KISSING PERFECT

(At The Party #4)

by Lauren Barnholdt
Copyright 2011 Lauren Barnholdt, all rights reserved This is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, is coincidental

Brynn
Im crouched outside of Emily Mulallys house, trying to steal Aaron Randolphs bike. Theres a party going on inside, but I have no interest in that. I came here for one reason, and one reason only. And that was to steal this stupid bike. (And when I say bike, I mean an actual bike. Not a motorcycle, or a scooter, or even something thats only semi-cool but also kind of poserish like a Vespa. Aaron rides an actual bike. A ten-speed or twelve-speed racing bike that he takes everywhere. Aaron Randolph is very into the environment and being green, which is why he has this ridiculous bike, even though his parents are super rich and offered to buy him a car when he turned sixteen a couple of months ago.) I look around one last time to make sure no ones looking, although its early enough that most people arent even at the party yet, so I dont really have to worry. Thats the other thing thats annoying about Aaron he always has to get places early, even places where it doesnt matter when you show up, or where you actually should be late, like a party at Emily Mulallys house. I mean, what is he doing in there when no ones even really here yet? Hanging out? Eating chips? Hitting on girls? Ugh. Anyway, Im just about to pull out my big wire clippers and

get on with it, when someones shadow falls over me. I look up and shield my eyes from the sun (which is starting to set but is still high enough to get in your eyes), and mentally rehearse the story I have all planned out just in case I got caught -- that this is my bike, that I forgot the combination, that I borrowed some wire clippers from Emilys garage. People should totally believe me, since I saw this Dateline special about someone trying to steal a bike once, and passerbys were, like helping the person with that same story saw through the chain. Watching that show is what gave me the idea to do this in the first place. Hello, the person says. I cant see his face, because of the sun, but its a boy. I paste a nonchalant, nothing-to-see here look on my face. Oh, hello! I go back to my wire clippers. Which are actually having a hard time gripping onto the chain. Hmm. What are you doing? the boy asks. This is my bike, I explain. And I forgot the combination. So I borrowed some wire clippers from Emilys garage. That sucks. He kneels down next to me. Oh, God. Its Josh Noth. Josh Noth is so not the person I want to be catching me stealing someones bike. Josh Noth hangs out with Ashton Wagner and Haven Montessori and the whole entire popular crew that can never mind their own business and

thinks that everything has to do with them. Youre trying to cut the chain with those? Josh asks. He points at my wire clippers. See? Hes only been here two seconds and already hes questioning my choices. Whats wrong with these? I ask. Theyre wire clippers. I look at them. They look expensive. And theyre big. In fact, it took me a ridiculously long time to figure out how to hide them on the way to this party. Unlike Aaron Randolph, I dont have a dad who works for Google and offered to buy me a car when I turned sixteen. So I had to ride over here with my dad, and he would have asked tons of questions if I had his wire clippers on the seat next to me. I mean, could you imagine? In the end I had to borrow this huge sparkly gold purse of my stepmoms and stash the wire clippers in there. The bag looks completely and totally ridiculous with the hoodie, jeans and flip-flops Im wearing. Luckily my stepmom wasnt home when I took it, and my dad knows nothing about accessories and fashion, otherwise there definitely would have been questions. Well, yeah, Josh says, But wire clippers arent going to cut a chain. He says it matter-of-factly, like everyone should know that

wire clippers cant cut a chain. Which pisses me off. Well, theyre going to have to, I say, Since theyre all I have. Maybe you should try and pick the lock. I told you, I forgot the combination. Thats why I said to pick it. He rolls his eyes like he cant believe how stupid I am, and so I stand up. You know what? I say, I think I got it. Theres no way I need Josh Noth telling me how to steal a bike. Hes very cute and very popular and I doubt someone who wears Hollister everyday has ever tried to steal anything. Or knows anything about tools. I dont think you do, he says, sounding cheerful. His green eyes sparkle, and I feel an attraction stirring in my stomach. He has dimples. Im a sucker for dimples. Aaron had dimples. Aaron was a complete and total asshole, but he had dimples. Has dimples. Theyre just not mine anymore. Not that owned him when we were going out. Or his dimples. I do, I say, but my voice is kind of faltering, because Im beginning to realize that this was a terrible idea. Why did I think that I could come here and steal a bike without getting

