The Second Virginity of Suzy Green - By Sara Hantz Page 0,50
me.”
His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. And I metaphorically slap myself on the head—am I a dick, or what?
“You have?”
“Yeah. Not sure where exactly. Probably in my summer camp box. I always keep things from places I visit. I’m such a hoarder.” His face drops. Crap. Now I feel mean. “Sorry.”
“Forget it. I didn’t think you were going to keep everything I gave you under your pillow or anything.” He turns his head but not before I see the flush creeping up his face.
We sit in silence for a while and finish our lunch. After, Ryan grabs our trash and screws it up into a tight ball. There’s clearly something on his mind, judging by the frown on his face.
“Why didn’t you—um didn’t you—I mean after everything we did—why didn’t—”
“I couldn’t,” I interrupt. “I,—well—I sort of—” Oh what the hell, I might as well get it over with. “I threw the paper with your number on it out the bus window.”
“Why?”
“Someone told me something and I believed them. I did it in temper. It wasn’t until a couple of weeks later that I found out the truth. And it was too late.” I shake my head. I sound like the most stupid girl on the planet.
“Who told you what?”
“On the bus Mandy Johnson told me you kissed her.” Oh God. I can’t believe I’m telling him this. It’s the most embarrassing thing ever.
“And you believed her?” There’s no mistaking the disbelieving tone in his voice.
“At the time, yes. Anyone would, she was so convincing. Told me where it happened and everything and I knew that I wasn’t with you then. So it had to be true.”
“Suzy, you know I wouldn’t have done that to you. After all we shared.” He shakes his head slowly. “I thought you knew me better than that.”
“I’m sorry. But at the time—And when I found out she’d lied I thought about trying to find you. Maddie and I talked about nothing else. Planning what we were going to do. Then Rosie had her accident and—well, you know the rest.” Most of the rest, I should say.
“If you’d have given me your number none of this would’ve happened. I could’ve phoned and put you straight.” Rub it in, why don’t you. At the time Mom and Dad, in an attempt to try and curb my behavior, were on their you’re-too-young-to-have-a-boyfriend kick so I couldn’t risk someone else answering the phone if I wasn’t there or them checking my cell if I left it lying around.
“I know that now.”
“As it happens I did phone you.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“You what?”
“I managed to get your details. Took a bit of doing, but I did. I phoned about three weeks after camp. Spoke to your dad. I take it he didn’t tell you.”
What? This is so crazy.
“That was when Rosie had the accident. Dad must forgotten all about it. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. These things happen.”
“You say that now. But if I’d trusted you in the first place none of this would have happened. You know, I did some stupid things when I was younger, but I guess this rates up there as one of the stupidest.” But I have to try and forget it. It’s history. I’ve more important things to worry about now.
“You can say that again.”
“I did some stupid things when I was younger, but I guess this rates—Ouch,” I cry as the ball of trash Ryan throws hits my face. “Right. You asked for it.”
I pick up my drink, finished apart from the ice, take off the lid and throw the ice at him. Sensing my days are numbered, I take off as fast as I can from where we’re sitting.
After a few seconds I glance over my shoulder. Crap. He’s gaining on me and I’m fast running out of breath. In front of me is the ladies bathroom, if I can get there I’ll be safe. And I’m almost there when-
“Gotya,” Ryan’s voice echoes in my ear.
He spins me around by the shoulders and before I have chance to scream, run or do anything he kisses me squarely on the lips.
Chapter Twenty
“Holy crap, Suzy. After all you said about keeping your distance and being just friends.” Don’t you just love Maddie? She instinctively knows which buttons to press for maximum effect.
“I know. I know. But in my defense let me say it was an in-the-moment-once-only kiss. It won’t happen again. It can’t happen again. I’m going out with Guy