She lifted her chin, and flipped her ponytail. “Well, I’m pretty sneaky, so I should be able to get these back without getting caught. And if I get caught, I happen to know I’m one of Simone’s favorites.”
I laughed. She didn’t lack for confidence.
We laid out the red tablecloth over the rolling cart. Alicia centered the black tray smack in the middle. She placed a red rose, just so, in a small crystal vase, and set it in the corner. Kendra placed two napkins on the other side. We filled a glass with ice and Coke from Jordan’s pop stash, and finally, I grabbed the fanciest plate I could find from the cupboard, filled it with the night’s entrée, and centered it on the tray. And finally, we covered the whole lot with another red tablecloth.
Alicia bounced on the pads of her feet. “This is so romantic.”
Kendra laughed. “You have pretty low standards there, Alicia.”
“Okay, wish me luck,” I said.
“Good luck,” They all cheered me on. “He’ll go crazy for it,” Kendra called out.
My heart wouldn’t behave as I rolled the cart down the hall. It was still hammering when I knocked nervously on his door. One knock. Two knocks. Three--
He opened the door in a flourish, and his smile made my heart swell -- he was happy to see me. He looked down at the cart curiously. “What’s going on?”
“You’ll see,” I replied in a sing-song. I rolled the cart inside his room, and closed the door behind us. I took a second to take him in -- even in boring grey sweats and a printed tee, he was still delicious. “Please sit on the bed,” I ordered.
He grinned. “Yes, Ma’am.”
I couldn’t contain my smile. “Do you have any clue? Can you read my mind?”
He rubbed his chin and cocked a brow. “I can’t quite read you. I know it’s something you think I’ll like. I know you’re very excited.”
He was right. “Mr. Estrada,” I said, a little too enthusiastically. “I present you…” I pulled off the tablecloth carefully but efficiently, like a magician. “Pizza Pockets!”
He laughed. He brought a hand to his mouth, and then to his eye. He was welling up. Who knew a few Pizza Pockets could render someone so emotional.
“Can we go back?” I pleaded. “Can we go back to the way we were before the Halloween party?”
A wicked grin traced his lips. “Come here,” he said.
I bit my lip. “The Pizza Pockets will get cold.”
He laughed. “As much as I dig Pizza Pockets, I couldn’t care less. We’ll microwave them again later.”
I walked slowly towards him, and he took my hand. “You’re the only one for me,” I said. “I’m sorry I kissed Ace.” I still couldn’t believe I’d kissed Ace. I couldn’t believe I’d kissed him twice!
Leo’s smile faded. “What?!” he said. “You kissed him twice?!”
I swallowed hard.Shit.“I hate that thing you do… that annoying mind reading thing.”
He smiled and pulled me in closer. “You know what they say… third time’s a charm. I have a pretty good feeling that your third kiss will be theone.”
He wrapped his hand around the back of my head, and pulled me in. I melted into him when his lips pressed against mine. He tasted sweet, like peppermint. And even though, this was my third kiss, it felt like my first. I raked a hand through his soft messy hair and clung tightly to him, and our kiss grew in intensity. A long heavy breath escaped him when our mouths parted, only for a brief second, before he pulled me in again eagerly. I wrapped my legs around him as we stretched onto his bed. My other hand was splayed over his heart, and I could feel the quick rhythm of his heartbeat. I didn’t try to read him. I didn’t need to read him. I just wanted to enjoy the kiss -- my first true kiss.
First love is both beautiful and terrifying, and magical, too. First love isn’t for keeps, I once heard someone say. I beg to disagree.
This boy was definitely a keeper.
39
Me: Leo is officially my boyfriend!!! R u happy now? :)
Kylie: Yay! So happy. He’s so cute. R u bringing him home for Thanksgiving?
Me: Lol! No!!!