caught? Obviously I dont know the first thing about stealing bikes or chain cutters or not getting caught. I drop the wire cutters onto the street and then plop down on the sidewalk. And then I start to cry. Im a failure as a thief, I sob. Josh Noth has the wherewithal to finally look nervous. Which he should. I mean, Im obviously crazy. Who knows what Ill do next? Im brokenhearted and willing to break the law and he probably thinks Im about one step away from picking up the wire cutters and using them on his face. Youre not a failure as a thief, he says, sitting down next to me on the curb. If hes shocked that Ive admitted to actually stealing the bike when a second ago I was claiming that Id forgotten my combination, he doesnt mention it. Which I appreciate. Yes, I am. No, youre not. He reaches over and rubs my back tentatively, and another jolt of attraction zings through my whole body. I am! I say. I cant even steal a bike! It should be one of the easiest crimes ever, and II I cant even do it! Im really crying now. Stealing a bike is not one of the easiest crimes ever, Josh says. Hes still rubbing my back in slow, easy circles. His hands feel big and strong and just good.

It isnt? No. Theyre way too big. What were you going to do with it? Just ride away? Yes, I say, I was going to ride around the corner and hide it behind the Safeway. So you werent really going to steal the bike, you were just going to hide it? I told you I was the worst thief ever! I start to cry again. Whose bike is it? Aaron Randolphs. Who the fuck is Aaron Randolph? My ex-boyfriend. I reach into my huge purse and pull out a mini package of Kleenex. I threw them in there because I needed something to fill the stupid thing. I figured if anyone asked to look in my purse, I could open it and show them all the stuff that was on top of the wire clippers. I had no idea Id be sobbing on the curb of Emily Mulallys street while Josh Noth tried to comfort me. Is he a freshman? Josh asks.

No. A junior. Then why the fuck is he riding a bike? He likes being green, I say. Josh looks utterly baffled by this, so baffled that I cant help but smile. There you go, Josh says, standing up. He puts his hands on my shoulders and leans the top of his body down so that hes looking into my eyes. Wow. His eyes are really, really green. See? Its not so bad. Yes, I sniff, It is. I just I wanted to get him back. Like, not back together, but get revenge on him, you know? For breaking up with me? I thought it might make me feel better. Thats stupid, right? Nah, he says, Sometimes doing something stupid does make you feel better. At least in the moment. And then he leans in close to me, so close that I can smell the mint on his breath and the gel in his hair. My heart stops in my chest, and for one amazing second, I think maybe hes going to kiss me. Bu all he says is, Do you want to go to Home Depot? Ummm.I dont get it. We can buy real wire cutters, he says, Or a pocket chain saw. Something that will take care of that lock in a second.

I think about it. On one hand, I do want to steal the bike. On the other hand, I really dont need to be going to Home Depot with Josh Noth. Hes obviously totally and completely crazy. What kind of guy just offers to take you to Home Depot so that you can steal your ex-boyfriends bike? Do you even know my name? I ask him. Yes, he says. What is it? Brynn. I think about it for another second. Fine, I say, finally. But we cant spend more than fifty dollars.

Josh
Brynn is obviously off her rocker. Out of her tree. Batshit crazy. Whatever you want to call it. That happens to girls sometimes. They seem like theyre completely normal, and then the next thing you know, theyve lost their minds and are doing something thats completely fucked up. Like stealing Aaron whatever-his- name-iss bike. Or hiding it behind the Safeway. Thats the lamest thing Ive ever heard. So, I say once were seated in my car. Why did you want to steal that dudes bike? I pull my GPS out of the glove compartment and type in Home Depot, then slide it into the holder thats mounted on the windshield. Drive to Golden Street the automated voice instructs. Because hes an asshole, Brynn says. This probably means he did something she thinks is awful, like breaking up with her. But breaking up with someone doesnt mean youre an asshole. It just means that you wanted to break up. Of course, that doesnt mean this Aaron guy isnt an asshole. Ive broken up with a lot of girls who think Im an asshole because I broke up with them, and not because of millions of other, true reasons they could think Im an asshole. So wait, I say, Hes an asshole because he broke up with you?

Brynn looks at me incredulously and then narrows her eyes into two little slits. Noo, she says. I raise my eyebrows at her. Well, yes, he did. But thats not why hes an ass. Then why is he an ass? He conducted an opinion poll about me. An opinion poll about you? I think about this. You mean he asked is friends if you were hot enough for him? Thats a terrible idea. Inevitably your friends either tell you the girl in question is super hot, and you cant trust them because they might be lying just to be polite, or they tell you she isnt hot, and of course you cant trust that either because they might just be jealous. Its one of those damned if you do, damned if you dont kind of things. Which is why I dont do it. Anymore. No, she says, And that fact that you said that just proves that youre an asshole, too. Wow, I say, then take one hand off the wheel and put it over my heart like she hurt my feelings. Harsh. You shouldnt be insulting the guy whos saving your ass. Youre not saving my ass.

