CHAPTER 1
THERESA
ELEVEN YEARS AGO
“Theresa, the guy’s bad news”.
“He’s not a bad guy, Jane. He just had a rough home life. That’s why my parents took him in,” I said.
“Fine, but I still can’t believe you’re fantasizing about your brother’s best friend.”
“I’d rather talk about your love interest. Did you actually kiss him?” I asked.
“Who?” Jane asked.
“Do I have to specify?”
“Come on,” Jane said as she giggled. “Who are you talking about?”
“You know. Chance. The captain of the football team? You can’t tell me you didn’t kiss him after the game last night.”
“Maybe,” Jane said with a grin.
“You little tease! I knew it! And you’re giving me a hard time about my innocent crush on Grant. You’re sucking face with the school quarterback. Why can’t this be my miracle moment?” I asked.
“Are you saying Chance kissing me is a miracle?” she asked, her face turning a slight shade of red.
“Jane, that’s not what I’m saying.”
“That’s what it sounds like you’re saying.”
“Look, I don’t want to argue, okay? I want to know how it was,” I grinned.
Jane’s face perked back up. “It was awesome. His lips were all warm, and he had just put on Chapstick so they were nice and soft. And his tongue…”
“He used tongue?” I asked. “Have you ever done that before?”
“Not until him, but he didn’t need to know that. Confidence is key, Theresa. Project confidence and he will think you know what you’re doing,” she said.
“You’re so lucky, Jane. I haven’t kissed anyone yet.”
“And if you stop daydreaming about your brother’s best friend, maybe you’ll see that Ike has the hots for you.”
“Ew. Ike?” I asked.
“Yeah. Don’t you see him staring at you every day in science class? Even I can see it, Theresa.”
“But Ike is—Ike,” I said.
“Sure, he doesn’t wear a leather jacket, but he’s smart like you. And if you look past his baggy shirts, he’s got some muscles going on under there.”
“No, he doesn’t. Ike wears glasses and reads books.”
“Like you,” she said.
“But I don’t want someone like me. I want—”
“Grant?” she asked.