The Kissing Booth

by Beth Reekles

‘Not quite. But Elle, if this guy tries anything, and I mean anything–’

  ‘Noah. He is a guy. I am a girl. Lots of people kiss on the first date, you know. It’s not like he’s going to try and get me to sleep with him halfway through the movie. This isn’t you we’re talking about.’

  Noah shrugged, scowling a little. ‘I’m just saying . . .’

  We sat in silence a while.

  ‘I think I’ve spoken to you more in the past week than in the whole of this last year,’ I commented casually.

  ‘Yeah. Weird.’

  I rolled my eyes at him. Yup, there was definitely nothing between us, even if I had still had that crush on him. He was totally indifferent to me – apart from being all over-protective. All the time I’d wasted crushing on him . . .

  Though he was really good looking – especially with his hair falling into his eyes and the dashboard glow shadowing his face like that.

  You’re going on a date with another guy! Hello! Earth to Elle!

  I shook myself mentally. ‘Thanks for the ride. You can just stop here.’

  ‘Fine. Are you going to need a ride home?’

  ‘Cody said he’ll take me home. If not, I’ll call my dad or Lee.’

  ‘Okay.’

  I rolled my eyes and got out of the car, walking up to the doors of the cinema.

  I looked around. No Cody. Had he stood me up? I checked inside, but he wasn’t there either . . . Where was he? My palms started to sweat a little; my stomach was made of butterflies.

  After a couple of minutes I texted him to say, I’m here. Are you inside?

  There. Perfect. It didn’t sound too clingy or anything. I sent it and waited for the reply. I waited a full three and a half minutes for one.

  Almost there.

  Oh, great. Now I was the one waiting around. I leaned against a lamppost, looking at my phone like I was actually doing something. Really, I was clicking on random apps and then going off them again. I hoped I didn’t look as worried and nervous as I felt.

  ‘Stood up?’

  I jumped out of my skin, and smacked Noah across his incredibly rock-hard chest. ‘Don’t scare me like that! And no, actually, he’s on his way.’

  He smirked. ‘I thought you said you wanted to keep him waiting.’

  ‘Yeah, well . . .’

  ‘Told you so.’

  ‘Noah, go home. What are you, stalking me?’

  ‘Just enjoying the show,’ he smirked. ‘You look like you’ve been stood up, you know.’

  ‘Well, not so much now you’re here, really,’ I retorted. ‘Ha. Don’t look so stupid now, do I? Besides, Cody’s probably just caught in traffic or something. It’s no big deal.’

  He nodded dubiously. We stood in silence another endless minute. I kept wondering if I should start conversation, but then I’d remind myself I was mad at him and close my mouth. I must’ve looked like a fish, opening and closing my mouth like that.

  It didn’t help that Noah was incredibly distracting: he leaned on the post opposite me, watching me wring my hands nervously.

  ‘Hey!’

  I turned and smiled, seeing Cody walk up to me. ‘Hi.’

  His eyes flitted past me to Noah, who was giving him the coldest look I’d ever seen. Scary. Threatening.

  I tried not to grind my teeth. ‘Isn’t it time you left, Noah?’

  He glared a second longer at Cody before shrugging and getting back into his car, leaving without another word. A sigh of relief escaped my lips and I relaxed.

  ‘Sorry, I had to stop for gas. Queues were unbelievable. Sorry. Let’s go on in,’ Cody said, jerking his head at the doors. I smiled and followed him. ‘Do you want to grab some snacks? I’ll get the tickets.’

  ‘Sure. Uh, salted popcorn okay?’

  ‘Yeah, that’s great.’ He shot me a smile, but as I turned away I wondered if it had been a little strained. Huh. Probably just me imagining things. As I ordered the popcorn, I wondered if I should’ve gone for something less . . . well, something that didn’t get stuck in your teeth. If we did end up kissing at all, then . . . I sighed. I was just way too inexperienced when it came to date etiquette.

  I thanked the vendor and made my way back to where Cody was waiting, a scowl on his face.

  ‘What was Flynn doing out there?’ he asked me. Oh, so that’s what the frown was for!

  ‘Just . . . being Flynn,’ I muttered, shaking my head. ‘Forget about it.’

  ‘I didn’t know you guys were close.’