You were outside a party stealing a bike, I say, You could have been arrested. By who? The police. The police were going to just come along and see me taking a bike and arrest me? No, I say, Probably not. But I could have called them. The police? Yeah. You wouldnt have. I might have. Its a lie, of course. I dont give a shit that she was stealing a bike. Who the fuck rides a bike still anyway? I wonder if its because shes a girl. That I dont care that she was stealing a bike, I mean. I saw this Dateline special once where this bike was getting stolen in the middle of a park, and when a good-looking girl was stealing it, no one called the police. This one married dude even helped the girl steal the bike while his wife tried to stop them. Do I think that Brynn is good-looking? I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. Dark hair. Nice blue eyes. I run my eyes up and down her body, but shes wearing a pair of jeans and a black hoodie, so I cant really tell what shes got going on.

Not that it matters. Brynns not my type. She obviously gets attached easily, and I tend to seek out girls that dont need attachment. Like Kaci March, the girl Im currently hooking up with. Kaci doesnt need commitment. Which works out perfect for me, because like I said, Im a no-commitment kind of guy. Brynn catches me checking her out then, and so I quickly look away. So whats your story? she asks, turning toward me in her seat. My story? Yeah, why are you taking me to Home Depot? Assuming that you are, in fact, taking me to Home Depot and not to some alley or something to have your way with me. Please, I say, as if the thought of having my way with her is completely ridiculous. AlthoughI glance at her again out of the corner of my eye. She has very nice lips. And shes not wearing lipstick or anything, which I like. Girls are always messing up their faces with tons of lipstick and make-up, when they look a lot better without all that stuff. Im always suspicious of girls who look good with makeup on. Usually they end up looking like a big mess as soon as they take it off. Not that it keeps me from hooking up with them when theyre all made up.

Im not taking you anywhere scandalous, I say, And theres no story. I just happen to like Home Depot. The GPS tells me to take a left, and so I turn the wheel, guiding the car onto the highway. Youre lying, she says. Then she reaches over and picks up the bottle of water thats sitting in my cup holder and takes a drink. Thats mine, I tell her. Im thirsty. You could have asked. Can I have a drink? Yes. She grins and then takes another drink. When shes done, a drop of water is still on her lip, and she licks it off. Something about the way she does it is very hot. My stomach does this weird unfamiliar flip, and I find myself looking away quickly. Again. So answer the question, she says. What question? About why youre taking me to Home Depot, when you

were obviously on your way into the party. I shrug. I guess I just didnt really feel like going in. Why not? Girl trouble? Josh Noth doesnt have girl trouble. Anyone who refers to themselves in the third person must have girl trouble. She takes another sip of my drink. I grin. Fair enough. So why didnt you want to go in? I dont know. I think about it, because even though shes crazy, at least shes being honest with me. I can respect that. And so I figure I owe her the same. I guess Im just over that whole scene. The whole getting drunk and high and hooking up with random girls? Yeah. Weird. Why is that weird?

Because you dont seem like the type that would be over all that. You dont seem like the type that would be stealing a bike. She grins. Fair enough. And anyway, you never finished telling me about the opinion poll. Theres nothing to tell, she says, It was an opinion poll to see if the student body thought I was a good fit. I dont get it, I say. A good fit for what? Aarons student body president, she says, And he wanted to know if I was hurting or helping his cause. That was you? I ask incredulously. I have a vague memory of someone walking up to me last week after lunch, shoving a piece of paper into my hands and asking me to rate Brynn DeLeo in a bunch of categories, like class, confidence, and sophistication. I had no idea it was to see if she was a good fit for her douche boyfriend. You took the poll? she asks. Yeah, I say. Well, I mean, I saw the poll. I didnt take it. But my friends and I talked about how much of a loser the person who took the time to do that was.

Yeah, well she shrugs and looks out the window. Thats Aaron for you. The GPS says, Arriving at Home Depot, on right and so I swing the car into the shopping plaza. So thats why he dumped you? I ask. Because some poll said he should? Its so ridiculous that I cant help but laugh. I pull the car into a spot near the door, and put it in park. Yeah, well, I know its not as scandalous as the reasons the people in your crowd break up, i.e., STDs and unplanned pregnancies and someone not having the right clothes from Hollister. She unbuckles her seatbelt and looks at me, her eyes challenging. Did you just say i.e. in a sentence? I take the water bottle from her and take a sip. She takes the water back, and when she does, her hand brushes against mine. Her skin feels soft, and that same weird unfamiliar feeling slides through my stomach. She takes a drink, then puts the bottle back in the cup holder. Come on, she says. Were going in. She gets out of the car, and after a second, I follow her.

