Page 45 of Until We Meet Again

"Yeah." I hate lying to her. This isn't how I want to be because I tell this girl everything, but right now, I don't need someone pissing on my oral sex fireworks.

"What does that even mean?"

"We talked things over and decided to put this on hold until after graduation."

"So nothing happened?"

"We kissed." I almost wince as I force the half-truth out of my mouth.

"I know you like him, Tessa, but you could destroy your future if you're not careful." That reaction is why I'm lying to her for the first time in our friendship. "Do you want to grab some food? I don't know about you, but I need something full of carbs right now."

"If it helps with this hangover, I'll eat anything."

Once up and ready, we head to our favorite little diner, which serves heart-attack-inducing but completely worth it cheeseburgers. As I walk in, I'm met with Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog," and it feels like I've stepped into a scene fromGrease. Miniature jukeboxes at every table allow you to choose a song for a dollar, and neon signs and red leather booths perfectly capture the whole vibe.

You know when you go somewhere and it just makes you feel good? This is that place. Everyone looks relaxed, and happylaughter fills the room. Classic 50s and 60s music plays, and there's an energy here that puts me in the best mood.

Fifteen minutes later, we have cheeseburgers, fries, and strawberry milkshakes that should be half the size they are in front of us, and, as usual, we both ordered the same combo.

"Holy shit, this is so good," she says as she takes a big bite of the burger and groans. "Honestly, I was so drunk last night that I fell asleep with one leg still in my jeans." I cover my mouth with my hand, bursting into laughter at the mental image of her passing out on her bed with a leg in and a leg out.

"Ladies." My laughter tapers off as I turn my head to see Tobias walking up behind me, clutching a chocolate milkshake—not my go-to shake flavor, but it beats vanilla—not that anything about Tobias is remotely vanilla. He relaxes into the seat next to Jen, positioning himself directly across from me.

"How is it possible that I've seen you two days in a row?"

"You're just really fucking lucky, Jennifer." He isn't looking at her as he speaks. Instead, he's focusing on me. "You good, Blondie?"

"I'm fine, except for this monster headache."

"I didn't see you leave last night and wanted to talk to you about something."

"What's up?"

"Do you want to hang out sometime?"

"Like two friends?"

"Like two hot as fuck friends who could potentially have some amazing sex." He asks so confidently that I almost choke on my shake.

"Oh my god, Tobias!"

"What? Would you rather I lie about my intentions or tell you how badly I want you in my bed?"

"Okay, so you're looking for a hookup?"

"You know it isn't like that. We've been friends for years, so you can trust me to respect you."

"Can I ask you a question?" He shrugs as he waits for me to speak. "When have you ever known me to hook up with anyone?"

I'm pretty sure everyone assumes I've never had sex. It's not something I'm ashamed of, but I don't exactly go around shouting aboutit, either.

"Okay, so you want to date first? I'm down for that. How about next week?"

"What's going on here? I think you think I've agreed to this?"

"I hope you will." He's smiling at me, and I know exactly how that smile affects a girl—I've seen it. "Do you have plans tonight?"

"I have big, big plans." I lie, but I do a shittyjob of it.

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