"Maybe you could come over earlier than six. I could tell my parents we have to work on our chem assignment."
"So like noon?" he says with a laugh.
"If you want, then yeah."
"I actually have to work on one of my games tomorrow, but I could be here around three."
"Three is good."
He looks at me. "I hope you didn't believe a word of what that asshole said about you."
"Ty? No. I know he was just being a jerk. I've known him for years. He's always been that way."
"It ends now. He's not doing it again."
"You can't control him. It's like you said, I just have to ignore him."
"That didn't work for me. I tried not to react, and I would've been fine if his comments were about me. But hearing him talk about you?" He shakes his head. "I wanted to smash his face in."
"And you did," I say, smiling.
He nods. "I did. Sam is right. The guy's going to have a huge shiner tomorrow."
The porch lights turn on.
"My parents must've heard us drive up. I should probably go before one of them comes out here."
"Okay." He leans over and gives me a kiss. "Goodnight."
I get out of the car and he walks me to the door.
"You could've just left," I say. "You didn't have to walk me to the door."
"I didn't have to. I wanted to. And now I'm saying goodbye again, but without a kiss this time because your dad's looking out the window."
I cringe. "Sorry. They refuse to give me space."
"It's okay. They're just being parents. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye."
When I get inside, my dad races away from the window.
"It's too late," I say. "We saw you looking."
"So how'd it go?" He follows me into the kitchen, where my mom is making tea.
"Fine."
My mom hurries over to me. "How'd it go?"
"It was fine."
"Fine? That's it?"
"I don't have anything else to say."
"Can you at least tell us if you had fun? Are you going out with him again?"
"Yes and yes. Now am I excused?"
"Not yet," my dad says. "Tell us more about him."
"You already know about him. You were asking him questions when he was here earlier."
"He told us a little about his parents and that he's from California but that's it."
"What else do you need to know?"
"That was an expensive car he was driving. Is that his father's?"
"No, it's his. He created a video game and made a lot of money. He has a company."
"Really?" My mom goes over and stands by my dad. "Isn't he your age?"
"Yes, but he's like a computer genius so in his free time he writes programs and creates video games. He's really smart. He developed his first game a few years ago and it took off. That's how he got the money for the car."
"Are you sure he didn't make that up?" my dad, the skeptic, asks.
"He didn't make it up. He told me all about how he developed it and even showed me the early prototype for the logo. It's called Monkey Mummy."
"I've heard of that," my dad says. "It's a popular game."
"Yeah, so anyway, can I go now?"
"How are your eyes?" my mom asks.
I sigh. "Do you have to ask me that every time you see me?"
"I'm only asking because being out at night might've been a strain on them. You had to have been straining to see."
"But there's nothing I can do about that so why talk about it? Sometimes I just don't want to think about it. I want to pretend I'm normal. But then every day you bring it up."
"I'm just concerned, honey. And you ARE normal. Just because you have an eye condition doesn't mean you're not normal."
"I need to do some homework before bed. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Goodnight, honey," my mom says.
My dad follows with his usual, "Goodnight, kiddo."
I go in my room and see a string of texts on my phone from Wes.
Had to tell you goodnight again.
And that I really like you.
And think you're beautiful.
And have a really cool name.
I could go on but you probably want to go to bed. So goodnight!
I text him back. I like you too. I think you're smart. And funny. And a really good kisser.
I delete that last part, then write it again, then delete it, then write it again.
I can't send that! I go to delete it and accidentally hit the send button.
Dammit! I cringe as I grip my phone, wishing there was a way to stop it from sending.
Wes doesn't send a response. He probably thinks I'm crazy for sending that. Why did I even write it?
I get ready for bed and hear my phone ding.
It's a text from Wes. Thanks! But that was just a warm-up. It gets even better. So get ready.
Is he kidding? That kiss he gave me was amazing. The best I've ever had. There's no way it could get any better.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning goes by slowly as I wait to see Wes. I do some homework but can't focus when all I can think about is seeing him again, and kissing him.
My phone rings. It's Stella.
"Hey," I answer.
"What happened last night?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and Wes! After the party, what happened?"
"He took me home."
"That's it? You better not be leaving anything out, because I saw how Wes—"
"He kissed me." I smile as I say it.
"I knew it! Why didn't you call and tell me?"
"Because you were with Sam."
"You should've texted me. This is major news! So how was it?"
"Good. Actually, it was more than good."
"More than good?" she asks in a teasing tone. "What does that mean, exactly?"
"You know what it means. I'm not going to describe it."
I'm not someone who shares personal details like that, which drives Stella crazy. She loves sharing details about her and Sam and the stuff they do together. It's too much information, way more than I need to know.
"Did he use tongue?" she asks.
"Well, obviously. We're not kids."
"I know, but after your last kissing experience, I thought maybe—"
"It was nothing like that."