Brynn
I am sharing a water bottle with Josh Noth. Josh Noth and I are sharing a water bottle. Something about this is very disconcerting. Actually, whats more disconcerting is the way my stomach is getting all weird and flippy at the thought of sharing the water bottle with him. I am obviously crazy. Stealing bikes. Getting all weird with Josh Noth. Josh Noth is so not a good idea. Josh Noth is a player and very hot. Which makes an extremely bad and dangerous combination. Plus hes at Home Depot with me, which can only mean that hes crazy, too. Where are you going? I ask as I follow him down the aisles of the store. I beat him out of the car, but then as soon as we got in here he took over, walking around like he owns the place. I guess maybe he does know about tools after all. Which just makes him sexier. I mean, a guy with tools? Like, fixing things? Maybe even shirtless? Thats a major fantasy. Were going to get a pocket chain saw, he says. He has really long legs, and so Im having trouble keeping up with him. Im five foot seven, which is pretty tall for a girl, but Josh has to be at least six-one. Did you forget we have a bike to steal? No, I say, I didnt forget. I think again about how we were

just sharing a water bottle, and my fingers go up to my lips, which feel kind of tingly now. So here we are, he says, bringing me down an aisle filled with tons of tools. Saws, pliers, screwdrivers, huge hammers. Wow, I say, I never knew there were so many different kinds. They look a little scary. And like something you shouldnt be using unless you know what youre doing and/or want to lose a thumb. You should get this one, he says, picking up this huge saw thats exactly like something youd see in a horror movie. I cant handle that, I say. Thats way too big for me. Then I realize I just said I cant handle big things, which is realllly embarrassing, but luckily a Home Depot employee is walking by, a girl with short blonde hair that looks bored, and so I quickly say, Excuse me, but I need some wire cutters. No you dont, Josh says. You need a pocket chain saw. Oh, right, I say, Um, I need a pocket chain saw. Although now that Im thinking about it, a chain saw definitely doesnt sound like something that should go in your pocket. What if you accidentally saw your leg off or something? Hopefully it comes with a safety of some sort.

A pocket chain saw? the girl asks incredulously. What for? We want to steal a bike, Josh says. Hes just kidding, I say quickly. Haha. We Im trying to think of something else you would use a pocket chain saw for. Were building a fence, I decide. Building a fence? The girl looks even more skeptical now. Then what do you need a pocket chain saw for? What is up with her? Doesnt she know were in a recession? I mean, seriously, she should just be thankful for the sale. Everyone knows that the retail sector determines when the market is going to bounce back. Yes, a fence, Josh says, rushing over to my side. He slides his arm through mine. My girlfriend and I just bought a new house. And we need to cut down a fence. A chain link fence. Hence the need for a chainsaw. I nod. I cant believe he just called me his girlfriend. I cant believe he slid his arm through mine. I cant believe I like it so much. I look up at him, at his profile. He has a nice face. A really nice nose. Im big on noses for some reason. Aaron had a bad nose, all long and angular. The Home Depot girl gives us a skeptical look. Shes your

girlfriend? Oh, for the love of Yes, I say haughtily. I am. And we need to cut down our fence. So chop chop to the pocket chain saws! Let me go ask someone, she says grumpily. Chop chop? Josh asks, once shes gone. He grins. I didnt know you were so bossy. We have a house together? He shrugs. I needed her to take us seriously. He still has his arm linked through mine. Is he just doing it in case the Home Depot girl comes back? Or is he doing it because he wants to? Because, suddenly, I want to. Have my arm linked through his, I mean. It feels right. And perfect. Hes wearing a really soft gray sweatshirt, and I can just imagine snuggling into it. Of course, Im obviously brokenhearted and crazy, which could definitely be messing with my head. I mean, its Josh Noth. Theres no way he could ever be interested in me. Plus Im pretty sure hes hooking up with Kaci March, this girl who everyone at our school calls The Ass. I mean, enough said. Excuse me? a man behind us says. Hes holding a clipboard and wearing one of those orange Home Depot vests. Yes, Josh says, turning around. Are you here to help my

fianc and me with the chainsaw? Wow. Now were engaged? Uh, no, the man says, But I couldnt help but overhear that you two just bought a new house. Yes, I say, Its a cute little bungalow. But not too cute, Josh says, And were planning on putting in an addition. You know, an extra bedroom and whatnot. I nod. Well, congratulations, the man says, sounding genuinely happy for us. Can I ask you a question? Of course, Josh says. Hows the kitchen in this cute little bungalow?

