Yeah. I’d totally flubbed it. How had I not learned anything? Was there really not a single clue?

“So...you’re officially ungrounded. Are you excited for your date with Jacob tomorrow during lunch? I’m so tempted to come and spy.”

I gasped. “Sophie.”

“Fine, I won’t.”

“No, not that. I used to go with Jacob to the zoo all the time when I was little. And he always used to stand with me at the red panda exhibit because he knew they were my favorite.”

“And?”

“I think he’s the kiss thief. Just think about it. He knew I hadn’t had my first kiss yet. Jacob knew that. And he’s not willing to show me a picture of his friends because I’d be in it! And he’s a senior on the varsity football team.”

“But he’s not the mascot? And how is this guy on the team and a mascot anyway? None of it makes any sense.”

“I don’t know.” I sighed.

“And I’m getting much more dominant vibes from this guy. Don’t get me wrong. Jacob is a wonderful guy and I’m still Team Jacob. But...I’m not sure he’ll tie you up in bed, you know what I mean?”

I honestly had no idea what she was talking about. I didn’t want to be tied up in bed. And now I was starting to feel guilty about sending any photos to my kiss thief. Because what if it wasn’t Jacob? When had my life become such a tangled mess?

“Easy to figure out though,” she said.

I already knew what she was going to say.

“You just gotta plop one on him tomorrow on your date.”

“Soph.”

“Scar.”

I sighed. “I can’t just mouth rape him.”

She laughed. “Trust me, boy wants it. He’s been drooling over you ever since the first day of school.”

I smiled thinking of Jacob.

“Here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to tell him he has ice cream on his face.”

“Okay...”

“And he’s going to try to get it. But you’re going to tell him it’s still there.”

“But is there actually ice cream there?” I asked. “And where are the napkins in this situation?”

“Scar, focus. No, there’s no ice cream. It’s just a way for you to get your fingers on his mouth.”

“I don’t know how touching his mouth is going to compare to kissing...”

“Would you just listen for five seconds?” Sophie sighed. “You’re going to lightly touch his lip. And lock eyes. And then he’ll do all the work. Trust me.”

I pictured myself reaching out and touching Jacob’s lips. That didn’t sound bad to me at all. And if he was going to do all the work... “Okay. I’ll try touching his lips.”