“How could I have ever for a moment believed I wasn’t in love with him?”

“I grip the edge of a sidewalk cafe table to keep from falling. The diners stare in alarm, but I don't care. I'm reeling, and I gasp for air. How can I have been so stupid? How could I have ever for a moment believed I wasn't in love with him?”

“It's a physical sickness. Étienne. How much I love him. I love Étienne. I love that the accent over his first name is called an acute accent, and that he has a cute accent.”

“I draw him closer by his tie and whisper into his ear, "Cricket Bell, I have been in love with you for my entire life.”

“I know. As if I’d ever go for him now that my dad wants me to date him.”“As if you’d ever go for his again.”“Right…right.”

“Pinkie means excited or happy, thumb means thinking or worried. I’m surprised I knowthe meaning of these gestures. How closely have I been paying attention to him?”

“Remember that day I made you the elevator?” he suddenly asks.I give him a faint smile. “How could I forget?”“That was the day I had my first kiss.”My smile fades.“I’m better now,” He sets the apple beside me. “At kissing, just so you know.”