32ND HEARTBEAT

JORDI ADKINS

I had to be quick with my hands. Before Xavier could even see all of the printed photos from the printing box, I quickly snatched the one photo where I kissed him on the cheek as a token. I know it was a blatant selfish move on my part and as much as I’m aware of what I did, the hopeless romantic version of me wanted to keep it.

“Let me see the photos.” Jumping out of the booth, Xavier inched his way towards me and was now towering behind me.

“Here.” I handed him all of the photos the we took while secretly hiding one behind my back. I slowly slipped the photo right into my pocket and pretended as if nothing happened.

Xavier cinched his eyebrows on me. “This is it?”

“Yeah.” I nodded nervously shaking on the inside.

“Where’s the one where you kissed me?”

“I think it wasn’t captured.” Gritting with such fraudulent innocence, I muttered. “Anyway, I would like to try that claw machine.” In light of the missing photo, I had to suggest something just to redirect his attention.