Kissing Is the Easy Part

Chapter 32 The winter wonderland

Maybe I was being ungrateful, but the idea of Flora getting in touch with all her long lost ex-boyfriends just about killed it for me. "On second thought, I'd rather we just pay."

Flora went on as if she hadn't heard. "I can ask a lot of cute guys to dance with Linda and post photos all over Instagram. That Ray Sandler is going to look like a total loser."

Only she could pull guys out of a hat like rabbits. She really is a man-eater, I decided. When we graduated she would forget me and she wouldn't think of me again unless she needed some favors, which hurt.

I sighed. "I really don't feel like inviting any of your ex-boyfriends to my house."

There was a short pause. "You always sound so cute when you are jealous," she said after a light chuckle.

"I'm not jealous. I just think having them over will make this seem like a really weird, creepy Flora Morgan's ex-boyfriend support group."

"Ouch," she said. "Did you just compare me with testicular cancer or something?"

"Flora, I really don't know what to say. Considering the fact that I'm just one of your ex-boyfriends, it's not my place to say anything. But yeah, it kind of sucks, and...fine, I admit I'm a little jealous."

I shouldn't have said that. Late nights do that to people and we become strangely honest. My pulse quickened and she wasn't even in person; just talking to her had the effect of tugging on all the emotional strings.

A few seconds of awkward silence passed. What did I expect her to say anyway? I wasn't her boyfriend anymore and I was still acting possessive.

"Not that I need to explain to you," she said, "but I want to explain anyway. These guys are still my friends and they help me when I need them. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I'm sure I can find some girl among my 900 friends to DJ and cater. And for the record, you're not just an ex-boyfriend to me."

"Really? Then what am I?" I felt like such a whiner.

"You're a really hot ex-boyfriend." She laughed. "Seriously, though..." She broke off, then finally said, "You're an amazing person who will always have a special place in my heart. Even though we aren't together anymore, I admire you and I wish the best for you."

I was at a loss for words. That was really...nice.

She groaned. "Oh dear that's really corny isn't it?"

"Yes. Be sure to add that in our history play." I pretended not to be flattered.

She chuckled. "Yeah, I think that's where it belongs. Well, anyways, I think I'm gonna crash," she said, yawning in my ear. She sounded so close I could almost feel her. "We'll talk tomorrow."

"Good night, Flora. Thanks again for this."

"Don't mention it." She seemed half-asleep already. "I like hearing your voice right before I fall asleep," she mumbled in the middle of another yawn.

"Me too," I said quietly. I wasn't even sure she heard me.

***

At lunch one day, Flora sat herself down and interrupted our discussion about the NBA game the night before. She never had to ask if she was imposing because in her world, everyone was just killing time talking about insignificant matters before she showed up.

"Dylan, Jake, I forgot if I told you about our party," Flora said in a very fast pace. "I've talked to so many people and you guys are so obviously invited I'm not sure if I mentioned it already."

"Yeah, we know, Sean told us," Dylan said. "But as soon as we heard there's not gonna be a keg, we fell asleep." Their idea of a party was one where we could hover around the keg and race one another to unconsciousness.