Kissing Perfect (at the Party) - Lauren Barnholdt

7/31/2019 Kissing Perfect (at the Party) - Lauren Barnholdt

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KISSING PERFECT

At The Party #4)


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y Lauren Barnholdt

opyright 2011 Lauren Barnholdt, all rights reserved This iswork of fiction, and any resemblance to any persons,

ving or dead, is coincidental


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Brynn

m crouched outside of Emily Mulallys house, trying toeal Aaron Randolphs bike. Theres a party going on

nside, but I have no interest in that. I came here for oneeason, and one reason only. And that was to steal thisupid bike. (And when I say bike, I mean an actual bik

Not a motorcycle, or a scooter, or even something thatsnly semi-cool but also kind of poserish like a Vespa.

aron rides an actual bike. A ten-speed or twelve-speedacing bike that he takes everywhere. Aaron Randolph isery into the environment and being green, which is why heas this ridiculous bike, even though his parents are super ch and offered to buy him a car when he turned sixteen aouple of months ago.)

look around one last time to make sure no ones looking,lthough its early enough that most people arent even athe party yet, so I dont really have to worry.

hats the other thing thats annoying about Aaron helways has to get places early, even places where itoesnt matter when you show up, or where you actuallyhould be late, like a party at Emily Mulallys house. I mean,

what is he doing in there when no ones even really hereet? Hanging out? Eating chips? Hitting on girls? Ugh.

nyway, Im just about to pull out my big wire clippers and


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et on with it, when someones shadow falls over me. I lookp and shield my eyes from the sun (which is starting to setut is still high enough to get in your eyes), and mentallyehearse the story I have all planned out just in case I gotaught -- that this is my bike, that I forgot the combination,

hat I borrowed some wire clippers from Emilys garage.eople should totally believe me, since I saw this Datelinepecial about someone trying to steal a bike once, andasserbys were, like helping the person with that sameory saw through the chain. Watching that show is whatave me the idea to do this in the first place.

Hello, the person says. I cant see his face, because of theun, but its a boy. I paste a nonchalant, nothing-to-see hereook on my face.

Oh, hello! I go back to my wire clippers. Which are actuallyaving 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.

o I borrowed some wire clippers from Emilys garage.

That sucks. He kneels down next to me. Oh, God. Its JoshNoth. Josh Noth is so not the person I want to be catchingme stealing someones bike. Josh Noth hangs out with

shton Wagner and Haven Montessori and the whole entireopular crew that can never mind their own business and


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hinks that everything has to do with them.

Youre trying to cut the chain with those? Josh asks. Heoints at my wire clippers.

ee? Hes only been here two seconds and already hesuestioning my choices.

Whats wrong with these? I ask. Theyre wire clippers. Iook at them. They look expensive. And theyre big. In fact, itook me a ridiculously long time to figure out how to hide

hem on the way to this party. Unlike Aaron Randolph, Iont have a dad who works for Google and offered to buy

me a car when I turned sixteen. So I had to ride over herewith my dad, and he would have asked tons of questions if Iad his wire clippers on the seat next to me. I mean, couldou imagine?

n the end I had to borrow this huge sparkly gold purse of my stepmoms and stash the wire clippers in there. Theag looks completely and totally ridiculous with the hoodie,ans and flip-flops Im wearing. Luckily my stepmom wasnt

ome when I took it, and my dad knows nothing aboutccessories and fashion, otherwise there definitely wouldave been questions.

Well, yeah, Josh says, But wire clippers arent going tout a chain.

He says it matter-of-factly, like everyone should know that


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wire clippers cant cut a chain. Which pisses me off. Well,heyre 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 cantelieve how stupid I am, and so I stand up.

You know what? I say, I think I got it. Theres no way I

eed Josh Noth telling me how to steal a bike. Hes veryute and very popular and I doubt someone who wears

Hollister everyday has ever tried to steal anything. Or knowsnything about tools.

I dont think you do, he says, sounding cheerful. His greenyes sparkle, and I feel an attraction stirring in my stomach.

