When they got home Veronica was sit on her porch. When the car door open she walked over and help grab some bags and take it inside the house.

  Veronica: I need to talk and not just about new shoshana shared with me.

  Thomas: Can you give me a minute to get everything settled and I promise we will chat.

  Thomas gets the bags in the apropriate rooms. The go grabs some drinks and snacks and puts them on the coffee table and take a look at her for a few minutes.

  Thomas: Do you want to talk right now. I feel that you need a hug. We can do that for a few minutes if you need.

  Veronica leans up against Thomas and let him hold her for some time.

  Thomas: Ok, what happen are you all right.

  Veronica: I would talk with Shoshana about this but she is not here and I do not want to do it over the phone. Then after hearing her talk about the pass week and you always listening to me. I just need someone to talk too.

  Thomas: Listening has never been my problem, responding maybe, but listing no. So lets not go into details, just give me the big points.

  Veronica: Mark is talking about moving our relationship to the next level. The problem is that I do not think I am ready. Also, I like what I heard this past weekend at church about why we wait until marriage. I am not sure I am commit yet. But the next level with Mark feels wrong at this time.

  Thomas: Why talk to me.

  Veronica: I got to listen to Shoshana talking about you. When she talked about the next level, it was about connection not physical contact. I wanted to understand that. She says that she which she could show me your good by. She said it felt wonderful, like you wanted to say in that moment, but had to go. So she gave you a kiss.

  Thomas: I can so you what I did

  Veronica: Really,

  Thomas helps her up onto her feet, and interlock fingers with hers, takes a moment to look her in the eyes. Then starts to pull away. Veronica pulls thomas into a kiss, then thomas drop steps back.

  Veronica: Oh, I am sorry

  Thomas: Look, do not be. I just was not ready. Keep in mind that first time Shoshana and I kissed I was defenseless to her actions. Plus it was sweet. I felt a little more passion from you.

  Veronica; oh, maybe that what she was hinting at.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Thomas: Look, I am not sure I want our relationship to go where that kiss would take us.

  Veronica: oh, I did not think there was anything wrong with the kiss.

  Thomas: The kiss was great. But even if there where no shoshana. Are relationship is not at that stage.

  Veronica: I

  Thomas: This is the core issue that you are facing. There are certain expectations. Especially among our piers that if we are not participating in. Then there is something wrong. Do you remember Melinda, the first day you introduce me to the group.

  Veronica: Yes, I thought I saw something between you too.

  Thomas: So that is why you asked if we have ever dated.

  Veronica: Was that a lye

  Thomas: No that was the truth, we could never seem to meet up. I also was getting a lot of bad advice from those I would call my best friends. So it became about sex before we ever really got to know one another. I never touch her must less kiss. But that relationship fail apart before it ever got started. I take the blame.

  Veronica: Oh, I don’t know what to say.

  Thomas: Let you one a secret, I have been kissed more times in the pass week that I have in 3 years. I am sure that shoshana has given you account.

  Veronica: yea

  Thomas: So it is not like I have a lot of experience. I just do not want to repeat the same mistakes from my past. So, I tried something new. It seems to be working. I know it makes shoshana frustrated at times. But, you have to remember that was last semester. I have just meet you two, and think how lucky I am to be friend and hanging out. So, maybe what you need is just a data as friends. We can have dinner her friday, then We can go out after being at your dads shop. I am suppose to be a boyfriend.

  Both of us together can figure out what it means to date with out expectations. But it is you choice.

  Veronica: You know that sounds nice. My parents have actually wondering when we would be actually going on a real date. Not just hanging out.

  Thomas: We can hug if you want, or I will see you in the morning.

  [Veronica gives Thomas a hug, then heads out the door.]

  [Ruth walks in and sits next to Thomas.]

  Ruth: I want to talk about what just happened.

  Thomas: Did I do something wrong?

  Ruth: Actually, no. There were so many ways that could have gone badly. I know about the deal that was struck between them. It wasn’t fair to put you in that position—but overall, you handled it better than I expected.

  Thomas: How did you see it going?

  Ruth: Honestly? I didn’t expect you to pull back from the kiss. That must’ve surprised you too. Can I ask why you did?

  Thomas: When Shoshana kisses me, it’s always light—quick. Veronica kisses with more… passion. I wasn’t expecting it. It shifted from an emotional moment to something more intense. I haven’t fully processed it yet.

  Ruth: Do you know why she kissed you?

  Thomas: I’m not sure I can say why.

  Ruth: What you showed her was connection. That’s the same reason Shoshana kissed you. I’m not sure you realize just how powerful your sense of connection can be. So you need to be careful. I know what you’re trying to do, and I’m pleased with it.

  Thomas: What do you think I’m trying to do?

  Ruth: You’re changing expectations. I’m glad you’re starting early. I was worried—Veronica is a good girl, but social pressures, like you said, can lead to dangerous places.

  And remember—you’re more vulnerable than you think.

  She likes you. Not as a boyfriend, but as someone who gave her something she needed in a difficult moment. She might, without meaning harm, draw you into a compromising situation—just to feel close again.

  Also, I’m really glad you asked her to join us for dinner. Sholomoh wants to make clear what we understand—what’s expected if she wants to keep spending time with us. I think it’ll be good for both of you… as long as you both remember: you’re friends, and there are other things that need to come first.