Then another. A few Italian profanities creep closer and closer to the tip ofmy tongue, and I try my hardest to keep them inside.
“It wasn’t a trick question,” I finally say.
Kevin draws a breath.
“I’m going to go with dogs. Nope, can’t do that. Cats it is. Oh God, no.”He dabs his forehead with a napkin. “Can I say neither?”
“I don’t care,” I snap .
Okay, yes, I forgot to be polite, but I don’t think any jury would find meguilty of anything but exhaustion.
“Can you guess why I said neither?”
“No, but I can guess you’re going to tell me.”
Kevin leans closer. Now he looks like someone who’s about to confess a sin.
“I have a tarantula,” he whispers.
My spine locks. Are those spider legs tap-dancing on my neck? Did hebring the hideous creature with him?
I didn’t have a deadly bite in my bingo card for today.
“Her name’s Charlotte,” he adds proudly.
“From the book?”
“What book?”
I stare at him.
He has a spider called Charlotte and it’s not fromCharlotte’s Web?
“I hate spiders with every fiber of my being,” I admit.
“I find beauty in their eight legs,” Kevin muses.
He fixes me with an unblinking stare. “Their eyes are so intense. Kind ofsultry, if you think about it.”
Why is his voice so husky? Madonna—is he about to suggest some sort of spiderly sex?
I want to go home. I want to go home right now.
“I think we should call it a night.”
Kevin’s shoulders slump. Give me a break. Surely he didn’t enjoy this?
Well, he has the eight-legged Charlotte with her multiple eyes waiting forhim.
*****
At home, Mom offers me a sliced banana, her face full of hope.
“Did you have a nice time? Kevin’s mother promised me he’s a delight.”
I pop a few slices in my mouth and chew.
“He was weird.”