He has dimples. Im a sucker for dimples.

aron had dimples. Aaron was a complete and totalsshole, but he had dimples. Has dimples. Theyre just not

mine anymore. Not that owned him when we were goingut.

Or his dimples.

Ido , I say, but my voice is kind of faltering, because Im

eginning to realize that this was a terrible idea. Why did Ihink that I could come here and steal a bike without getting


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aught? Obviously I dont know the first thing about stealingikes or chain cutters or not getting caught. I drop the wireutters onto the street and then plop down on the sidewalk.nd then I start to cry. Im a failure as a thief, I sob.

osh Noth has the wherewithal to finally look nervous.Which he should. I mean, Im obviously crazy. Who knowswhat Ill do next? Im brokenhearted and willing to break theaw and he probably thinks Im about one step away fromicking up the wire cutters and using them on his face.

Youre not a failure as a thief, he says, sitting down next tome on the curb. If hes shocked that Ive admitted to actually

ealing the bike when a second ago I was claiming that Idorgotten my combination, he doesnt mention it. Which Ippreciate.

Yes, I am.

No, youre not. He reaches over and rubs my backntatively, 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 he easiest crimes ever, and II I cant even do it! Imeally crying now.

Stealing a bike is not one of the easiest crimes ever, Josh

ays. Hes still rubbing my back in slow, easy circles. Hisands feel big and strong and just good.


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It isnt?

No. Theyre way too big. What were you going to do with? Just ride away?

Yes, I say, I was going to ride around the corner and hidebehind the Safeway.

So you werent really going to steal the bike, you were justoing 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 amini package of Kleenex. I threw them in there because Ieeded something to fill the stupid thing. I figured if anyonesked to look in my purse, I could open it and show them allhe stuff that was on top of the wire clippers. I had no idead be sobbing on the curb of Emily Mulallys street while

osh Noth tried to comfort me.

Is he a freshman? Josh asks.


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No. A junior.

Then why the fuck is he riding a bike?

He likes being green, I say. Josh looks utterly baffled by

his, so baffled that I cant help but smile.There you go, Josh says, standing up. He puts his handsn my shoulders and leans the top of his body down so thates looking into my eyes. Wow. His eyes are really, reallyreen. See? Its not so bad.

Yes, I sniff, It is. I just I wanted to get him back. Like, notack together, but get revenge on him, you know? For reaking up with me? I thought it might make me feeletter. Thats stupid, right?

Nah, he says, Sometimes doing something stupid doesmake you feel better.

t least in the moment. And then he leans in close to me,o close that I can smell the mint on his breath and the geln his hair. My heart stops in my chest, and for one amazingecond, I think maybe hes going to kiss me. Bu all he says, Do you want to go to Home Depot?

Ummm.I dont get it.

We can buy real wire cutters, he says, Or a pocket chainaw. Something that will take care of that lock in a second.


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think about it. On one hand, I do want to steal the bike. Onhe other hand, I really dont need to be going to Home

Depot with Josh Noth. Hes obviously totally and completelyrazy. 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.

think about it for another second. Fine, I say, finally. Butwe cant s end more than fift dollars.


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osh

rynn is obviously off her rocker. Out of her tree. Batshitrazy. Whatever you want to call it. That happens to girls

ometimes. They seem like theyre completely normal, andhen the next thing you know, theyve lost their minds andre doing something thats completely fucked up. Likeealing Aaron whatever-his- name-iss bike. Or hiding itehind the Safeway. Thats the lamest thing Ive ever heard.

So, I say once were seated in my car. Why did you wanto steal that dudes bike? I pull my GPS out of the gloveompartment and type in Home Depot, then slide it into theolder thats mounted on the windshield. Drive to Goldentreet the automated voice instructs.

Because hes an asshole, Brynn says. This probablymeans he did something she thinks is awful, like breakingp with her. But breaking up with someone doesnt meanoure an asshole. It just means that you wanted to breakp. Of course, that doesnt mean this Aaron guy isnt asshole. Ive broken up with a lot of girls who think Im ansshole because I broke up with them, and not because of

millions of other, true reasons they could think Im asshole.

So wait, I say, Hes an asshole because he broke up withou?


