The morning went on with us collecting words and copying them down, and Ms. Gallo quoting her favorite writers and recommending books for us to read. It was kind of freewheeling, though she said that once we had each written a piece to work with, probably by the next class, we’d split up into more of a workshop setting, with kids in small groups or partnerships for half of each class. Ugh. Awk-ward! I was not looking forward to that.

“Your assignment!” Ms. Gallo announced as the clock struck noon. “Write a review of an exciting restaurant. Bonus points if you go and actually have a meal there between now and Thursday’s class! I want five hundred words. No groans! You can do it. Remember to account for ambiance and service as well as the food. Thanks for coming today, and good luck! Bon appétit!”

I quickly packed my things and rushed out. I was due to work at Molly’s at one o’clock, and the bus ride would take twenty minutes at least. That’s what I told myself, anyway. It was more that I really didn’t want to have to chat with anyone.

As I speed-walked out of the building and down the block to the bus stop, my heart raced with a feeling of exhilaration. I was thrilled by the teacher and the class, but I was even more thrilled that I’d escaped without having to interact with any of the kids. What a relief to not have to do the whole awkward getting-to-know-you conversation with any randoms (to use Tamiko’s word). Maybe I could partner with the teacher for the workshop in the next class. It would be oh-so-much easier.

On the bus I powered up my phone and checked Colin’s SuperSnap again. Nothing.

My fingers hovered over the screen as I debated whether or not to text him. I had his contact info right there in the palm of my hand, and I missed him. Would it be so awful if I sent a breezy little text? Maybe something like, “Hey, Colin. Hope your summer is great so far! Stop by for an ice cream at Molly’s on the house so I can hear all about it!” But was the free ice cream part desperate? Like, was I bribing him to come see me? And if I didn’t say “on the house,” was I basically asking him to come and spend money to see me? But how else could I phrase it? Ugh.

Totally befuddled, I locked the phone, dropped it back into my bag, and stared out the window. I thought about asking Tamiko for advice, but then I realized she was on the plane, flying across the Pacific Ocean. I missed her already.