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rolling to the back of my head. I’m back in third period calculus dreaming of a tender first kiss with Westmont’s star short stop.
    When he finally speaks, I snap back to the here and now. “Wow, what a surprise running in to you here. I thought I’d be the only one home for spring break. Guess I’m not the only loser.”
    Grace lets out an exaggerated cackle and I want to punch her.
    “Nope, not the only loser. You remember Grace, don’t you?”
    He nods, “You two were inseparable. How could I forget? Nice to see you again, Grace.”
    Wow, so he remembers Grace and that she was always by my side. Must mean he noticed me more than I thought he did. Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod! My cheeks warm and my skin feels tingly. Why didn’t I know this then? “So?” I say, awkwardly, trying to remain calm.
    “So?” he replies, just as awkwardly.
    Grace interjects with something other than a two letter word. “Noah, why don’t you and your friends join us? We just got here and it’s a pretty dead scene. We could use the company.”
    She looks at me for approval. It’s a little late for that, don’t you think? I shoot an amiable smile at Noah and his friends, welcoming them to our secluded corner couch.
    After a few more root beers, a shared pizza and a bunch of songs from senior year, the four of us are laughing, reminiscing and having a great time. Why couldn’t it have been this simple in high school? You know how many times I wished for a night just like this one? And now that we’re only home for seven more days, and I’m unavailable, my wish is being granted. Unbelievable.
    When it looks like the crowd has dwindled and The Room is ready to call it a night, Grace sneaks off to the jukebox, leaving me alone with Noah. Those spectacular eyes and their hypnotic charm fix themselves on my lips. I have to be dreaming. Is this for real? If he leans in for a kiss there will be no turning back. Declan, Mia. Remember Declan?
    I hear the haunting keys of a piano— Closing Time —perfect way to end the night. Appropriate too, except, of course, for the part about taking someone home.
    “I think it’s time to go now, Noah.” That took every single ounce of valor possible.
    “Mia. I—this was fun. Can we do it again some time?” His hand is on my knee now, keeping me put, waiting for an answer.
    “Noah, I have a boyfriend. I don’t think that would be a good idea.” I break away from his commanding stare. If I don’t, I won’t be able to stand my ground.
    “Well, he’s one lucky guy. I always thought you were beautiful.”
    Now you tell me? Now!?! It takes everything I’ve got not to sink into this corduroy couch or pull him towards me for my long sought after kiss. I try to camouflage an uncomfortable gulp, hoping I don’t stutter when I answer, “That’s really sweet, Noah. I never knew you felt that way.”
    So many things run through my head. Had I known how he felt things could have been so different. We could have been a couple. Maybe I wouldn’t be away at school. There would be no Declan. Declan. The sound of his name and a flash of his beautiful face rushes past me, bringing me down from my high. This isn’t right. I wouldn’t want Declan flirting with an old crush or thinking about what might have been.
    “I have to go. It was so good to see you.” I turn to walk away, but Noah grabs my shoulder and spins me around to face him.
    “If you and that boyfriend of yours don’t work out, you know where to find me.”
    He kisses my cheek, his soft moist lips lingering a little too long. “Goodbye, Noah. And thank you.”
    I’m not quite sure what I’m thanking him for. Maybe for the recognition I always wanted or the affirmation that we could have been something. But mainly my thank you is intended for the fact that I will be far from here, and Noah’s proposition, one week from now.
     

     
    The next day I try to prepare myself for my boyfriend’s arrival. I am so angry that I’ve let my