Her eyes traced the room. “No, but thanks for asking.”
“When you phone your boyfriend, tell him I said gracias.”
Her cheeks burned. “He’snotmy boyfriend. We haven’t even had a date yet.”
Fernando arched an eyebrow. “Not a single date?”
“Nuh-uh. He gave me a ride home, and we’ve been talking every night since, but that’s it.”
“So that’s the story you’re going to stick to?”
“It’s the truth.”
“Sure,” he said sarcastically, winking. “You mind if I leave my work of art here until later?”
Why don’t Fernando and Suzy believe me? We’re just two people who talk. Maybe friends?
“No, feel free.”
“Bueno.”
Taking the bin bag with him, Fernando exited the room, closing the door behind him. She stared once more at her pumpkin. Instead of a face, she’d opted to try and create a bat. Tracing her fingers over the rough, uneven edges of its silhouette, she had to admit, she was thrilled with how it had turned out.
Unlike Fernando’s, people would be able to tell what it was from a distance. When they returned to the hotel later that night, she planned to test out how the tealight candle would make the pumpkin glow to life.
Her mobile vibrated. Glancing at the screen, she noticed she had a message from Tim.
Tim: Nice photos! The bat was a good choice! I have a soft spot for them.
Gemma grinned to herself. He’d known what it was!
Gemma: Are you free from school yet?
Tim: Almost. I have two kids sitting in detention for chewing gum during class.
Gemma: And you’re texting me in front of them?
Tim: They’re busy playing on their phones. One of them has it under the desk, and the other kid is pretending to go through his backpack. They think I can’t see what they’re doing, but I know all the tricks.
She laughed to herself, trying to picture the scene.
Gemma: I won’t keep you too long. Does eight your time work tonight? I should be back at the hotel by then.
Tim:*Thumbs-up emoji* I’m a little surprised you have a matinee show on a weekday.
Gemma:DOI likes to give out free tickets to local schools. They get a field trip to see us, and the company receives good PR in the media for it.
Tim:That makes sense. It’s a win-win for both parties.
Gemma: Before I let you go, one follow-up question for you.
Tim: Fire away.
Gemma: Why doesn’t American baseball have a time limit for its games?
Tim: Most people would probably tell you it’s always been played that way, but it beats me. I love the game, but itwouldbe nice if it didn’t last three to four hours.
Gemma: They can last that long?