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rynn looks at me incredulously and then narrows her eyesnto two little slits.

Noo, she says. I raise my eyebrows at her. Well, yes, heid. 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 meane asked is friends if you were hot enough for him? Thatsterrible idea. Inevitably your friends either tell you the girl

n question is super hot, and you cant trust them becausehey might be lying just to be polite, or they tell you she isnot, and of course you cant trust that either because they

might just be jealous. Its one of those damned if you do,amned if you dont kind of things. Which is why I dont do. Anymore.

No, she says, And that fact that you said that just proveshat youre an asshole, too.

Wow, I say, then take one hand off the wheel and put itver my heart like she hurt my feelings. Harsh. Youhouldnt be insulting the guy whos saving your ass.

Youre not saving my ass.


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You were outside a party stealing a bike, I say, You couldave been arrested.

By who?

The police.The police were going to just come along and see meaking 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 shewas stealing a bike. Who the fuck rides a bike still anyway?

wonder if its because shes a girl. That I dont care thathe was stealing a bike, I mean. I saw this Dateline specialnce where this bike was getting stolen in the middle of aark, and when a good-looking girl was stealing it, no onealled the police. This one married dude even helped theirl steal the bike while his wife tried to stop them. Do I thinkhat Brynn is good-looking? I glance at her out of the corner f my eye. Dark hair. Nice blue eyes. I run my eyes up and

own her body, but shes wearing a pair of jeans and alack hoodie, so I cant really tell what shes got going on.


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Not that it matters. Brynns not my type. She obviously getsttached easily, and I tend to seek out girls that dont needttachment. Like Kaci March, the girl Im currently hookingp with. Kaci doesnt need commitment. Which works out

erfect for me, because like I said, Im a no-commitmentind of guy.

rynn catches me checking her out then, and so I quicklyook away. So whats your story? she asks, turning toward

me in her seat.

My story?

Yeah, why are you taking me to Home Depot? Assuminghat you are, in fact, taking me to Home Depot and not toome alley or something to have your way with me.

Please, I say, as if the thought of having my way with her isompletely ridiculous. AlthoughI glance at her again outf the corner of my eye. She has very nice lips. And shesot wearing lipstick or anything, which I like. Girls arelways messing up their faces with tons of lipstick and

make-up, when they look a lot better without all that stuff. Imlways suspicious of girls who look good with makeup on.

Usually they end up looking like a big mess as soon as theyake it off. Not that it keeps me from hooking up with them

when theyre all made up.


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Im not taking you anywhere scandalous, I say, Andheres no story. I just happen to like Home Depot. The

GPS tells me to take a left, and so I turn the wheel, guidinghe car onto the highway.

Youre lying, she says. Then she reaches over and picksp the bottle of water thats sitting in my cup holder andakes a drink.

Thats mine, I tell her.

Im thirsty.

You could have asked.

Can I have a drink?

Yes.

he grins and then takes another drink. When shes done,drop of water is still on her lip, and she licks it off.

omething about the way she does it is very hot. Myomach does this weird unfamiliar flip, and I find myself

ooking away quickly. Again.

So answer the question, she says.

What question?

About why youre taking me to Home Depot, when you


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were obviously on your way into the party.

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 mustave girl trouble.

he takes another sip of my drink.grin. Fair enough.

So why didnt you want to go in?

I dont know. I think about it, because even though shesrazy, at least shes being honest with me. I can respecthat. And so I figure I owe her the same. I guess Im justver that whole scene.

The whole getting drunk and high and hooking up with

andom girls?

Yeah.

Weird.

Why is that weird?


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Because you dont seem like the type that would be over l that.

You dont seem like the type that would be stealing a bike.

he grins. Fair enough.And anyway, you never finished telling me about thepinion poll.

Theres nothing to tell, she says, It was an opinion poll to

ee 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 hewanted to know if I was hurting or helping his cause.

That was you? I ask incredulously. I have a vague memoryf someone walking up to me last week after lunch, shovingpiece of paper into my hands and asking me to raterynn DeLeo in a bunch of categories, like class,onfidence, and sophistication. I had no idea it was to seeshe 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 theerson who took the time to do that was.