Josh
Wow. Brynn is even crazier than I thought. When that man came over and asked us about kitchens, not only did she run with my whole fianc/house idea, she took it to a whole other level and let him lead us back to the Home Depot kitchen supply center, where she proceeded to spend the next thirty minutes designing her dream kitchen. It had cherry cabinets and granite countertops and overhead lighting, and was way too extravagant for a cute little bungalow but whatever. It was pretty much awesome. Theyre coming out to measure our fake house (located at our fake address, 90120 Main Street) next week. Luckily its all cancelable. The salesman will still even get some kind of finders fee, because apparently once the order goes in, he doesnt get penalized for cancellations. We said we were the Watson-Campbells. Well, soon to be, once were married and all. I guess really rich people always have hyphenated last names. So, I say, once were back in the car, our new pocket chain saw tucked away safely in the trunk, and the brochures on how to care for our new Home Depot kitchen hidden in the glove compartment, Back to the bike, Mrs. Watson-Campbell?

Back to the bike, Mr. Watson-Campbell. When we get back at Emilys house, Brynn takes the chainsaw out of my trunk and then, for some reason, things get awkward. I guess when we were goofing around at Home Depot it was like we were kind of on a break from reality. Now, back here, with people from school just a few feet away inside at the party, the rules are all different. But for some inexplicable reason, I dont want them to be. I want to go back to messing around the way we were. It was the most fun Ive had in a while. And most of all, I dont want her to leave. So, Brynn says, Um, I should probably do this myself. I dont want you to get into any trouble. She unzips the hoodie shes wearing and then ties it around her waist. Shes wearing a plain white t-shirt underneath, and even though it doesnt show any skin or isnt even that tight, its somehow the sexiest thing Ive ever seen. She looks up at me with her blue eyes, and I really, really do not want to stop being around her. Its not any trouble, I say, taking the pocket chain saw from her. I would never let you do this on your own, Mrs. WatsonCampbell. Are you sure? She bites her lip, and all of I sudden I want to lean over and kiss her. I mean, I dont want you to get in

trouble on my account. You dont even know me. Married couples are supposed to stick together, I say, as we start walking toward the bike. Im walking a little faster than I probably need to, because Im all screwed up from the weird overpowering urge I just had to kiss her. I need to put some distance between us, asap. And besides, stealing a bike wouldnt be the most trouble Ive ever gotten into. Are you saying youve been in a lot of trouble before? Not that much, I say, shrugging, Just normal stuff. Car racing, public intoxication, robbing banks. She smiles. God, I really want to kiss her. But I wont. It wouldnt be fair. Its one thing to go around kissing girls like Kaci March. Its another to go around kissing girls like Brynn DeLeo. You cant just kiss a girl like Brynn DeLeo. Shes too I dont know. Special. Shes not the kind of girl I usually go for, but for some reason, I just want to wrap her up in my arms and hold her. What the fuck is wrong with me? I never get like this about girls, especially not ones I just met. When we get to the bike, I pull the pocket chain saw out of the Home Depot bag and hand it to her. You want to do the honors? For a second, I think shes going to chicken out, but then

she kneels down and saws until the chain falls to the ground. Good job, I say. Now what? Now what what? Now what do I do with the bike? I thought you were going to steal it? I was I mean, I wasI was going to hide it behind the Safeway. Oh, right. What? she asks defensively. Its not like thats chickening out or anything. Aaron will still flip out when he finds out his bikes at the Safeway. I didnt say anything. You were thinking it. Its just that I expected more from you than hiding a bike at the Safeway, Mrs. Watson-Campbell. Its supposed to make her laugh, but instead of smiling, her face gets a weird look on it, and

before I know it, shes sitting down on the curb, crying. Hey hey hey, I say. No crying. I sit down next to her and rub her back like I did before. Hes not worth it. Some tool who still rides a bike? I know, she says, I know he isnt worth it. Shes looking at me and shes so beautiful and I reach out and push her hair out of her face. Then why are you so upset? Because I liked him. Youll get over it. I will? Shes looking at me, her eyes all shiny with tears. Of course you will, I say, Youll find someone better. I guess. Brynn, I say softly, Youre beautiful. Youre just saying that to make me feel better, she says. But Im not. She is beautiful. Shes pretty much the most beautiful girl Ive ever seen, which makes no sense because like I said shes not wearing a low-cut shirt or a short skirt and she doesnt have huge boobs. Shes just beautiful. And smart. And then, before I know what Im

doing, Im leaning down toward her, and her lips are right there and Im so close and Im almost kissing her and I really, really, really want to, so bad that I dont think I can stop myself. Im not just saying that to make you feel better, I say, Brynn, you are so, so beautiful. She moves closer to me, just a tiny bit, and then I kiss her. Her lips are sweet and soft and I pull her closer to me and were kissing and her tongue is on mine and then all of a sudden, I hear a voice behind me. What the fuck, it says, Did you do to my bike?

