Page 14 of Doughn't Let Me Go

He draws a line down the middle.

“Just remember, Dory, you’re not allowed to fall for me.”

“Fall for you?”

He leans toward me, eyes sparkling. “I’m a really good kisser.”

I roll my eyes. “Just go.”

“I grew up in a two-bedroom apartment.”

“That’s not even a juicy confession,” I complain. “Lie.”

He grabs the pen, the tip hovering over the blank space under my name. Then he glides it over, making a tally mark under his own.

He was telling the truth. He got the point.

“Your turn.”

What can I say that’s not too revealing? I tap my chin.Hmm…

I finally decide on: “I’m originally from New York.”

He studies me, like he can tell if I’m lying just by the way I look.

“Truth.”

I grab the pen and make a mark under his column.Bastard is winning.

“Interesting.” He runs a finger over the scruff lining his jaw. “My parents are still married.”

“Please. So easy. Youscreamwhite picket fence. Truth.”

He makes a mark under his own column.

“I—”

“Two milkshakes and a basket of fries.” The waiter slides our order across the bar to us, and we turn our attention his way.

“Thank you,” Porter tells him. “Were you ready to order, Dory?”

“I’ll just take a slice of pepperoni.”

“That’s it? Pepperoni?”

“Yes.”

“At Slice? Where they have things like cheese sticks on pizza?”

“Yes.”

“That’s so…basic,” Porter admonishes.

“DidIjust lose points?”

He nods solemnly. “At least two, I’m afraid.” He turns his attention back to the waiter. “Two slices of pepperoni, please.”

I gasp. “You dog.”

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