Kiss List (Book I of the List Series)

Chapter 27 - Mysterious Boy

"Ryan Brady," Olivia said. "I'm not taking no for an answer. I've been waiting for months. No more. I want to know what moves Ryan has and then I want you to get out of the way for me. If possible, could you break his heart just a little bit? Nothing serious, but enough so that he feels vulnerable and wants to make up with someone."

"We're not breaking hearts anymore," Payton said, "but Ryan is fine with me as long as we get to Jamal soon."

"He can be next," Olivia promised.

"Okay and then Gabriel, right?" Alyssa said.

"Do I get a say in all of this?" I asked.

The girls seemed to think that over for a moment. "Nope," Olivia said. "You're going to start with Ryan and then move on to at least the other two. Paul Stedman and the Hall twins can be extra credit."

We were back in my bedroom and it felt just like it had when we first kicked off the list with Sam. The faces of Olivia, Payton, and Alyssa were lit up excitedly at the possibility of discovering more boys' secrets. I was sick with trepidation.

Things had more or less returned to normal at school. I was once again without a boyfriend. Dylan directed wounded looks my way in the hallway and proved deft at avoiding me. I no longer had the passion or energy to corner him in the hallway and make out with him like I once had. Missy constantly wore an annoyingly superior expression. She was nothing, however, compared to El Diablo. With the way that girl looked at me, I half though she was going mug me in the hallways. One time I even caught her smacking her fist into her hand as if she wanted to beat me. It was extremely disconcerting.

The one bright spot was David. He walked the halls with a pep in his step and more than once I saw soccer girls corner him for makeout sessions. It seemed that once they had gotten a taste of the wrestler they wanted more. They had discovered what I knew: David was a catch. He had an innocent-looking face that a girl's parents could love and a body that a girl could do not-so-innocent things to. I felt a pang of sadness and jealousy every time a girl cornered him but I had to wish them well. If I couldn't have David at least someone should. There were not many bodies like his around and it would be a shame for it not to be appreciated by somebody.

And so I reluctantly agreed to turn my efforts to Ryan. Olivia handled my prep.

"He plays the tenor saxophone. He's amazingly good," Olivia gushed. "Just wait until you hear him. He's involved in a lot of band activities but I don't think he's doing any one of them right now. I've seen him hang out at Sanders Park. You know that one area by the tennis courts on top of the man-made hill? He likes to sit under a tree there and practice. I'll bet if you swing by there after school tomorrow you can find him."

"And how do I strike up a conversation?" I asked. "I don't know anything about band and I can't play any instruments."

"He's a musician," Olivia said. "No matter what they say, all musicians love people who appreciate their research. Go kick a ball around in the park and then pretend to notice his music. Go ask him if you can sit by him and listen. When he takes a break, just strike up a conversation."

"Artists are emotional people," Payton said. "Tell him you love his music and flirt a little with him. He'll get excited, though he'll probably keep acting moody, and then it shouldn't take too long for him to make a move. Wait until just before he's about to kiss you to tell him about the dare. Artists are passionate people too and he won't be able to stop himself. Bring your phone along to snap a picture for proof and then skidaddle."

"Don't mention my name," Olivia said firmly. "I don't want him to think I'm behind this. Depending on how it goes, I might come in later to express sympathy for him being used as a dare."