Sorry,” I said. He was the guy that looked familiar somehow. I started to go around him, trying to act casual. But his voice stopped me. “What are you doing here?” he asked. I thought about answering “growing older.” But he kind of had a cop attitude and instinct told me not to crack wise. Maybe he didn’t realize that he was the one out of place here. “Going to the kitchen,” I said. “The kitchen is on the other side of the building,” he said. How did he know that? “Well, duh. I know that. I’m on my way to the atrium. It’s my turn to dust the trophy cases this week.” That was an incredibly good lie, and I was really proud of myself for thinking of it so fast. The guy just looked at me for a minute. “I thought you said you were going to the kitchen,” he said. Oops. “I meant I’m going to the kitchen after I dust the trophy cases.” Whew. He squinted at me. “Didn’t I see you in this hallway a few minutes ago?” “I’m sorry, may I ask who you are?
