Kissing Brendan Callahan by Susan Amesse Page B

“Of course,” I say. I would wait forever.
    â€œHow do you ever come up with those wonderful story ideas?” says Anne Marie, gushing.
    Antonia and I exchange a knowing look. Wow! I glide around the store, dizzy with happiness. I enter a conversation with two older ladies who are trying to decide which of Antonia’s books to buy. I recommend Love Hath No Fury. They thank me.
    â€œI’m a friend of the author,” I slip in, tilting my head. I’m getting a handle on acting cool. I wander over to the register and talk to Marge. I tell her I’m assisting Antonia.
    â€œYou’ll have to tell me what she’s really like,” she says. “I’m a fan myself.”
    â€œOf course,” I say, tilting, tilting, tilting.
    â€œIs there something wrong with your neck?” she asks.
    Perhaps my new look needs a little work.
    Mr. Barrett buzzes around the store like a nervous fly. He slips copies of Antonia’s books into customers’ hands and guides them to the book-signing line. Every few minutes, Antonia waves him over and whispers something in his ear. He brings her different pens, tissues, more bottled water.
    I stand to the side and watch Antonia. I love the way she leans forward to talk to the customers like she really cares about them. You’d never know from the way she’s acting that she isn’t enjoying this. Mr. Barrett looks thrilled with all the books he’s selling.
    I imagine that I am Antonia and all these people are here to see me. “How do you ever come up with such clever ideas for your stories?” they’d ask over and over again.
    â€œInspiration is everywhere,” I answer.
    Someone bumps into me from behind.
    â€œTalking to yourself again?”
    I turn. It’s Brendan.

THIRTEEN
    Brendan’s eyes bore into me. Is he thinking about my running away yesterday? Say something. Anything. I can’t. I look down at his shirt, which is covered with drawings of toads and says “Toad-al Chaos.”
    Beth steps between us, carrying a copy of Enraptured Thorns in My Heart. “Isn’t this exciting? I love Antonia DeMarco.” She elbows me and smiles shyly. “Maybe you shouldn’t mention this to your mother.”
    This is too funny. “I won’t tell her,” I say.
    Brendan starts to walk away, but Beth grabs his arm. “Hey, you two,” she says. “Look at all these customers. Great opportunity to sell raffles!”
    â€œI told you I’m not going to sell them anymore,” he says. “I’m tired of annoying people with them.”
    â€œNonsense. People love to buy raffle tickets. Right, Sarah?”
    Brendan turns to me and our eyes lock. They really do. I thought that was just an expression, but I couldn’t look away if I tried. I see the challenge in his stare: Stand up for us!
    â€œBrendan’s right. It’s a tough job and we’ve been doing it a long time,” I say, not looking away from his eyes. “Ask some of the younger kids.”
    I’ve never stood up to her before. There’s a hint of a smile on Brendan’s face.
    â€œWell,” Beth says, looking uncomfortable. “I suppose I should get in line.” She walks away.
    â€œYou see, strength in numbers works,” Brendan says.
    â€œStrength in numbers,” I repeat. I fidget with the folder I’m holding. “I’m sorry I ran away yesterday.”
    â€œYou made me feel like a jerk,” he says.
    â€œNo,” I say, looking up. “It was stupid of me to run. Meeting Antonia made me nervous.”
    â€œYeah, right.” He puts his hand in his pocket. “Don’t worry.” He takes his hand out. He crosses his arms. “It won’t happen again.”
    â€œRight,” I say, trying to sound like I don’t care. “Of course not.”
    â€œOh, Sally.” Antonia DeMarco waves her hand. I look around for a Sally but