How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"The good news is that you let me hold your hand for almost five minutes and you didn't flinch once." (20.19)
Ben Finney is so sneaky and romantic. He teaches Sal how not to flinch when someone tries to touch her. This is a pretty awesome lesson, and he's a very good teacher. Ben seems really different from other thirteen-year-old boys we know. He seems older and wiser, kind of like how Sal is more mature than most thirteen-year-old girls. Perfect match.
Quote #11
I took a quick look at him and turned back to the door, but in that instant that I was turning my head, he leaned forward, and I do believe his lips kissed my ear. I was not sure this was what he intended. In fact I was not sure it happened at all, because before I knew it, he had hopped down the steps and was walking away. (20.21)
Another near-miss kiss! Time seems to speed up whenever Sal is around Ben Finney. We like that Ben is so persistent and keeps trying to land a successful kiss on Sal, even if his aim could use some work.
Quote #12
"Sometimes you know in your heart you love someone, but you have to go away before your head can figure it out." (24.4)
Once again, Gramps and Gram are the masters of giving advice without making it seem like they are giving advice. Here, Gram is telling Sam about the time she almost left Gramps for the egg man. In telling Sal about why she left Gramps, she's also helping Sal understand why her own mother might have left her.