“The secret is,” I say, whispering right into his ear, “that yours was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my life.”“But I’ve never kissed you,” he whispers back. Around us the rain sounds like falling glass. “Not since third grade, anyway.” I smile, but I’m not sure if he can see it.“Better get started, then,” I say, “because I don’t have much time.”

“I’m so sorry,” Gabby whispered. “Don’t be, baby. This was way better than what I had planned anyway.” He moved a stray curl back behind her ear, “I was so upset last night and knew I just needed some time to think, to make sure that this was the right decision.” He leaned down and kissed her head.”

“I grimaced. “I’ve never done that before.”He smiled. “They all say that. But if it’s true, we’re even. I’ve never kissed a trick.”I rested my arms on the rickety table between us. He looked pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes. “I want to know why. You’re brilliant, one of the best students I’ve ever had. Why are you…?”“Sucking dick for dollars?” His mouth twisted into a cynical smile.I sat back, aware that I didn’t like the image of his mouth on other men. “Right.”

“I close his fingers around the gift. “I threw away yourbottle cap, because it killed me to look at. But I never couldthrow away this. I’ve been waiting to give it to you for twoand a half years.”“I don’t know what to say,” he whispers.“I’m almost full,” I say. “Thank you for waiting for me, too.”

“I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper as he kisses my neck. “Even when I didn’t know you, my soul still missed you.”

“Best surprise ever.” I whispered in his face. Then I leaned in and kissed him hard and deep like it was the last kiss I’d ever get.“Wrong darlin’, best hello ever.” He grinned”