Brynn
Im kissing Josh Noth. He told me Im beautiful, and at first I thought there was no way he could mean it, but he was looking at me like he really meant it and then he said it again, and I couldnt stop it, my heart was beating at like five million miles a minute and he is just SO HOT. And then his lips were right there, and I thought he was definitely going to kiss me and so I moved my lips just a tiny tiny bit toward his and then he kissed me and his hands were in my hair and the kiss was amazing. Perfect and soft and his fingers moved around from the back of my hair to my face and he slide his fingers down my cheekbone and What the fuck did you do to my bike? someone screams. I pull away from Josh Noth and look up to see Aaron Randolph standing there on the grass, looking down at his bike chain and sounding pissed. Thats the thing about Aaron. Hes exactly like a politician he thinks hes cool even when hes not, and hes not afraid to make a big fuss about things. Nothing, I say quickly, and stand up from the curb. I smooth my hair. We were just. My brain is still all hazy from Joshs kiss, and so I cant think up a suitable lie. Stealing it, Josh says amicably, standing up next to me.

Stealing it?! Aaron walks over and picks up the now sawed-in-two chain. We werent stealing it, I say. Haha, Josh is just kidding, arent you Josh? Josh doesnt say anything. He looks annoyed, and I start to panic a little, but then he reaches over and squeezes my hand, and I see Aarons eyes flick down and see my fingers intertwined with Joshs. And before I even know what Im doing, I quickly pull my hand away. Someone, Aaron says, Better tell me whats going on. Look, dude, Josh says, sighing. I was stealing the bike. Brynn had nothing to do with it. Why were you stealing my bike? Because I wanted it, Josh says. Its a sweet bike. I look at him, not believing it. He thinks the bike is stupid and ridiculous. But hes taking the blame for me. Even though I just pulled my hand away from his. Who would have thought that Josh Noth was so sweet? Well, Aaron says, and he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell. Im calling the authorities. Not necessary, Josh says, Since no one actually stole the bike. Its right there.

But you were going to, Aaron says. But he hesitates, his fingers poised over his phone. You cant prove it, Josh says. Yes, I can, Aaron says. There are wire cutters right there. Thats a pocket chain saw, I say. Aaron looks at me in confusion, then glares. Josh picks up the pocket chain saw, then opens his car door and tosses them in the car. What wire cutters? he asks, looking around in feigned confusion I dont see any wire cutters. Pocket chainsaw, I say again. Stop, Aaron says. Put those back. No. Josh takes a step toward Aaron, and for a second, I see something flash in Joshs eyes, like maybe hes going to hit Aaron or something. Yikes. I mean, yeah, Aaron broke up with me and everything, but I dont want him to get his ass kicked. Josh, I say, putting my hand on his chest. His very, um, hard chest. Its fine.

Josh looks at me, and then he looks at Aaron. Finally, Aaron sighs and then he says, Look, forget about the bike. He turns to me. Brynn, can I talk to you? Umm I look at Josh. This is awkward. I was just kissing him. But Aaron is standing there looking cute and I just ugh. I wait to see if Josh is going to say anything, if hes going to say no, Im coming with him, or something else that would happen in a good romantic comedy, but he stays silent. So finally I say, Yeah, sure. You dont have to talk to him if you dont want to, Josh says. But its kind of too late. No, I tell him. Its fine. Just Im fine. Thanks for everything. He looks at me like he cant really believe Im blowing him off, and then he turns around, leaving me standing there on the curb with Aaron Randolph.

