She sighs loudly. “Okay, next time you’ll need to make your move quicker; waiting ’til the end is too much pressure. Seriously, find a way to be alone alone during the first hour. Know what I mean? The rest of your time will go great after that.” It’s funny listening to her give boy advice, seeing as how she’s only two dates ahead of me. Being diligent students, we’ve spent many hours discussing hypotheticals and watching MTV. But finally having the chance to plan in situ experiences, well, no comparison. She laughs. “Aislyn’s got a boyfriend, Aislyn’s got a—” I hang up and waltz downstairs, where Sammy gulps the enzyme capsules he needs to take with every meal, and Mom looks up from her coffee. She says, “Sad news in Nova Genetics’ family newsletter. That sweet caretaker Steffie passed away.” She shakes her head. “They say she had a history of health issues, including asthma.” I sink to a chair, a lot less hungry than I was a moment ago.
