Better Off Friends

“Well, it’s either that or come to face the fact that I’ve been cheated on twice.”


“She didn’t technically cheat.”

He clicked his tongue. “Yeah, only because you stopped it.”

“We don’t know what was going to happen.” I didn’t believe

the words as they came out of my mouth. I tried to lighten the

mood. “I guess I really need to stop going to parties where

your girlfriends are. And where there are doors.”

“Tell me about it.”

He got up and went behind to push me. I closed my eyes

and let the swing take me higher and higher.

We stayed like that for nearly an hour. I glanced down at

my watch. “We either have to start walking home or call one

of our parents.”

We decided it was best to call Levi’s mom for the ride. Dad

and Uncle Adam were very protective of me, so I didn’t think

they would take it lightly that I’d been essentially abandoned

at a party. Although I was with Levi, which would’ve made them feel a little bit better. They both really liked Ian, so I knew they’d be disappointed to hear it was over.

Over. It was so strange to think about it.

Levi and I sat on the curb while we waited for his mom.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Not really.” He wrapped his arms around his legs. “I don’t

know, I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” I assured him.

“But why do girls keep cheating on me?”

“You’ve had one girl cheat on you and one girl make a

poor decision.”

125

He sighed. “Maybe I’m a bad kisser.”

“I’m sure it’s not that.”

“How would you know?” He got me there. “Let’s think

about it. My first girlfriend here was away from me for ten

days and started sucking face with some other guy the second she was alone with him. Tonight my girlfriend was away

from me for like two seconds and she was going to make out

with another guy. It clearly has to be me.”

“You’re being silly.”

“I don’t think I am.” Then Levi was the opposite of quiet.

He spent the next five minutes going on and on about how it

must be that he was a horrible kisser and that he would never

have a girlfriend because he’s lousy. How he was never going

to date another girl because he couldn’t trust them. How

pathetic he must be that EVERY girl jumped at the chance to

be with someone the second his back was turned.

It was getting extremely annoying.

Levi was usually pretty laid back about things, so I wasn’t

used to his being so hard on himself over a girl. And being so

overdramatic.

I kept trying to tell him it wasn’t about him. It was

about how Emily liked to flirt and wasn’t really “girlfriend

material” because she preferred to date and play the field.

And who knew about Carrie? She was young. She’d made a

mistake.

But that wasn’t enough. I was getting so frustrated with

Levi. Part of me wanted to smack him, but I knew that

wouldn’t shut him up.

126

“Nope, that’s it. I’m a horrible kisser. And it’s going to

spread around school and then no girl will ever give me a

chance.”

“For the love, Levi!” I shouted at him.

And before I really knew what I was doing, I grabbed his

cheeks and pulled him in for a kiss. He was tense, probably

from shock, for the first couple seconds. Then his arms were

around me and he eased into it.

I pulled away and Levi struggled for breath. “Wh-wh—

what . . .” he stammered.

“You’re fine. You are not a bad kisser. It has been verified.

Moving on.”

His eyes were wide, his mouth speechless.

I loved that he was so flustered.

We saw his mom’s car approaching. I stood up and he

remained on the curb. I reached out my hand to help him up.

It took him a second to process it. He got up on his feet, still completely stunned.

“So that’s one thing I have over your friends in California

and your bros here,” I said to him.

He returned a blank stare.

I laughed and hit him on the shoulder. “I don’t think any of

them would’ve had the nerve to prove to you that you’re not a

bad kisser. You’re welcome, by the way.”

He stayed mostly silent for the ride to my house.

I laughed silently to myself in the backseat.

All it really takes to fluster a guy is a simple kiss.

127

Yeah.

Still speechless, I see?

Give me a break, will you? There I was, pouring my heart out, when you attacked me. I usual y prefer to be taken out on a date first. At least buy a guy a slice of pizza before you take advantage of him.

Especial y if he’s emotional y fragile.

Yes, poor you. You were being ridiculous and that was the only

thing I could think to do to shut you up.

I real y need to start talking more.

Are you blushing?

Um, what were we talking about?

How I’m the love of your life.

Obviously.





C H A P T E R T E N


Here’s the basic difference between having a girl as a best friend as opposed to a guy.