Josh
I cant believe I kissed her. I cant believe she blew me off. I cant believe she likes that tool. What happened to her being cool Mrs. Brewster-Campbell, the girl in Home Depot who was sexy and fun? That girl would never have hooked up with a douche like Aaron Randolph. Im furious, but theres something else. Its like I dont know, Ive never felt this way before. Im sad. And theres a weird feeling of longing. I shake my head. There has to be something wrong with me. I dont get attached to girls. Ever. As if to prove this point to myself, I pull my phone out as Im walking away from the curb where Aaron and Brynn are sitting, then scroll through until I find Kaci Marchs number. Hey, cutie, she says when she picks up. Whats going on? Hey, I say, What are you doing? Out with my girls, she says, At Emily Mulallys party. What are you doing? Kacis not my girlfriend. Shes justwell, she and I have kind of an arrangement. Like, a hook up arrangement.

Weve had it forever. Its not really that sleazy. Its just more that it works for both of us. Wanna hang out? I ask. Yes, she says immediately. Where are you? Im outside, I say, But I dont want to go to the party. Can you come out? We can go to my house, my parents arent home. Half an hour later, were in my bed. How come you didnt want to go to the party? Kaci asks. Shes lying on top of my covers, in my arms. But it doesnt feel right. For some stupid reason, all I can think about is Brynn DeLeo. I wonder what shes doing right now, if her and Aaron are getting back together. Ill bet that prick wouldnt know the first thing about how to have fun in Home Depot. Hello! Kaci yells, Earth to Josh! Sorry, I say, Um, I just didnt feel like being around a million people. You wanted to be alone with me, she says. She turns her head and starts kissing my neck, and I try to get myself to relax. Kacis hot. She smells amazing. She has long blonde hair and this tiny little waist and huge boobs and she

doesnt expect me to call her the day after we hook up. According to most guys, this would make her the perfect girl. The fact that they call her The Ass is just a bonus. But I cant stop thinking about Brynn. And about our kiss. It was a good kiss. Actually, it was a fucking amazing kiss. But Im here with Kaci. And Kacis hot. Much hotter than Brynn. Well, not really. I mean, Kacis hotter in a more obvious way. But Brynn. Brynn is sexy. And adorable. And she does this thing where she bites her lip when shes thinking that drives me crazy. Not to mention how she went along with the whole Brewster-Campbell thing. Which was kind of awesome. I wonder again about what shes doing with Aaron right now. Is he yelling at her for trying to steal his bike? Did he see us kissing? Does he want her back? Are they getting back together? I should have given her my cell phone number before just taking off like that. What if shes in trouble or something? Obviously she cant be in a very good mental state if she was about to steal some dudes bike. Whats wrong? Kaci asks after a minute or two. Nothing.

Why arent you kissing me back? I am. No, youre not, she says. I was kissing your neck and you were just lying there and then finally I moved to your lips and you turned your head away from me. I did? I didnt even realize I was doing it. Sorry. So are we making out or not? Yes, I say. I turn my head toward hers. But I cant kiss her. How can I kiss her when all I can think about is Brynn? I have to find her. I have to go and get her. I have to figure out if she felt even half of what I was feeling. I know its crazy, butIve never felt this way about a girl before, and I have to figure out what it means. Im sorry, Kaci, I tell her. I have to go. You have to go? She sits up in my bed and tosses her hair behind her shoulder, and looks at me incredulously. But were at your house. I know, I say. Im off my bed and sliding my feet into my sneakers. Ill drive you wherever you want me to, but I have to go. She looks confused, and then finally, realization dawns on her face. Oh, my God, she says, her mouth dropping

open. You met a girl. What? Im at my dresser now, looking at my reflection in the mirror. For some reason this whole seeing Brynn again thing is making me nervous. I pick up my cologne and spritz a little on my neck. Josh Noth met a girl, she says gleefully, clapping her hands. Who is she? Brynn DeLeo. I dont know who that is. She frowns. Oh, wait. I think shes in my lunch. Brown hair, kind of mousy? Shes not mousy, I say, Shes gorgeous. Wow, she says, You have it bad. She sighs and launches herself off my bed. Im sorry, I say. Are you mad? No. Just bring me back to the party. She grins. And make sure Im invited to the wedding.

Brynn
He wants me back. Aaron Randolph is standing here, telling me he wants me back. Hes saying that he cant live without me, that hes been thinking about me the whole time weve been broken up, that he cant imagine his life without me. Okay, hes not saying all that. I wont get into all the boring details, but basically he just said, Brynn, Im sorry and I want to get back together. Which is what Ive been praying for this whole time. So then why cant I get Josh Noth out of my head? Listen, Im sorry, Aaron says. Were sitting in his car, outside of Emily Mulallys house, and he grips the steering wheel. I just. I got too caught up in myself. Ya think? Yeah. Anyway, so are we good? I mean were. I want to get back together. But as I say the words, Im not even sure that theyre true. But that just has to be my hormones talking. Just because I was kissing Josh Noth doesnt mean that theres anything going on between us. Josh Noth kisses everyone. Seriously. Last year at the Junior Carnival there was even this joke going around that they should set up the charity kissing booth with

