Heather was rarely speechless, but one of those moments had arrived. Did Laurie think she was really that shallow? And was Heather herself willing to risk her first real romance catering to the opinions of people who would only accept her on their petty terms? Laurie was blanching, interpreting the girl's silence as assent. The only thing Heather could think to do was kiss her, so that's what she did. Laurie was taken aback, but returned the kiss out of instinct.

"No . . . Wait a minute," she said finally. "You don't get to do this. You don't get to come in here after calling me stupid and getting...