Page 18 of Don’t Be A Stranger

Nope, I’m not going there today.

“I already paid for it,” River admits. “And there’s no refund. I’m already poor enough, are you really going to make me lose one-hundred and fifty dollars?”

I rub at my temples because of course River’s financial choices give me anxiety.

“Please,” he begs. “I don’t have anyone else to go with.”

He yelps when my foot collides with his shin. “So if you did, you wouldn’t even have thought of me?”

River scoffs. “Don’t be ridiculous, Summer. You’re always on my mind. I just—”

My breath hitches and the grip on my Red Bull can tightens. I let River continue.

“I know it’s not really your thing.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I gasp.

“Hey, I’m not saying that it’s my thing either. I’m pretty sure that you and I together can somehow burn a pot of water.”

Yeah, there’s been more than once that I’ve put ramen in the microwave and forgotten to add water. I’ve gotten plenty of earfuls from both Dad and Papi about almost burning the kitchen down. I guess maybe I could use some basic cooking skills. It’d also be nice to hang out with River like we used to. No awkwardness or fear of accidentally saying the wrong thing. Although I don’t know if it’ll feel any less awkward being surrounded by couples.

“When is it?” I can’t help but ask.

“Six tonight.”

It doesn’t take much for me to give in. “Alright, fine I’ll go but if people start making out, I’m bailing.”

River laughs. “The instructor is literally going to be in the room with us, why would anyone be making out?”

“I don’t know. We literally catch people making out on subways all the time. Remember that couple who was making out in the back of a taxi?”

“I think they were doing more than making out.” River winces. “I’m pretty sure I was flashed.”

I’m about to agree with him when I feel the vibration of my watch, letting me know I’ve received a message.

Hazel: Hey, it’s starting to pick up down here

My shoulders drop because I’d rather continue to sit here with River in a well air-conditioned room, while sipping on my Red Bull than go back to that hellhole.

“I have to head back to work but thanks for bringing me my lunch.” I hold the blue can to my chest, earning me one of River’s dimpled smiles. “And this.”

He starts putting everything back in his bag but stops at the chips. River dangles the bag between his fingers. “You sure you don’t want to keep this?”

I think about it for a whole five seconds before taking the bag. “Fine, this will be my treat for surviving this shift from hell.”

River slips his backpack over his shoulder and moves around the table to wrap his arms around me. I barely have time to reciprocate before he pecks my cheek and heads out the door, leaving me holding the spot where his lips just were. The skin is now warm.

How am I supposed to go back to work after that?

Six

Summer

Me: I’ll call you and Papi later. River and I have that cooking class.

Dad: Try not to burn the kitchen down this time.

Me: Ha ha ha very funny