“I know too,” she says with a hint of agitation as if she’s expected my stubbornness but not quite accepted it.

“I’ve got a class. Tell Dad I said hello and Christian and I will video call this weekend so you can chat.”

“Okay. Give him our love.”

I lean against the wall outside of my composition class and let out a long breath.

Me: Okay. Let’s talk tonight about Christian staying with you for the week.

I hear the professor start class and I tuck my phone into my backpack and enter the classroom without waiting for Victor’s reply.

16

JOEL

I drop the tray table and prop my iPad on it before texting Katrina.

Me: Ready for our second date?

Kitty: New phone – who is this?

I balk.

Kitty: Kidding. Yes, I’m emailing you the movie now.

I pull up my email and laugh earning a side eye from Wes who sits next to me.

Me: I don’t think Saved by the Bell counts as a movie.

Kitty: Each episode is just over twenty minutes so we can watch a few so it’s the same amount of time. Season five is my favorite, but I think we should start at season three because it has the infamous prom episode I was telling you about.

I angle my iPad toward the window and plug in my headphones. If the guys catch me watching Saved by the Bell, they’re gonna give me all kinds of shit.

Me: Alright, Kitty, I’m pressing play. What’s your fascination with SBTB anyway?

Kitty: I have a sister that is fifteen years older than me. As you can imagine, we didn’t have a lot of things to bond over growing up, but when I got older and wanted to escape my parents, she’d let me come over to her place and we’d have movie nights where she’d introduce me to all her old favorites. The Princess Bride, Titanic, Clueless, Friends, Family Matters, and Saved by the Bell.

Me: That’s cool. Only the one sister?

Kitty: Yep.

We watch three episodes, mostly texting about funny things from the nineties – the hair, clothes, dancing, dear God the dancing. But I learn more about Katrina, too. Like for instance, she’s deep. I guess I should have known this since she’s a writer. Aren’t artists all good with their emotions and feelings and shit? Well anyway, she is. I like hearing what she thinks about things, even stupid things like how Mr. Belding is more of a father figure to Zack than his own dad.

Me: We’re pulling into the hotel.

Kitty: Oh, okay. Well good luck tomorrow.

Me: Trying to get rid of me?

Kitty: I assumed that meant you needed to go.

Me: Nah. Give me fifteen and I’ll call you before we turn in for the night?

Kitty: Sure.

I follow Nathan through the lobby and up to the third floor of the hotel where we’re staying. In the room, we toss our stuff on the beds.