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Maybe Dave is pretty cool after all.
At noon, I follow the stampede to the cafeteria. I
avoid the main line and go straight to the counter with
the choose-your-own fruit and bread, even though the
pasta smells amazing. I’m such a wuss. I’d rather
starve than try to order in French. “Oui, oui!” I’d say,
pointing at random words on the chalkboard. Then
Chef Handlebar would present me with something
revolting, and I’d have to buy it out of shame. Of course
I meant to order the roasted pigeon! Mmm! Just like
Nanna’s.
Meredith and her friends are lounging at the
same table as this morning. I take a deep breath and
join them. To my relief, no one looks surprised.
Meredith asks St. Clair if he’s seen his girlfriend yet. He
relaxes into his chair. “No, but we’re meeting tonight.”
“Did you see her this summer? Have her classes
started? What’s she taking this semester?” She keeps
asking questions about Ellie to which he gives short
replies. Josh and Rashmi are making out—I can
actually see tongue—so I turn to my bread and grapes.
How biblical of me.
The grapes are smaller than I’m used to, and the
skin is slightly textured. Is that dirt? I dip my napkin in
water and dab at the tiny purple globes. It helps, but
they’re still sort of rough. Hmm. St. Clair and Meredith
stop talking. I glance up to find them staring at me in
matching bemusement. “What?”
“Nothing,” he says. “Continue your grape bath.”
“They were dirty.”
“Have you tried one?” she asks.
Anna and the French Kiss | 38