We're referring to this guy I went out with one time. He kissed me and it was the sloppiest, most disgusting kiss ever. I swear, my whole face was wet, or at least that's what it felt like.
"When Wes kissed me, it was amazing," I say. "Like weak-in-the-knees amazing. I've never had a kiss like that."
"I knew it!"
"Knew what?"
"He kissed you at the party, didn't he? I saw you guys walking back to the bonfire and you looked all dreamy, like you'd just had the best kiss of your life. Too bad Ty had to go and ruin it."
"Yeah, I hate that guy. I wish Wes had just ignored him and walked away."
"He couldn't. He likes you too much."
"What's that have to do with it? Are you saying he did it to show me what a man he is? Because if so, I don't like that. If a guy has to hit someone to prove his masculinity then—"
"That's not why he did it. He did it because he couldn't stand hearing some guy say bad things about the girl he cares about. It was an instant reaction. It just shows how much he likes you."
I think back to last night and what Wes said about how he tried to ignore Ty but couldn't. He said if Ty had been saying bad things about him, he could've walked away, but since it was about me, he couldn't.
"So did he kiss you at the party or not?" Stella asks.
"Yeah, we kissed. You were right. When he asked if I wanted to get up and walk around, that was code for he wanted to kiss me."
"Told you!" She laughs. "Guys are so predictable. So what happened?"
"We found a quiet spot back in the trees and he kissed me
. And then later, before we left the party, he kissed me again. That time was even better. He's a really good kisser."
"You'd never know that from...well, I shouldn't judge him that way."
"From what? What were you going to say?"
"Nothing. Never mind."
"Stella, just tell me."
She sighs. "It's totally not fair but I was thinking he'd be a bad kisser because of...." She pauses. "Because he kind of dresses like a nerd. I mean, the shirt and tie and the blazer, and those nerdy shirts with the video game characters."
"So how he dresses makes him a bad kisser?"
"I know I shouldn't assume that, but you have to admit he doesn't have the greatest taste in clothes. Although last night he looked really good."
He did look really good, but I always think he looks good, even when he's wearing what Stella considers to be nerd clothes. But based on what he said last night, those clothes were all part of his plan to find out who his real friends are, the people who will accept him no matter what. When he reveals he's the creator of a very popular online game, everyone will want to be his friend, even the people who made fun of him last week. His plan is actually brilliant.
"I think Sam has a crush on him," Stella says, laughing.
"What do you mean?"
"Sam can't stop talking about Wes and that video game he made. That's one of Sam's favorite games and now he's met the creator."
"I know. I couldn't believe it when Wes told me he made that game."
"He must've made a lot of money. He probably still does. Sam said it's still really popular."
"Yeah, he's made some money."
"Like how much? Did he tell you?"
"No, and I wouldn't ask."
"Well, I think it's safe to say he's loaded. So within a week of school starting, you've managed to get a cute, somewhat quirky, millionaire to fall in love with you."
I laugh. "He's not in love with me and I don't think he's a millionaire."
"Do the math, Luna. That game had to have sold over a million copies and it's what? Three bucks a download?"
"I don't know."
"It's at least three, maybe five. Hold on. I'll look it up."
"Stella, no. I don't care what it costs. Just forget it."
"Wait, I think I found it. Yeah, this is it. It's four ninety-nine. So multiply that by at least a million, although I'm sure it's been downloaded way more than that."
"I don't think it started out at that price. I think it used to be under a dollar."
"And then it took off and the price went up. I'm telling you, Luna, the numbers don't lie. The guy is worth a lot of money."
"But he had to spend a lot of money to make it. And the first year, he gave some of the profits to the girl who did the graphics."
"What girl? Like a friend of his?"
"They were more than friends. They dated for a while, but it's over now. She's older than him. She just started college."
"Do they still talk?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"No reason. I just wondered."
"It's over. He doesn't have feelings for her anymore."
"I didn't say he did."
"Yeah, but you implied it."
"I didn't mean to. Just forget it."
I'm getting angry hearing her talk about this. I'm angry because I thought the same thing when Wes told me about his ex. I immediately wondered if he still had feelings for her and I didn't like the fact that he still talks to her. But I wasn't going to tell him not to. He has every right to talk to her.
I pause. "What if it's not over?"
"With that girl?"
"Yeah. What if he lied and still has feelings for her?"
"He doesn't seem like someone who would lie about something like that."
"You hardly know him."
"No, but it's obvious he likes you. He even punched Ty in the face for you."
"He could like me and still have feelings for his ex."
"He doesn't have feelings for her. They don't even live in the same town. They couldn't date even if they wanted to."
"She goes to school in Chicago. It's not that far away."
"Yeah, but someone in college doesn't want to date someone who's still in high school. She'll want to date someone older. More mature."
"But Wes is mature. He's more mature than most college guys. He has his own business. He even has employees. And meetings. He misses class to go to business meetings. He's not the typical high school guy. A lot of college girls would want to go out with him, especially if they knew he was rich."