  ‘We’re not. Lee couldn’t give me a ride, so Noah – so Flynn did.’

  ‘Oh. Right.’

  We walked into the screen, the adverts already playing. I let Cody lead and pick the seats. He went for some more toward the middle. Not at the back, where the couples would all be making out. I didn’t know whether or not that was a good thing.

  ‘Do you want to get something to eat after?’ I whispered, plucking up the courage.

  ‘I ate earlier, sorry . . . I didn’t know . . . but, I mean, if you’re—’

  ‘Oh, no, that’s fine,’ I said quickly.

  ‘Shh!’ somebody hissed behind us.

  I rolled my eyes and ducked back down in my seat. The movie came on, and I didn’t know what to do. I wondered if Cody would be cheesy and do The Yawn, and put his arm around me. Or if he’d claim the armrest and I’d hold his hand. Or if he’d try and kiss me.

  So far, I didn’t know whether or not this date had been successful. He’d been late, though he’d been polite enough. He hadn’t tried to make a move, but maybe I was blowing things out of proportion. Maybe it was just in books and movies that guys made a move or kissed you on the first date? Maybe he was just as nervous as I was. Probably – he had every right to be nervous about Flynn’s threats to any boy who looked at me, let alone dated me.

  It was just ridiculous. I hated Noah sometimes.

  The movie ended and we walked out. Cody started conversation – first about that movie, then about what kind of movies I liked. He liked sci-fi films and thrillers. I was more of an action or romance person myself. We didn’t like many of the same movies.

  We didn’t have similar tastes in music either, really.

  But he was nice, and easy enough to talk to.

  We just . . . didn’t really seem to have much in common.

  We talked the whole ride home, and he stopped outside my house. I unbuckled my seatbelt but didn’t move. I tried to play it cool, and do it like the movies did. (I always found them to be an excellent source of education. I was so lucky I’d watched John Tucker Must Die on the weekend.)

  ‘Well, thanks, Cody,’ I said, smiling. ‘I had a nice time.’

  ‘Yeah. We should do this again sometime. You still got my number?’

  ‘Well, I haven’t lost it since this evening.’ I laughed nervously, and he smiled back. I saw him look at my lips and my pulse picked up. Oh gosh. Oh God. He was going to kiss me now, wasn’t he? Oh gosh.

  He leaned in – yep, definitely going to kiss me.

  My first kiss. I’d have my first kiss with Cody Kennedy. He was nice, kind of cute and easy to get along with . . . But honestly, I didn’t feel anything for him. But what if I ended up getting stuck on his tongue piercing or something, if he gave me a French kiss? I was so not ready for this. Totally unprepared. But it was happening. He was leaning ever closer . . . My first kiss!

  I chickened out.

  I turned my head and kissed his cheek instead.

  And then I got out of the car before I could feel too embarrassed by what I’d done. I smiled and waved, then headed to my front door as fast as I could while trying to look casual. I got inside, shut the door, and leaned against it. I let out a gigantic breath and sank to the floor, putting my head in my hands.

  ‘I’m such an idiot.’

  Cody probably wouldn’t want a second date. Not that I was totally sure I wanted one, but I wouldn’t have been able to say no, really, if he’d have asked. After all, one date wasn’t really
enough to get to know him properly, especially given how nervous I’d been.

  Eventually I dragged myself up to bed, ignoring Lee’s phone calls for once. I didn’t want to deal with that right now. I just wanted to beat myself up about my failure of a first date for a while.

  Just as well I’m not working the kissing booth, I thought to myself with a wry smile.

  Chapter 8

  I GAVE LEE a rundown of the date, and in return he gave me a sympathetic smile.

  ‘Would you even want another date though? It doesn’t sound like you had such a great time . . .’

  ‘Well, not really,’ I mumbled, picking at some non-existent fluff on my jeans. ‘But I don’t know. I probably would’ve said yes if he asked— Ouch! What was that for?’ I exclaimed when Lee smacked my thigh sharply.

  ‘Too nice!’ he scolded me. ‘You didn’t like the guy as more than a friend, obviously. But you would’ve led him on just trying to be nice.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have led him on. Just . . . given him a second chance. It’s not like people find their soul mate on the first date or anything.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘I wouldn’t have led him on!’

