E-- and I never left the kitchen. We might have, had my kiss been stronger.

     It was not a good kiss. It was, in fact, barely a kiss.

     I have put more lip on strangers.

     The problem was the curry. It was delicious, but it was a recipe for disaster. E-- used onions and peppers and kale and fresh basil. After every bite, I wondered if something was stuck in my teeth.

     I stopped smiling. I basically kept my mouth closed, running my tongue over my teeth after every bite.

     It was terrible. E-- offered me another helping, but I declined.

     I cleared the plates. My plan was to bring them to the dishwasher and excuse myself for a trip to the bathroom....

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