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Yeah, well she shrugs and looks out the window. Thatsaron for you.

he GPS says, Arriving at Home Depot, on right and so Iwing the car into the shopping plaza. So thats why heumped you? I ask. Because some poll said he should?s so ridiculous that I cant help but laugh. I pull the car intospot near the door, and put it in park.

Yeah, well, I know its not as scandalous as the reasons

he people in your crowd break up, i.e., STDs andnplanned pregnancies and someone not having the rightlothes from Hollister. She unbuckles her seatbelt andooks at me, her eyes challenging.

Did you just say i.e. in a sentence? I take the water bottle

om her and take a sip.

he takes the water back, and when she does, her handrushes against mine. Her skin feels soft, and that same

weird unfamiliar feeling slides through my stomach. Sheakes a drink, then puts the bottle back in the cup holder.

Come on, she says. Were going in. She gets out of thear, and after a second, I follow her.


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Brynn

am sharing a water bottle with Josh Noth. Josh Noth and Ire sharing a water bottle. Something about this is veryisconcerting. Actually, whats more disconcerting is the

way my stomach is getting all weird and flippy at the thoughtf sharing the water bottle with him.

am obviously crazy. Stealing bikes. Getting all weird withosh Noth. Josh Noth is so not a good idea. Josh Noth is alayer and very hot. Which makes an extremely bad andangerous 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 theisles of the store. I beat him out of the car, but then as

oon as we got in here he took over, walking around like hewns the place. I guess maybe he does know about toolsfter all. Which just makes him sexier. I mean, a guy withools? Like, fixing things? Maybe even shirtless? Thats a

major fantasy.

Were going to get a pocket chain saw, he says. He haseally long legs, and so Im having trouble keeping up withim. Im five foot seven, which is pretty tall for a girl, butosh has to be at least six-one. Did you forget we have aike to steal?

No, I say, I didnt forget. I think again about how we were


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st 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 filledwith tons of tools.

aws, pliers, screwdrivers, huge hammers.

Wow, I say, I never knew there were so many differentinds. They look a little scary. And like something youhouldnt be using unless you know what youre doing

nd/or want to lose a thumb.

You should get this one, he says, picking up this huge sawhats exactly like something youd see in a horror movie.

I cant handle that, I say. Thats way too big for me. Then Iealize I just said I cant handle big things, which is reallllymbarrassing, but luckily a Home Depot employee is

walking by, a girl with short blonde hair that looks bored,nd so I quickly say, Excuse me, but I need some wireutters.

No you dont, Josh says. You need a pocket chain saw.

Oh, right, I say, Um, I need a pocket chain saw. Althoughow that Im thinking about it, a chain saw definitely doesntound like something that should go in your pocket. What if

ou accidentally saw your leg off or something? Hopefully itomes with a safety of some sort.


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A pocket chain saw? the girl asks incredulously. Whator?

We want to steal a bike, Josh says.

Hes just kidding, I say quickly. Haha. We Im trying tohink of something else you would use a pocket chain sawor. 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 isp with her? Doesnt she know were in a recession? Imean, seriously, she should just be thankful for the sale.

veryone knows that the retail sector determines when themarket is going to bounce back.

Yes, a fence, Josh says, rushing over to my side. Heides his arm through mine. My girlfriend and I just boughtnew house. And we need to cut down a fence.

chain link fence. Hence the need for a chainsaw.

nod. I cant believe he just called me his girlfriend. I cantelieve he slid his arm through mine. I cant believe I like ito much. I look up at him, at his profile. He has a nice face.

really nice nose. Im big on noses for some reason.aron had a bad nose, all long and angular.

he Home Depot girl gives us a skeptical look. Shes you


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irlfriend? Oh, for the love of

Yes, I say haughtily. I am. And we need to cut down our ence. 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. Iidnt know you were so bossy.

We have a house together?