  ‘Yes you would. Not intentionally. But because you were being polite.’

  I sighed and flopped back so I was lying flat on my back on the grass. ‘Am I really that bad?’

  ‘You’re not nice to Noah.’

  ‘Yes, but that’s Noah. Thanks, by the way,’ I added sarcastically, ‘for telling me he was giving me a ride.’

  ‘Oh, yeah. My bad. But, hey, you didn’t kill each other.’

  ‘I was ready to, believe me. And the look he gave Cody when he showed up! I swear to God, your brother is the most infuriating jackass on the whole planet!’

  Lee just laughed at me. I scowled up at the clouds rolling by over my head, cotton wool against the bright blue. I felt my breaths grow more and more even; there was something calming about watching clouds.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Lee said eventually. ‘You’re funny when you’re mad.’

  ‘Whatever.’

  ‘Anyway. Has Cody spoken to you since?’

  It was three on a Saturday afternoon. And no, Cody hadn’t texted me or called me, and something told me he hadn’t had a great time on the date either.

  ‘No,’ I answered him. ‘He hasn’t.’

  Lee shrugged. ‘He’s not interested.’

  ‘What? How would you know? Maybe he’s busy. Or maybe he’s playing hard to get or something.’

  Lee’s smile twisted up to one side in sympathy. ‘Sorry, Elle, but he’s just not interested. Trust me. I’m a guy. I know how the male populous operates when it comes to girls.’

  ‘Fine,’ I muttered. ‘Maybe he isn’t interested anymore. Maybe I should’ve just sucked it up and kissed him.’

  ‘See, there you go again,’ Lee grumbled. ‘It’s not like you were under any obligation to kiss him. So you guys didn’t hit it off – big deal. Move on.’

  ‘I can’t quite decide if your advice is helpful or not.’

  ‘I’m not a chick. I’m not going to sit here and dissect your night.’

  ‘You just listened to me dissect it,’ I muttered.

  ‘Exactly.’

  I sighed. ‘Fine, I guess you’re right. It’s going to be awkward in school though, don’t you think?’

  ‘Only if you make things awkward.’

  ‘Yeah, I suppose.’ I suddenly sat bolt upright, giving myself a head rush. ‘Don’t tell your brother how badly my date with Cody went, okay?’

  ‘Why would I do that?’

  ‘Just – if he asks. Say it went fine. If you have to say anything, tell him that Cody and I just didn’t click. But don’t tell him it was as bad as I told you.’

  ‘Okay . . .’ he said warily, not questioning me.

  I didn’t want to even imagine the smug look on Noah’s face if he found out how my date with Cody had really gone. Whatever reasons he had for not wanting me to have a boyfriend, Noah was doing a pretty good job of keeping me single.

  I sighed to myself quietly, and closed my eyes, the sun warming my cheeks. I felt Lee lie down beside me, and we just stayed like that, basking in the sunshine, too content and relaxed to say anything much.

  The whole weekend passed in a lazy way. We couldn’t be bothered to do much of anything. We watched some movies and lay around in the sun, dive-bombed in Lee’s pool, and tried to get some homework done (we didn’t get very far with that one). So Monday rolled around a whole lot faster than I would’ve liked.

  I had chemistry first lesson. With Cody. Who hadn’t called or texted me all weekend. I didn’t know whether it was just as well he didn’t want a second date, or whether I should be worried that he didn’t like me.

  A few people had already texted or spoken to me asking how the date had gone. I always said, ‘Okay.’ When they asked if I was going to see him again I said, ‘I don’t know.’ When they asked if we’d kissed, I had to say, ‘No.’

  But now I’d have to face him and I didn’t know how to act.

  Yeah, Cody was nice and easy to talk to. But I didn’t like him in that way. He obviously felt the same about me, since he hadn’t called me. I should’ve been relieved about that; if the feeling was mutual, it couldn’t be too awkward between us, right?

  ‘Aw, no!’ I looked up from my locker to see Dixon walking toward me. ‘You’re wearing trousers again. I miss the skirt. You looked hot.’

  ‘Very funny.’

  ‘I wasn’t being funny,’ he said with a laugh. I rolled my eyes and carried on trying to find my homework for math. ‘Anyway, everybody’s talking about your big date with Cody . . .’

  ‘Why? It wasn’t that interesting. Really.’

