After I text Maya that I’m leaving…
Leaning against the hood…
I drag a tired hand down my face.
My silly revenge plot suddenly feels…stupid.
There’s clearly a lot going on between Alex and Danny.
And my actions — especially that kiss — just made it worse.
Seeing the hurt on Danny’s face was tough.
I only had to deal with Alex’s manipulation for a month.
But Danny’s had to deal with it all his life.
And it probably hurts so much more coming from a brother.
I should have just broken up with Alex over text.
It would have been easier on all of us.
Sighing, I open my car door.
And I freeze when I hear footsteps behind me.
I know instantly that one of them must have followed me.
It’s not the brother I’m expecting.
His eyes are sad as he looks me over.
And ask him a question that feels more important.
He blows out a long breath.
Danny
It felt good to get all that off my chest.
Danny
It was a long time coming.
My guilt still sits in my stomach.
Kylie
Because while he deserved to hear all that…
Kylie
I feel like I made the situation worse.
Kylie
And…I’m sorry for doing that.
Danny shoves his hands in his pockets.
Danny
And you have nothing to be sorry for, Kylie.
Danny
Honestly, the way you stood up to Alex…
Danny
Proved that you’re not going to be under his spell any longer.
Danny
And it inspired me to stand up to him, too.
I nod, taking his words to heart.
Kylie
I knew he was kind of immature.
Kylie
But I had no idea it was this bad.
Kylie
I’m glad I found out sooner rather than later.
I know he wants to say something…
Danny
I hate that this happened to you tonight, Kylie.
Danny
And I hate that I had a part in it.
I reach out and put a comforting hand on his arm.
Kylie
I appreciate you saying that.
Kylie
And while there’s no hope for Alex and me…
Kylie
I hope you work things out with your brother.
Danny
Alex and I will probably make up.
Danny
I saw something in his face tonight…
Danny
And I’m hoping I finally got through to him.
Danny
I think he knows that things are going to be different from now on.
Danny
He’s a good guy, deep down.
Danny
He just needed a wakeup call.
I can feel the conviction in Danny’s words.
And hope that for his sake, he’s right.
We stand there in a comfortable silence.
Both of us reflecting over the events of the night.
A sudden memory of Danny’s surprised face flits across my mind…
I let out an unladylike snort.
Kylie
Earlier in the bathroom…
Kylie
The look on your face when I mentioned the erectile dysfunction.
Kylie
And the small condoms.
Danny slaps a hand to his forehead as if mind-blown.
Danny
Crap, that’s right!
Danny
Is any of that stuff true?!
I’m still shaking with laughter.
Kylie
Alex and I haven’t even slept together.
The relief on his face makes me feel giddy.
But I ignore the feeling.
Because this is Alex’s brother.
He’s completely off limits.
Kylie
When I saw you tonight…
Kylie
I knew you weren’t Alex almost immediately.
Kylie
So I decided to try and beat you guys at your own game.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile like this.
It kind of looks like Alex’s…
But there’s a warmth behind his eyes…
One that Alex doesn’t have.
Danny
Oh my God, that’s hilarious!
Danny
Well, you definitely had me fooled.
Danny
I started questioning everything I knew about my brother.
How Danny and I can be laughing at a time like this…
It’s a testament to the comfort we feel with each other.
But I can’t let myself think about it.
The thought sobers me up.
Kylie
I actually owe you another apology.
Kylie
For kissing you like that without warning.
My gut starts churning again.
Kylie
Just like Alex did.
Danny
I didn’t mind that one so much.
Danny’s cheeks are bright pink.
And I try not to fixate on his mouth.
Was 10 times better than kissing Alex ever was.
I have the sudden urge to tell him so.
But hold it back at the last minute.
Not sure if that’s the right thing to do.
Danny
You just passed out!
But he reaches down and grabs my keys.
Danny
I’m going to drive you home.
Danny
It’s the least I can do.
I let him lead me around to the passenger side door.
Kylie
You know, Alex never opened doors for me.
Danny shakes his head in annoyance.
Danny
I think we’ve established he doesn’t know how to treat a girl like you.
Once I’m settled in the seat…
He bends down to check on me.
Danny
Are you comfortable?
Danny
Want me to adjust the seat so you’re lying back?
He scans my face as if to make sure I’m telling the truth…
As I watch him walk around toward the driver’s side…
I can’t help but wish it was Danny I met a month ago.
He’s clearly the nicer twin.
The type of guy who checks on a girl to make sure she’s okay.
And after that kiss between us…
There’s no denying we have serious chemistry.
Danny gets in the car and starts the engine.
Then he turns to me with a handsome smile.
Wishing I could kiss him again.
I think he’s thinking the same thing…
Because his eyes are on my lips.
But then my stomach growls…
Ruining the moment between us.
Kylie
Sorry, haven’t eaten today.
Kylie
That’s probably why I passed out earlier.
He goes to say something…
He shakes his head as if clearing a thought.
And then we pull out of the parking lot in silence.
We’re halfway to my house…
When he suddenly swerves to the side of the road.
Kylie
Danny — what’s wrong?
He licks his lips nervously.
Danny
Can I take you to get something to eat?
Letting his words sink in.
And I want to say yes so badly.
But can I really go out with him?
I lick my lips nervously too.
Tasting the chemistry there.
My eyes travel from his face, to his lips, to his shirt.
Then reach up and put a hand on his cheek.
Kylie
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Kylie
I’m really not feeling well…
Kylie
So I’m just going to have some soup at home.
Kylie
I think that’s for the best anyway…
Kylie
Since everything’s so fresh?
He nods once, like the perfect gentleman he is.
But I don’t torture him for long.
Kylie
Maybe…we could go out next weekend?
His whole face lights up…
And I know mine matches his.
Because why shouldn’t I go out with him?
Because Alex and I were totally wrong for each other.