He shrugs. I needed her to take us seriously. He still hasis arm linked through mine. Is he just doing it in case the

Home Depot girl comes back? Or is he doing it becausee wants to? Because, suddenly, I want to. Have my armnked through his, I mean. It feels right. And perfect. Hes

wearing a really soft gray sweatshirt, and I can just imaginenuggling into it. Of course, Im obviously brokenheartednd crazy, which could definitely be messing with my head.mean, its Josh Noth. Theres no way he could ever be

nterested in me. Plus Im pretty sure hes hooking up with

Kaci March, this girl who everyone at our school calls Thess. I mean, enough said.

Excuse me? a man behind us says. Hes holding alipboard and wearing one of those orange Home Depotests.

Yes, Josh says, turning around. Are you here to help my


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anc and me with the chainsaw?

Wow. Now were engaged?

Uh, no, the man says, But I couldnt help but overhear that

ou two just bought a new house.Yes, I say, Its a cute little bungalow.

But not too cute, Josh says, And were planning onutting in an addition.

You know, an extra bedroom and whatnot. I nod.

Well, congratulations, the man says, sounding genuinelyappy for us. Can I ask you a question?

Of course, Josh says.

Hows the kitchen in this cute little bungalow?


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osh

Wow. Brynn is even crazier than I thought. When that maname over and asked us about kitchens, not only did she

un with my whole fianc/house idea, she took it to a wholether level and let him lead us back to the Home Depotitchen supply center, where she proceeded to spend theext thirty minutes designing her dream kitchen. It hadherry cabinets and granite countertops and overheadghting, and was way too extravagant for a cute littleungalow but whatever. It was pretty much awesome.

heyre coming out to measure our fake house (located atur fake address, 90120 Main Street) next week.

uckily its all cancelable. The salesman will still even getome kind of finders fee, because apparently once therder goes in, he doesnt get penalized for cancellations.

We said we were the Watson-Campbells. Well, soon to be,nce were married and all. I guess really rich people

lways have hyphenated last names.

So, I say, once were back in the car, our new pockethain saw tucked away safely in the trunk, and therochures on how to care for our new Home Depot kitchenidden in the glove compartment, Back to the bike, Mrs.

Watson-Campbell?


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Back to the bike, Mr. Watson-Campbell.

When we get back at Emilys house, Brynn takes thehainsaw out of my trunk and then, for some reason, thingset awkward. I guess when we were goofing around at

Home Depot it was like we were kind of on a break fromeality. Now, back here, with people from school just a feweet away inside at the party, the rules are all different. Butor some inexplicable reason, I dont want them to be. I wanto 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 o leave.

So, Brynn says, Um, I should probably do this myself. Iont want you to get into any trouble. She unzips theoodie shes wearing and then ties it around her waist.

hes wearing a plain white t-shirt underneath, and evenhough it doesnt show any skin or isnt even that tight, itsomehow the sexiest thing Ive ever seen. She looks up at

me with her blue eyes, and I really, really do not want to stopeing around her.

Its not any trouble, I say, taking the pocket chain saw fromer. I would never let you do this on your own, Mrs. Watson-ampbell.

Are you sure? She bites her lip, and all of I sudden I wanto lean over and kiss her. I mean, I dont want you to get in


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ouble on my account. You dont even know me.

Married couples are supposed to stick together, I say, aswe start walking toward the bike. Im walking a little faster han I probably need to, because Im all screwed up from

he weird overpowering urge I just had to kiss her. I need tout some distance between us, asap. And besides,ealing a bike wouldnt be the most trouble Ive ever gotten

nto.

Are you saying youve been in a lot of trouble before?

Not that much, I say, shrugging, Just normal stuff. Car acing, public intoxication, robbing banks.

he smiles. God, I really want to kiss her. But I wont. Itwouldnt be fair. Its one thing to go around kissing girls likeKaci March. Its another to go around kissing girls like

rynn DeLeo. You cant just kiss a girl like Brynn DeLeo.hes too I dont know. Special. Shes not the kind of girl Isually go for, but for some reason, I just want to wrap her p in my arms and hold her. What the fuck is wrong with

me? I never get like this about girls, especially not ones Ist met.

When we get to the bike, I pull the pocket chain saw out of he Home Depot bag and hand it to her. You want to do theonors?

or a second, I think shes going to chicken out, but then


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he kneels down and saws until the chain falls to theround. 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 theafeway.

