Judy leaned in for a kiss. I could almost feel her lips upon mine, but just before they touched, I pulled back.

“Sorry, Judy, but I can’t,” I muttered. “I should be heading home.”

I got up to leave, but Judy quickly grabbed a hold of my sleeve. She gazed up at me with hurt yet gentle eyes.

“Noah, I’m sorry if I came on too strongly,” she said, “but you have to realize that I care so much for you. We grew up together, we were best ...