52.

"Garrett here," I say, "Has always had a thing for me."

"Edward! Way to make me look like the pathetic loser waiting for his best friend to turn gay!" He has a look of shock on his face, but I can see he's trying not to laugh.

"It's payback for you calling me Eduardo," I tell him. I see Bella roll her eyes, which makes me smile.

"Hey, I'll catch up with you later, ok?" Garrett says. I nod, knowing he wants to know more about how it's going.

Back at our apartment building a little while later, things get a little awkward. As we're standing at her door, I'm trying to figure out whether or not I should kiss her.

I want to.

I want to more badly than I've wanted anything for a while. I want to do much more than just kissing. I haven't had any action besides my own hand for far too long. But I can't do that to her. She's too vulnerable.

"So…" She says, almost shy.

I make a split second decision and kiss her cheek. She stares at me, her cheeks slightly tinted.

"I had a great night, and I'd like to do it again sometime soon," I say, sounding more confident than I really feel.

"I'd like that," she whispers.

I make sure she has my phone number and I have hers, before leaving her behind.