Oh, right.

What? she asks defensively. Its not like thats chickening

ut or anything.

aron will still flip out when he finds out his bikes at theafeway.

I didnt say anything.

You were thinking it.

Its just that I expected more from you than hiding a bike athe Safeway, Mrs.

Watson-Campbell. Its supposed to make her laugh, butnstead of smilin her face ets a weird look on it and


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efore I know it, shes sitting down on the curb, crying.

Hey hey hey, I say. No crying. I sit down next to her andub 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 atme and shes so beautiful and I reach out and push her hair ut 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.ut Im not. She is beautiful. Shes pretty much the mosteautiful girl Ive ever seen, which makes no senseecause like I said shes not wearing a low-cut shirt or ahort skirt and she doesnt have huge boobs. Shes justeautiful. And smart. And then, before I know what Im


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oing, Im leaning down toward her, and her lips are righthere and Im so close and Im almost kissing her and Ieally, really, really want to, so bad that I dont think I canop myself.

Im not just saying that to make you feel better, I say,Brynn, you are so, so beautiful. She moves closer to me,st a tiny bit, and then I kiss her. Her lips are sweet and softnd I pull her closer to me and were kissing and her tongue

on mine and then all of a sudden, I hear a voice behindme.

What the fuck, it says, Did you do to my bike?


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Brynn

m kissing Josh Noth. He told me Im beautiful, and at first Ihought there was no way he could mean it, but he was

ooking at me like he really meant it and then he said itgain, and I couldnt stop it, my heart was beating at likeve million miles a minute and he is just SO HOT. And thenis lips were right there, and I thought he was definitelyoing to kiss me and so I moved my lips just a tiny tiny bitoward his and then he kissed me and his hands were in

my hair and the kiss was amazing. Perfect and soft and hisngers moved around from the back of my hair to my facend he slide his fingers down my cheekbone and

What the fuck did you do to my bike? someone screams.

pull away from Josh Noth and look up to see Aaronandolph standing there on the grass, looking down at hisike chain and sounding pissed. Thats the thing aboutaron. Hes exactly like a politician he thinks hes coolven when hes not, and hes not afraid to make a big fussbout things.

Nothing, I say quickly, and stand up from the curb. Imooth my hair. We were just. My brain is still all hazyom Joshs kiss, and so I cant think up a suitable lie.

Stealing it, Josh says amicably, standing up next to me.


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Stealing it?! Aaron walks over and picks up the nowawed-in-two chain.

We werent stealing it, I say. Haha, Josh is just kidding,rent you Josh?

osh doesnt say anything. He looks annoyed, and I start toanic a little, but then he reaches over and squeezes myand, and I see Aarons eyes flick down and see my fingersntertwined with Joshs. And before I even know what Imoing, 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.rynn had nothing to do with it.

Why were you stealing my bike?

Because I wanted it, Josh says. Its a sweet bike. I lookt him, not believing it. He thinks the bike is stupid anddiculous. But hes taking the blame for me. Even though I

st pulled my hand away from his. Who would have thoughthat Josh Noth was so sweet?

Well, Aaron says, and he reaches into his pocket andulls out his cell. Im calling the authorities.

Not necessary, Josh says, Since no one actually stole theike. Its ri ht there.


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But you were going to, Aaron says. But he hesitates, hisngers 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 inonfusion, then glares.

osh picks up the pocket chain saw, then opens his car oor and tosses them in the car.

What wire cutters? he asks, looking around in feignedonfusion 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, Iee something flash in Joshs eyes, like maybe hes goingo hit Aaron or something. Yikes. I mean, yeah, Aaron brokep with me and everything, but I dont want him to get hisss kicked.

Josh, I say, putting my hand on his chest. His very, um,ard chest. Its fine.


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osh looks at me, and then he looks at Aaron. Finally,aron sighs and then he says, Look, forget about theike. He turns to me. Brynn, can I talk to you?

Umm I look at Josh. This is awkward. I was just kissing

im. But Aaron is standing there looking cute and I just gh. I wait to see if Josh is going to say anything, if hesoing to say no, Im coming with him, or something else that

would happen in a good romantic comedy, but he stayslent. So finally I say, Yeah, sure.

