“I forced a smile. It was the one i’d been practicing all morning. It felt tight at the edges and brittle everywhere in between.”

Nora: this is crazy. Patch: i’m crazy. About you.

Are you crazy?” i said. “crazy about you.” “patch!” “don’t worry, we’ve got time.” “how do you know?” he staggered back a step, with his hand over his heart. “your lack of faith hurts.

His muscles flexed under his clothes, holding me, leading me. Never letting me stray far.

Have you finished your column for tomorrow’s headline?” it was vee. She came up beside me, jotting notes on the notepad she carried everywhere. “i’m thinking of writing mine on the injustice of seating charts. I got paired with a girl who said she just finished lice treatment this morning.

Sure thing, gumdrop. -scott

A girl could lather up in soap like that.

Nora: i have questions. Patch: i should have known you’ve only been keeping me around for answers. Nora: well, that and your kisses. Anyone ever tell you you’re an incredible kisser?

I don’t have ‘five’ you can borrow. My piggy bank is officially anorexic.

..But maybe this was a defense mechanism. Maybe my mind was making me see things i refused to accept were gone forever. It was filling the void, because that was easier than letting go.

Tacos.” “tacos?” i echoed. This seemed to amuse him. “tomatoes, lettuce, cheese.” “i know what a taco is!

Hang on, did you just call me angel?” i asked. “if i did?” “i don’t like it.” he grinned. “it stays, angel.

One more thing. I sold the mustang. Too conspicuous. Don’t get too excited, but i bought you a little something with the extra cash. I heard you’ve had your eye on a volkswagen. The owner is dropping it by tomorrow. I paid for a full tank of gas, so make sure she delivers.

Being nice? Hes being horny.

He nuzzles my neck affectionately. “i love you. I’m happier right now than i ever remember being.

I need to get back to work, patch said. He gave me a once-over that lingered a bit below the hips. Killer skirt. Deadly legs.

I don’t have the body for this,” i quipped, lifting my chin to a voluptous woman nearby who shook her hips zealously to the beat. “no curves.” jev’s eyes held mine. “are you asking my opinion?