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“See?” I could hear frustration in her voice “Even you think I should get rid of it I bet none of your girlfriends were virgins Tell the truth—were they?”

“No” I sat up “But you’re not like theirlfriend material”

“Grahairlfriends”

"I don't I’uys at Harvard ant to be your boyfriend You should wait"

Graha, preferring casual sex But Celia wasn’t that kind of girl She was serious She was studious

“You’re so sweet,” she whispered “I’ll be sad if you leave Boston to becoes, no matter what you do”

“I’llto adht with ht "I'll miss Graham And you"

Then she leaned over, her face next toto kiss me

I pulled back “What?” I said, like an idiot, but I couldn’t let her kiss me, no matter how much I wanted it

“Will you kiss me at least?” she whispered “A real kiss?”

“Celia…” I said, shaking my head “You know I shouldn’t I’m Graham's best friend I'm supposed to protect you”

“Just one kiss,” she said “I proers spread into a V

“That’s a Vulcan greeting, not a Girl Scout's salute,” I said with a laugh I could see her sloom

She likedbrother spread about me—all of it true, no doubt That made me feel warm inside If she were anyone else, I 'd be unable to say no

"Look, I really shouldn't"