You dont have to talk to him if you dont want to, Joshays. But its kind of too late.

No, I tell him. Its fine. Just Im fine. Thanks for verything.

He looks at me like he cant really believe Im blowing himff, and then he turns around, leaving me standing there onhe curb with Aaron Randolph.


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osh

cant believe I kissed her. I cant believe she blew me off. Iant believe she likes that tool. What happened to her

eing cool Mrs. Brewster-Campbell, the girl in Home Depotwho was sexy and fun? That girl would never have hookedp with a douche like Aaron Randolph.

m furious, but theres something else. Its like I dontnow, Ive never felt this way before. Im sad. And theres a

weird feeling of longing. I shake my head.

here has to be something wrong with me. I dont getttached to girls. Ever.

s if to prove this point to myself, I pull my phone out as Imwalking away from the curb where Aaron and Brynn are

tting, then scroll through until I find Kaci Marchs number.

Hey, cutie, she says when she picks up. Whats goingn?

Hey, I say, What are you doing?

Out with my girls, she says, At Emily Mulallys party. Whatre you doing?

Kacis not my girlfriend. Shes justwell, she and I haveind of an arrangement. Like, a hook up arrangement.


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Weve had it forever. Its not really that sleazy. Its just morehat 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. Canou come out?

We can go to my house, my parents arent home.

Half an hour later, were in my bed. How come you didntwant to go to the party? Kaci asks. Shes lying on top of my covers, in my arms. But it doesnt feel right.

or some stupid reason, all I can think about is Brynn

DeLeo. I wonder what shes doing right now, if her andaron are getting back together. Ill bet that prick wouldntnow 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 amillion people.

You wanted to be alone with me, she says. She turns her ead and starts kissing my neck, and I try to get myself toelax. Kacis hot. She smells amazing. She has long blondeair and this tiny little waist and huge boobs and she


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oesnt expect me to call her the day after we hook up.ccording to most guys, this would make her the perfectirl.

he fact that they call her The Ass is just a bonus.

ut I cant stop thinking about Brynn. And about our kiss. Itwas a good kiss.

ctually, it was a fucking amazing kiss. But Im here withKaci. And Kacis hot. Much hotter than Brynn. Well, not

eally. I mean, Kacis hotter in a more obvious way. Butrynn. Brynn is sexy. And adorable. And she does this thing

where she bites her lip when shes thinking that drives merazy. Not to mention how she went along with the wholerewster-Campbell thing. Which was kind of awesome.

wonder again about what shes doing with Aaron rightow. Is he yelling at her for trying to steal his bike? Did heee us kissing? Does he want her back? Are they gettingack together? I should have given her my cell phoneumber before just taking off like that. What if shes in

ouble or something? Obviously she cant be in a veryood mental state if she was about to steal some dudesike.

Whats wrong? Kaci asks after a minute or two.

Nothing.


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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 andou 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? Iave to find her. I have to go and get her. I have to figure outshe felt even half of what I was feeling. I know its crazy,

utIve never felt this way about a girl before, and I haveo figure out what it means. Im sorry, Kaci, I tell her. Iave to go.

You have to go? She sits up in my bed and tosses her air 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 myneakers. Ill drive you wherever you want me to, but I haveo go.

he looks confused, and then finally, realization dawns oner face. Oh, my God, she says, her mouth dropping


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pen. You met a girl.

What? Im at my dresser now, looking at my reflection inhe mirror. For some reason this whole seeing Brynn againhing is making me nervous. I pick up my cologne and spritz

little on my neck.

Josh Noth met a girl, she says gleefully, clapping her ands. Who is she?

Brynn DeLeo.

I dont know who that is. She frowns. Oh, wait. I thinkhes in my lunch.

rown hair, kind of mousy?

Shes not mousy, I say, Shes gorgeous.

Wow, she says, You have it bad. She sighs andaunches herself off my bed.

Im sorry, I say. Are you mad?

No. Just bring me back to the party. She grins. And makeure Im invited to the wedding.