  ‘Yeah, I know that. But he’s the first guy to risk asking you out.’

  I shrugged, trying not to grind my teeth when I remembered how angry Noah had made me with the whole ‘trying to stop me getting hurt’ thing.

  ‘Cody told everyone you didn’t want to kiss him.’

  ‘It’s not that— Wait, he told everyone? He actually said that?’

  ‘Well. I say that. It was a couple of guys who pestered him about it, and it got out pretty quick. Just because, you know, your date was such big news. So . . . everyone now thinks you didn’t want to kiss him.’

  ‘It’s just . . . I don’t know . . .’

  ‘Hey, you don’t have to justify yourself,’ Dixon told me with another big smile. ‘It’s just that some people are going to talk and ask questions, so be ready for that.’

  ‘Thanks for the warning,’ I muttered.

  ‘You’re welcome.’

  And he was right – people kept coming up to me, saying, ‘Is it true you wouldn’t kiss Cody? Why didn’t you kiss him?’

  The first time, I panicked. I didn’t want to tell them the real reason, so I babbled something along the lines of, ‘I – I didn’t feel too great. I didn’t know if it was contagious.’

  What a lie. I’m sure they all knew it, but if they did, not one of them showed it.

  I walked into chemistry and Cody was there already. I dithered a second, wondering if I should sit with him or not.

  He shot me a smile though, so I went to join him.

  ‘Hey,’ I said casually.

  ‘You know, if you were ill on Friday, you should’ve said,’ he commented.

  ‘I know, but I felt okay and I didn’t want to cancel.’ I tried not to mumble too much. ‘Sorry about that.’

  ‘It’s not a problem.’

  ‘So, uh . . . Yeah . . .’ I cleared my throat and Cody laughed nervously.

  ‘I don’t want to sound too much of a jerk or anything but . . . I was thinking about it and—’

  ‘We’re better off as friends?’ I filled in, then regretted it when I realized he might not have been saying that. Oh man, what if I’d just dug myself into a grave?

  ‘Uh, yeah,’ he said, giving me a nervous smile. ‘No offence. We just didn’t seem to . . . click.’ />
  ‘None taken,’ I said, smiling. ‘I thought exactly the same.’ I hope my relief wasn’t too evident. ‘So did you do the homework? I didn’t get question eight.’

  And just like that, my life had snapped back to its (sadly) romance-free ways.

  We were working on the banner for the kissing booth. The letters were cut out and Lee had smoothed the edges; we just needed to paint them and then nail them onto the booth itself. We had some decorations back at my house, and the posters were ready too. We also had a couple of boards with the price on.

  ‘Everybody’s been asking me all week what happened with you and Cody,’ Lee said to me. It was after school on Wednesday afternoon. We needed to hurry our asses up to get everything ready to set the booth up on Friday night.

  ‘You haven’t said anything too incriminating?’

  ‘I haven’t told them the truth, no,’ he laughed, dunking his brush into the pink paint again. ‘I don’t know why you said you were sick though.’

  ‘It was believable,’ I defended myself. ‘First thing I thought of.’

  ‘Yeah, I guess. But loads of the guys reckon it’s Noah scaring him off.’

  ‘He did look pretty threatening when I was waiting for Cody,’ I admitted, printing with my lipstick sponge onto one of the already dry letters.

  Lee shrugged. It was a little while before he broke the silence again. ‘Shelly . . .’

  ‘Yeah?’

  ‘Does he ever scare you? I mean . . . I know he’s not quite the Incredible Hulk or anything, but he can lose his temper kinda quickly.’

  ‘That’s just the way he is. I grew up with him around. He couldn’t scare me – I know that he’s . . . intimidating . . .’

  ‘I guess,’ Lee said, nodding. Suddenly he dropped his paintbrush into the pot, splattering me with pastel-pink paint – my face, my blouse, my tie, my hair . . .

  ‘Lee!’ I screamed.

  ‘Sorry!’

  I grabbed a brush and dunked it into the pot of black, totally prepared to flick it over Lee. But something cold and wet landed on my face and neck as he flicked me again, making me jump so much that I dropped my paintbrush, leaving a trail down my front.

  Lee spluttered before collapsing into laughter. I scowled at him, waiting for him to stop.