I blush at his compliment, grateful that it's too dark for him to notice as a pang of disappointment stabs deep in my gut. I wonder where it came from. I have no right to be jealous of the owner of the perfume, but part of me wonders why he's bothering to ask me out at all when he obviously has some other girl ready and willing to do whatever is required to get her scent to cling to him so fervently.
"Didn't mean to scare you, but I can't go to bed, not yet. I'll never fall asleep 'til you agree to let me take you out next Friday."
"Um..." Again, words evade me.
"How about I'll pick you up at seven, and you wear a pretty little dress for me. I'll take you out somewhere nice, and maybe, if I'm real good, you'll give me a nice kiss. How does that sound?" He smiles sincerely, and I think he's trying to ease my nerves by saying he'd only expect a kiss if things go well. The thought warms me and I smile timidly up at him in response. "Don't you worry, Sleepin' Beauty. I know you're a good girl, and I'll treat you right, I promise." He holds up three fingers like a boy scout and I laugh.
"Okay," I murmur, surprising even myself. Robin grins widely in triumph and I can't help but laugh again.
"Well you just made my night," he says excitedly, and I wonder if perfume girl hadn't already made his night before he ever got home. "How about a little preview of that kiss?"
My heart drops. Alluding to a potential kiss if we had a good date is one thing, but now?
I've never been kissed. Ever. Cam once offered to be my first kiss - to teach me, but I'd balked at the idea.
I'm anxious and disappointed until Robin turns his head and points to his cheek. I smile again and press my lips chastely to where he'd just pointed.
Robin presses his index and middle fingers to his own lips and plants a kiss on them before touching them softly to my cheek. It's innocent and sweet, and for the first time, I'm actually excited to go on this date.
"Night Sleepin' Beauty," he whispers, and stands from my bed, and strolls out of the room, closing the door carefully behind him.
FOUR
P R E S E N T D A Y
ICLIMB INTOthe passenger seat of Carl's Audi. She tells me that Tina is already at the party and we'll meet her there. I look at the clock on her dashboard and estimate that I'll need to kill about three hours before Mom goes to bed and I can sneak back home.
When we arrive, Tucker hands us both red plastic cups and points us to the keg, but I set mine down on the first flat surface I can find. I haven't taken a pill today, but I still don't really like to drink. Tina and Andrew are laughing and talking with a group of people and Carl goes off to join them while I hang back a few feet from the crowd. I watch as a minute later Tuck jogs over, slings his arm around Carl and plants an exaggerated wet kiss on her cheek. She playfully pushes him away, but it's clear she doesn't mean it. Everyone looks so happy and carefree...normal.
I don't belong here.
"Having fun?"
I startle but catch myself quickly. Somehow I recognize Sam's voice instantly, and his tone tells me he can tell just how much fun I'm having.
"Didn't mean to sneak up on you."
I shrug. "Tons," I murmur, unenthused. "You?"
"A blast." He matches my level of excitement. "Can I get you a drink?" he offers.
"I don't really drink."
"How about some water?"
"I- uh-"
He hands me his unopened bottle of Poland Spring, and my lips part to thank him, but for some reason I stay silent.
"You don't seem to want to be here," he observes.
I frown. He's right, I don't, but it's rude of him to point it out, isn't it?
"Neither do you," I counter. Sam smiles, and it's an unexpectedly wistful smile. I'm surprised by it. I'd expect something more cocky from such a gorgeous, confident guy.
"Touché... I have a lot on my mind."
If he expects me to ask him about it, he's going to be disappointed. Even though I find that I am interested to know what's plaguing the mind of this beautiful boy, I worry that if I ask about his problems, then he'll have the right to ask about mine. But he doesn't give me a chance to ask, and I think maybe he didn't want me to after all - maybe he didn't even mean to say it.
