Page 48 of Kissing the Debutant
Where did they go from here?
I’m going to kiss you again. And them some more after that.
Jack’s phone dinged, and he dug through his bag to find it. He cursed. “I have to go.” Hiking his bag on one shoulder, he looked back at the girls. “Thank you both. For everything.”
Mia waved, but Lillian stood frozen, watching him leave.
Mia turned back to pack up her camera equipment, and Lillian shoved her water bottle into her bag and pulled on her shoes. She was about to leave when Mia whirled around. “Do you like milkshakes?”
She loved them, but it wasn’t like she’d dare drink one. “Sure.”
“Come on then.”
Lillian hesitated before following her. She should have called for a ride back to the academy, but she found herself getting into Mia’s car instead.
They ended up at the diner where Cara greeted them near the door. “Hi, girls!”
Mia gave her a hug, but Lillian only smiled as they slid onto opposite sides of a booth.
Cara pulled out a pad of paper. “Let me guess… two strawberry shakes and two cheeseburgers with fries.”
“Sounds great, Mrs. B.” Mia didn’t even take out a menu.
Mia and Lillian didn’t have a lot in common besides Jack. Silence stretched between them as they waited for their food. When it finally came, it was a relief.
The burger smelled so good, Lillian’s mouth watered. She’d only allowed herself a couple fries each time she came to the diner, but as Mia stared at her, she found herself reaching for the shake.
Cara slid in next to Mia. “How are you girls doing?”
“Great.” Mia shot Lillian a look she couldn’t decipher. “Lillian just finished a dance.”
“I didn’t know you two knew each other.”
“Oh yeah, we’re old friends.” Mia grinned. “It’s been, what, a few weeks now? A lifetime.”
Cara laughed. “Lillian, what’s up with you?”
Lillian drummed her fingers on the table, trying to keep the words in, but she had to tell someone who hadn’t seen. If only to make herself believe it was real. “I kissed a boy. Twice.”
Cara’s eyes widened before she laughed again. “Good for you. You girls are young. It’s good to get your kisses in.”
Words vomited out of Lillian. “I’ve won awards, been featured in magazines and told I’m going to be a star one day, and yet, kissinghimwas just about the best thing I’ve ever done. How is that possible?”
“Lil, maybe you shouldn’t—”
She cut Mia off. “I mean, we’ve been dancing together and every time his hands are on me, I want more, you know?” Lillian was not the sharing type, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “He’s strong, strong enough to lift me, but it’s the light touches, a finger on my cheek, our shoulders brushing when we walk… that’s what turns me into this…girl.”She covered her face with her hands. “Oh my gosh, I’m such a girl. I should be focused on the dancing, and all I can think about is how soft his lips were, how warm.” She leaned her head on the table next to her plate.
“Lillian.” Cara’s voice was soft. “It sounds like you like this boy. Maybe try to stop overthinking it. And you’re young, so be careful. I have to get back to work, but Mia, you help our girl out with some good old-fashioned girl-talk.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mia saluted, her lips folded in as if trying to hold back a laugh.
Cara shook her head with a smile before standing and greeting a new set of customers at the door.
Mia couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore. She stuffed fries in her mouth as if that would stop it.
“What?” Lillian’s brow scrunched. “What’s so funny? I know I’m pathetic. Please don’t tell Jack.”
Mia swallowed, seeming to get control of herself. “That’s not why I’m laughing.” She started up again. “Cara,” she wheezed. “She’s Jack’s mom.”
