"Why?" he said. "It's the truth."
"So, did you see him?"
"Yeah, I saw him. He was talking on his damn cell phone. But as soon as he sawme, he was outta there."
"What do you mean?"
"The place was packed," Jake said, "with maybe double the people as when we left. My guess? He was hiding out in in the crowd and slipped out a side entrance." Jake made a sound of disgust. "Fuckin' coward."
"I don't get it," I said. "What made you go backthere? I mean, if all you wanted was a fight…" I reached for his arm. "You know what? Forget it. I'mgladRango left. And I'm glad you didn't find him."
"Yeah?" An edge creeping into his voice. "Why's that?"
"Because," I said. "If youhadfound him, you wouldn't be here with me now." Desperately, I wanted to kiss him. But first, there was something I simply had to know. "Jake? Can I ask you a question?"
His voice was softer now. "Yeah?"
"Earlier, at the museum, why'd you kiss me?"