Josh Noth in it, since he was getting kissed so much anyway that he should at least use his skills to make some money for a good cause. So then were all set? Aarons asking. Lets go to dinner or something then. He puts the key in the ignition. Dont you want to stay at the party? Im looking toward Emilys house longingly because maybe Josh is in there. God, what is wrong with me? I like Aaron. Aaron is my boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend. Boyfriend. Whatever, Aaron is the one thats here. Josh is the one that kissed me and then left. Although its not like I tried to stop him. God, why didnt I try to stop him? I wanted him to be the one to suggest staying with me. And when he didnt, I felt like I needed to pretend I didnt want him to stay. But I did. More than anything. No, Aaron says, I dont want to stay at the party. Are you sure? Yes, Im sure, Aaron says. He starts the car. And besides, were going to have to talk about how you were cheating on me by kissing Josh Noth.

My mouth drops open. I wasnt cheating on you, I say, You broke up with me. Please, Brynn. We were broken up less than twenty-four hours and you had your tongue in some other guys mouth. Hes right. My tongue was in Joshs mouth. Ohmigod. Its making me all hot thinking about it. But thats okay, he says, Youll just have to make it up to me. Wait, I say, You broke up with me and Im supposed to make it up to you? Brynn, he says, You need to realize that if this gets out At first I dont get what hes talking about, and then my mouth drops open in shock. Are you are you still worried about that stupid poll? About stupid student body president? Its not stupid, Brynn, he says. Student body president can lead to college president, which can lead to local assembly, which can lead to a Senate seat. I stare at him. So if people find out I kissed Josh Noth, then you wont get a Senate seat? Brynn, what is this obsession with Josh Noth? Hes kind of an idiot.

No he isnt, I mumble, looking out the window. And then I realize Josh has nothing to do with this. Well, he does because I cant stop thinking about him. But regardless of who else I kissed, I need to realize that things with Aaron are over. Hes a jerk. And I deserve better. You know what, I say, I I have to go. I open the door to his car and step out onto the pavement. I think about going into the party to try and find Josh, but I dont know what I would say to him, and I dont really know where else to go, so I just start walking toward home. Brynn, Aaron says, driving his car next to me. Dont be silly. Get in the car, and well go somewhere and talk about this. No, I say, Go away. The air is staring to get a little chilly, and so I untie my hoodie from around my waist and slide my arms through. Brynn, he says, Seriously. I swear to God, Ill leave. I dont say anything, and then finally, he pulls away. Whatever. I dont care. All I can think about is Josh Noth. And then suddenly, there he is. His car is pulling up behind me, and hes rolling down the window. Hey, he says, and hes smiling at me, that perfect smile with his amazing green eyes, and then hes pulling over. Do you need a

ride? I walk over to the car, lean against the drivers side door, and think about it. I want to be with him more than anything. But does he feel the same way? I dont know, I say, Im having fun walking. But Mrs. Brewster-Campbell, he says, Shouldnt we get you fed? Im sure youre starving after your long night of almost-thievery. Hes stilling smiling, the cutest smile Ive ever seen, and my knees get weak. What will we eat? I ask. Something very posh. Like McDonalds? Exactly like McDonalds. He takes me there, and we order Big Macs and fries and sit outside on the benches, something I could never do with Aaron because he doesnt like transfats and also because hes afraid of bugs. So, Josh says, The thing with Aaron Its over, I say.

He nods. And the thing with us? My heart beats fast, and I turn to him. I didnt know there was a thing with us. Brynn, he says, and my heart speeds up. Look at me. I look at him, and hes so gorgeous I have a hard time keeping my eyes on his. The connection between us is just too intense. And then his lips are on mine and they taste salty from the French fries and perfect and good and the kiss is amazing, even better than the first one. How many girls have you kissed right here, on this bench? I ask after I pull away. On this bench? Just you. Now on that bench over there He trails off, a grin pulling at the side of his lips. Im serious, I say, I cant be with some kind of kiss slut. Im not a kiss slut, he says, shocked. But then his face turns serious. Brynn, he says, I swear, I cant even think of kissing another girl right now. I know I hardly know you, but something I dont know, theres something between us. And I hope you feel it too. I do. And so I kiss him again.

Dont miss the rest of the AT THE PARTY SERIES, Telling Secrets, Falling Hard, and Getting Close, available now.