My phone buzzes in my pocket.With a pickle in one hand, I set the paperback down on my current page and slide my phone from my pocket with the other.A text alights my screen.
How did your classes go?It must’ve been challenging to be back in a classroom.
A second text arrives as I read the first.
It’s Henry, btw.I got your number from Marnie, who got it from Ivy.I hope that’s okay.
Is it?I don’t know what to think or feel except surprise.I take a breath, mouth half-full with pickle.
It’s surprising, but not unwelcome.Hi, Henry.
Hi, Venus.
I debate how to answer his original question.There’s the truth—that my day could inspire a book entitled “How Not To Teach”—and there’s a hundred vague dismissives that could satiate him without lying.Fine.It’s over and done.Could’ve been better.
I huff.I don’t want to lie and say it went well, but I also don’t want to admit I failed, either.So, I compromise.
It was a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.Tomorrow will be better.
It’s a vague truth that must prove true, or I’ll be on the next flight to anywhere else.
The teasing ellipsis appears and disappears, then reappears.And vanishes again.I consider Ivy’s instructions and text him during the intermission.
How were your classes?
The triple dots appear again before his text arrives.
Good, thanks.A formality, really.I came across an intriguing book on local history in the library.Coastal Lore & Legends.
I access my library app and download the book.I read the synopsis and chuckle.
This seems interesting.I’ve also been reading about pirates.
Anything I might be interested in?
I glance at the scantily clad pirate and princess on the cover of Christie’s paperback and smirk.
Probably not.
It’s good research.The Graveyard of the Atlantic will be well-represented in the museum.I just acquired a shackle from Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Impressive.
The mystical dots appear again, and I wait.
I’m sorry about yesterday.
Could you be more specific?
I apologize for ambushing you with Olly.When he found out you were there, he had to meet you.It must’ve been a shock that he knew about you.
I consider his statement.
Yes, but Olly is delightful.I’m honored that he knows about me.
Meeting you meant a lot to him.He talked about nothing else at dinner.
My eyebrow quirks.
