Touch
Justin Powers is a jerk. There's no doubt about that. He's a stuck up pig who uses girls. Then again, she was sort of using him, too. But that was different. Somehow.
The amazing thing is how he gets away with it. He's played her, Meghan, and Tanis, and he's no doubt playing the rest of the female population as well. She supposes he must be really persuasive. He managed to play her as she played him. That takes talent.
But at least she was using him for a purpose. For a higher cause. He was just using her to tell the guys.
Hug
Rick Geddes is adorable. There are times when she wishes she felt something toward him, because he really does deserve it. He tries so hard. At first she thought he was just sort of…creepy. But after almost three years, she learned that he only has good intentions.
He is the one guy who has never been a jerk to her. He has never been even slightly cold. He has never confused her. And it kills her that she can't return his feelings. Because while it once seemed like a pathetic crush, she's fairly certain they're real.
But she will at least be his friend. He deserves that much. He's a dork, but a loveable one.
Kiss
Nate Bates is confusing. She doesn't know why she feels what she feels. She doesn't know if she should be feeling it. She doesn't know anything. Except that he feels the same way. And it's nice to simply know. To not have to play stupid male mind games.
But he's screwed her up. He hasn't done anything wrong, really. But he's made her be the wrong one. He's made her cheat on her boyfriend, he's made her hurt Squib, he's made her realize that maybe she wants more. And there are times she wishes he hadn't.
Nate Bates is not an enigma. Not to her, anyways. But he's made her one to herself.
Love
Squib Furlong is sweet. Not many people know that, but it's true. Well, some of the time. When he's not a total jerk. When he hasn't pissed her off. When they're not fighting.
He is innocent and loveable in her eyes. He represents schoolgirl crushes and first loves. But they're different. So different. He's an athlete and she's an artist and no matter how many times she defends it to the outside world, she's starting to believe that maybe it can't work. And no matter how many other boys she uses, or is pursued by, or confuse her, there will always be a part of her that wishes they could make it work.
Really, really wishes they could make it work.