"Going back to this girl, how often does he talk to her?"
"I don't know. He didn't say."
"Maybe just ask him sometime. Don't make a big deal about it. Keep it casual."
"You think he still wants to date her, don't you?"
"I think he wants to date you and only you. And I think the more he does, the less he'll talk to this other girl."
"Then why were you asking me all those questions about her?"
"Because as your best friend, I'm always looking out for you. I don't think Wes would cheat but it's always good to get the facts, just in case. But honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. You're here in town, she's not. He may talk to her on the phone but he sees you every day. And once she gets busy at college with classes and her friends, she won't have as much time to talk to Wes."
"I don't know why I'm even worried about this. It's not like Wes and I are going to last."
"If you push him away, then you're right. It won't last."
"It's not about me pushing him away. I just know it won't last. We're in high school. High school relationships don't last, with the exception of you and Sam."
"I could see you and Wes lasting, but not if you don't tell him the truth."
"I'm not telling him about my eyes. He doesn't need to know."
"Then how are you going to explain why you won't go to the movies or to dinner after dark? That afraid-of-the-dark excuse only worked because you were going to a party in a dark field. It doesn't work for going other places at night where there's lights everywhere."
"Then I'll come up with something else."
"You're going to have to tell him, Luna."
"I have to go. I have to get some homework done before he gets here."
"You're going out tonight?"
"Yeah, but he's getting here at three so I don't have much time."
"Why three?"
"Because we..." I pause, embarrassed to admit this. "We wanted to see each other again and we didn't want to wait until tonight."
"Oh my God, that is so sweet," she gushes. "You two are so adorable."
"We aren't adorable. Would you stop saying stuff like that? It's annoying."
"Get used to it. I can't help but be excited for my best friend when she's finally found someone she really likes."
I sigh. "This is why I've avoided dating anyone."
She laughs. "I'll let you go. Do you need me to come over later and help you pick out an outfit?"
"No, I think I can handle it."
"Don't wear a baggy sweatshirt. Wear something fitted that shows off your body."
"Yeah. Got it. I'll talk to you later."
"Okay, bye!"
Now I'm getting nervous. My date starts in a few hours and I don't know what to wear. Maybe I should've taken up Stella on her offer.
Hours later, I'm still trying to decide what to wear. I've tried on almost everything in my closet and nothing seems right. Now I understand what Stella meant all the times she told me she had nothing to wear despite having a closet full of clothes.
"Luna," my mom says as she knocks on my door. "Your date is here."
Crap! I'm not ready! It's almost three so he's only a couple minutes early but I thought maybe he'd be a few minutes late.
I race to the bathroom and check my hair. I put it in a ponytail so I don't have to worry about it clinging to my face.
"Luna?" my mom says, knocking again.
"Yeah," I yell from the bathroom. "I'll be there in a minute."
I need to get out there. I can't leave Wes with my parents. My dad will start in with his non-stop questions.
There's no time to change. My current outfit will have to do. I'm wearing a fitted t-shirt, denim skirt, and sneakers. Wes didn't say to dress up so I'm going with a casual look. Stella would be proud of me for wearing a skirt. I usually only wear jeans.
When I get to the living room, I see my dad sitting next to Wes on the couch, showing him something on his phone. I hope it's not pictures of me as a kid or other embarrassing photos of me.
"Hey, Wes," I say, getting his attention.
He looks up and smiles. "Hey."
I love his smile. It makes my heart flutter, or maybe it's him that does that to me.
"We were just looking at the game he created," my dad says. "I downloaded it last night."
"If I'd known you wanted it, I would've just given you a free copy," Wes says.
"I was happy to buy it," my dad says. "I like to support young entrepreneurs."
My mom appears from the kitchen. "Wes, would you like something to drink?"
He stands up. "No, thank you. Luna and I need to get going. We have a reservation to get to."
"We do?" I ask.
"Where are you two going?" my dad asks, a big smile on his face. Most dads would be worried about their daughter going out with a guy but my dad's happy about it. He's always telling me to be more social. And I can tell he likes Wes. If he didn't, he'd make him stay here longer so he could interrogate him.
"I rented a paddleboat at the lake," Wes says. "After that, maybe we'll go to dinner and a movie, if Luna's okay with that." He smiles at me.
"Um, yeah, maybe," I say, not ready to agree to it. I haven't been to a movie in years. When my night vision started to get really bad, being in a dark theater was like being completely blind. I couldn't see where I was going and I tripped and fell. I haven't been back since.
"A movie might be fun," my mom says, looking at me with a raise of her brows. She's practically begging me to go, assuming I won't. But maybe I will. If we got there early, when the theater lights are on, maybe I'd be okay.
"Should we go?" Wes comes up to me and offers me his arm, which is bent at the elbow, like he's about to escort me down the aisle. It's formal and goofy and totally him.
The Geek and The Goddess Page 11