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Brynn

He wants me back. Aaron Randolph is standing here,lling me he wants me back. Hes saying that he cant live

without me, that hes been thinking about me the whole timeweve been broken up, that he cant imagine his life withoutme. Okay, hes not saying all that. I wont get into all theoring 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 thenwhy cant I get Josh Noth out of my head?

Listen, Im sorry, Aaron says. Were sitting in his car,utside 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 sayhe words, Im not even sure that theyre true. But that justas to be my hormones talking. Just because I was kissingosh Noth doesnt mean that theres anything going onetween us. Josh Noth kisses everyone. Seriously. Lastear at the Junior Carnival there was even this joke goinground that they should set up the charity kissing booth with


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osh Noth in it, since he was getting kissed so muchnyway 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

r something then.

He puts the key in the ignition.

Dont you want to stay at the party? Im looking towardmilys house longingly because maybe Josh is in there.

God, what is wrong with me? I like Aaron.

aron is my boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend. Boyfriend. Whatever,aron is the one thats here. Josh is the one that kissed mend 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 touggest staying with me. And when he didnt, I felt like Ieeded to pretend I didnt want him to stay.

ut 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. Andesides, were going to have to talk about how you were

heating on me by kissing Josh Noth.


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My mouth drops open. I wasnt cheating on you, I say, Youroke up with me.

Please, Brynn. We were broken up less than twenty-four ours 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. Buthats okay, he says, Youll just have to make it up to me.

Wait, I say, You broke up with me and Im supposed tomake it up to you?

Brynn, he says, You need to realize that if this gets outt 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?bout stupid student body president?

Its not stupid, Brynn, he says. Student body presidentan lead to college president, which can lead to localssembly, which can lead to a Senate seat.

stare at him. So if people find out I kissed Josh Noth, thenou wont get a Senate seat?

Brynn, what is this obsession with Josh Noth? Hes kind of

n idiot.


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No he isnt, I mumble, looking out the window. And then Iealize Josh has nothing to do with this. Well, he doesecause I cant stop thinking about him. But regardless of

who else I kissed, I need to realize that things with Aaronre over. Hes a jerk. And I deserve better.

You know what, I say, I I have to go.

open the door to his car and step out onto the pavement. Ihink about going into the party to try and find Josh, but Iont 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 belly. Get in the car, and well go somewhere and talk about

his.

No, I say, Go away. The air is staring to get a little chilly,nd so I untie my hoodie from around my waist and slide

my arms through.

Brynn, he says, Seriously. I swear to God, Ill leave.

dont say anything, and then finally, he pulls away.Whatever. I dont care. All I can think about is Josh Noth.

nd then suddenly, there he is. His car is pulling up behindme, and hes rolling down the window. Hey, he says, and

es smiling at me, that perfect smile with his amazingreen eyes, and then hes pulling over. Do you need a


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de?

walk over to the car, lean against the drivers side door,nd think about it. I want to be with him more than anything.ut does he feel the same way?

I dont know, I say, Im having fun walking.

But Mrs. Brewster-Campbell, he says, Shouldnt we getou fed? Im sure youre starving after your long night of lmost-thievery. Hes stilling smiling, the cutest smile Ive

ver 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 andt outside on the benches, something I could never do witharon because he doesnt like transfats and also becausees afraid of bugs.

So, Josh says, The thing with Aaron

Its over, I say.


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He nods. And the thing with us?

My heart beats fast, and I turn to him. I didnt know therewas a thing with us.

Brynn, he says, and my heart speeds up. Look at me.look at him, and hes so gorgeous I have a hard time

eeping my eyes on his.

he connection between us is just too intense. And then his

ps are on mine and they taste salty from the French friesnd perfect and good and the kiss is amazing, even better han the first one. How many girls have you kissed rightere, on this bench? I ask after I pull away.

On this bench? Just you. Now on that bench over thereHe 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 faceurns serious. Brynn,

e says, I swear, I cant even think of kissing another girlght now. I know I hardly know you, but something Iont know, theres something between us. And I hope youeel it too.

do. And so I kiss him again.


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Kissing Perfect (at the Party) - Lauren Barnholdt

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