More Than a First Kiss

1

Gina's POV

"My brother's expecting your call tonight," I tell Nini. Back at East an idea sort of came to me about connecting Nini and my brother to assist in the rise of her career. She is truly an incredible songwriter and I think she deserves to be heard. My big brother, Jamie, is a huge music producer guy in LA and he's always looking for fresh and young talent. Nini is both of those things and so much more. Nini sighs, "Oh... Why am I nervous?" She lets out a small breath, I give her the slightest chuckle. "Because it might change your life."

"Oh great," she smiles as she heads out into another room. I watch as she leaves. If I'm being totally honest I'm nervous too. I really want this to go well for her. She deserves to shine like the star she is. When I look back Ashlyn is sitting down in front of me. "Hey roomie," she smiles, "Listen. So I uh just had a moment to talk to EJ before he snuck out and..." she pauses. My smile falls slightly, nervous for what she might say. I really hope it's not one more way EJ can reject me. "I am so sorry. If I had known you thought of him as a big brother I would have given you some very different advice this semester." I look over at Ashlyn, extremely confused. Big brother?

"Okay...Wait, what?" I inquire. How did EJ come to that conclusion? I'm pretty sure he knew that I knew what the risotto meant. "What?" Ashlyn responds, now a little bit confused as well.

"Why would EJ think that?" I ask her. Determined to find the root of this miscommunication, "Ashlyn..."

"I'm not sure. I think he mentioned something your brother said." 

"I promise you I do not think of EJ as a big brother. I really like him Ash, as more than a friend and nothing like a sibling." I clarify with her. She smiles, though I'm still hesitant.

"How long ago did he leave?" I ask her, a little frantic.

"Literally just a second ago."

"I've got to go. I'll be back." Immediately I get up from my chair and run outside. When I leave Slices I see EJ just almost to his car. "EJ!" I shout, waving my hand up so he notices me. EJ turns around, a sad look resting on his face. I run up still a small length away unable to contain my smile. "Gina? What's going on?" he asks, still looking a bit sad.

"Whatever my brother told you isn't how I feel," I begin. His face lights up just a little. "EJ you, you are the greatest guy I've ever known. The last few months that we've been close have been some of the greatest months of my life. When we did morning announcements. When you got that north high kid to stop flirting with me. When we talked on Ashlyn's couch and you called me brave. You gave me a ride home from the airport then made sure to drive me back and stay with me as long as you could. And especially when you asked me if I wanted to get risotto with you." I can see EJ no longer able to contain his smile. "You are my prince. Which I know is cheesy but looking at how my life has gone prince is entirely the right word to use." I pause again and let EJ take a breath. "I really like you, maybe even more than that."

"I really like you too, G," he smiles.

"Can I..." I hesitate for only a second before asking, "Can I kiss you?" Instead of responding EJ just smiles and sets down his backpack. He begins to walk quickly over to me. I start walking to and before we know it the both of us are jogging slightly. Once we reach each other EJ wraps his arms around my waist and I put my hands on his cheeks and we kiss. My first kiss.

He's very good at it. The kiss lasts a few seconds before we pull away and EJ kisses me again. Then again, and again, until we've gotten into a pretty good rhythm. Just as I pull away for air Nini comes out of slices and calls my name.