“Yep, and I’ve believed it every time. Dominic is going to be yours in no time.”

“Right,” I say, reminding myself for the eight millionth time in the past twelve hours that that’s what I want. “He’ll be mine again in no time.” But no matter how many times I say it, it still doesn’t feel right. I think the only way I’m going to get past this and back on track is if I say out loud how worked up that kiss got me. Like, speak it into the universe and get it out of me.

“Can I tell you something?”

Kavya just gives me that look like, Are you kidding me?

“Dumb question, I know.” I take a deep breath. “I was into it. The kiss. With Ross. I know it was part of the shot list, I know it’s all supposed to make Dominic jealous, but I liked it. A lot. Like, a lot a lot, and I don’t know what to do from here.”

“Of course you liked it!” Kavya says. “Ross is really cute, and you’ve been used to having regular physical contact for more than a year. So the first time someone kisses you like that in a while, you’re bound to react.” She pauses, that telltale moment of silence where you know there’s a but coming. “Buuut you know nothing can come of it, Sean. D-Bag is the end goal, Ross is going back to the Blue, it’s what you agreed on.”

“You’re right. You’re totally right. I just need to remind myself there’s nothing here. Save my kisses for the shot list only.”

Kavya’s lips get in that tight line again and her eyes float to the ceiling. She only gets that way when she considers talking about something real instead of a that’s-what-she-said joke.

“What is it?”

“I sort of dread telling you this because I don’t want to make it any more confusing for you. But you know how my X-Men Ability is being able to tell when people want each other?”

“Yeah, and you already said Dominic wants back with me, so—”

“He does. I know it. But my superpower also knows that Ross for sure wants what was in that banana hammock of yours. Trust me. I saw them zeroing in on what’s between those thighs with my own eyes.” Said eyes pop wide. “Ha! I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it!” She starts freestyling in a singsong voice as she pulls out into the street. “They like what’s between your thighs, staring at it with their eyes, wants what’s in your banana hammock, wondering when they can have at it.”