‘Rule number one, my friend, never turn around. Makes you look too keen.’

‘Oh right,’ said Rob. ‘I forgot. Treat ’em mean to keep ’em keen.’

‘Ish,’ I said. ‘You don’t have to be mean, just don’t look desperate. Girls always want what they can’t have. Remember that.’

Rob did a mock salute. ‘So come on, Tony, spill. You clearly have the ability to pull any girl you want and I need a few hints.’

‘Don’t try too hard. Don’t do needy.’ I didn’t know what else to tell him. I’ve never had to try. Girls like me. Always have, but I don’t think it’s because of anything I say or don’t say, do or don’t do. Sometimes I joke around and say I am the Master when it comes to girls but I’m not totally serious. It’s simple. I like girls, they like me. Lucky me.

When we got up to Highgate, we went into Costa. We go in most nights after school and always try to bag the stools by the window. That way, we can check out the babes on the street as well as watch the ones inside.

Robin went to get our drinks while I got our places. He’s been my mate since I changed schools at the end of last year. Like mine, his family had just moved to the area so he was a newbie too. He’s a good guy. On the level. Nice-looking boy, Robin, but no real talent when it comes to pulling. He’s always, like, ‘Hey, I’ve got this real cool chat up line, want to hear it?’And I’d go, ‘Robin, reality check, man. You don’t need a chat up line to get on with girls, you just talk to them like you like them, like you’re interested in what they have to say.’ Works every time.

Now he reckons he’s in love. Hannah is her name. I’ve never seen him like this over a girl before. He only met her last week when we went bowling. She’s OK. Not my type. Bit tomboyish – figure like a boy’s too, straight up and down, and she doesn’t seem to make much effort with her clothes, she’s always in jeans and an old T-shirt. I like girls to look like girls. Especially those with a bit of style about them.

At that moment, Sienna Jeffrey waved from across the street. I waved back. She giggled and headed for the bus stop. About two minutes later, my phone bleeped that I had a text. It was from Sienna. Wot R U doing Fri pm? XXX

Rob came back with our cappuccinos and read the text over my shoulder. He sighed. ‘Sienna again? Isn’t that the hundredth text this week?’

I nodded. ‘Might have to change my phone.’

‘Just text her back and say, there’s a queue and you’re way down the line.’

I laughed but I could never be that cruel. Girls have feelings and it’s hard letting them down sometimes. We had a snog at a party a few weeks ago and now she thinks that we’re an item. But Rob is right. There is a queue. My mobile bleeped that I had another text. This time it was Carrie Johnson. I know you feel the same way as I do, she’d written. ’Fraid not, I thought as I pressed delete, then glanced up to see that Jess Macdonald and Charlotte Rosin were on their way over. Rob perked up immediately as they are two total Barbie babes.

‘Don’t look so keen, look cool,’ I whispered to Rob.

‘Aye, aye, Captain,’ he said and assumed a bored look and turned to look out the window.

Atta boy, Rob, I thought, you’ll get there in the end.