I take a bite of ice cream as I mull over my answer. “Probably the mountains. I love to ski, but it’s kind of a no-no when you’re trying to become a pro-athlete, you know? Pretty sure Coach would kill me if I broke a leg on the slopes over winter break.”
“You don’t get enough of the cold out on the ice?” she asks.
“You get used to it,” I tell her. “It doesn’t feel all that cold to me, honestly. That might have something to do with the fact that I’m moving a lot, though. What about you? A tropical destination? A cabin in the woods? What’s your dream vacation?”
This time, it’s Mel who doesn’t hesitate. “The beach. I don’t care what beach, really. My grandparents have a place on Lake George. I used to go there every summer and it’s probably my favorite place to be. But I’ve also been to the shore with Josie, and that’s great too. One summer, my dad and his then-girlfriend rented a place in South Carolina—I loved it. So, just give me a shoreline and a beach chair, and I’m all set.”
“Nice. I love colder climates, but I can totally get on board with the beach.”
Mel raises an eyebrow. “Are you inviting yourself on my ideal vacation?”
I smile. “Maybe. Maybe I just happen to be stopping at the beach on my way home from the mountains. Needed to warm up, you know? Figured I’d spend a couple days getting a tan, riding some waves, eating some good, greasy boardwalk food. And if you happen to also be at the very same beach, well, I’m not gonna be rude, ok? I’m gonna say hello.”
“Is that all? You’re not going to invite yourself over?”
“Oh, I totally am. You see, the beach was probably an impulse decision, so I don’t have snacks or anything. I will totally steal yours.”
She laughs. “Will you also snag my fluffiest beach towel and drip water all over my magazine?”
“Probably. Wait, magazine? I had you pegged for one of those girls who sits on the beach with her Kindle in hand, reading sexy books.”
Mel finishes her cone and licks her fingers. “That’s more Josie’s speed, honestly. I just don’t have the attention span. I’m more likely to read a couple quick articles, get up to date on celebrity gossip.”
“Who’s your celebrity crush?” I ask, the question just rolling off my tongue. Talking to Mel is easy.
“Hmmmm…” she says, “I’d have to think about that.”
Mel taps her finger on her chin, deep in concentration, and that’s when I spot a little dot of ice cream at the corner of her mouth. Before I can even think about what I’m doing, I reach out and wipe it away. “You had ice cream on your lip,” I say, pulling my hand back, just as she reaches up instinctively. Our hands brush, and I swear, it’s like there’s an arc of electricity between us. Or maybe it just feels that way to me. But I’m not so sure because Mel lifts my hand up to my mouth and smiles.
"Try it," she says. "I know you like vanilla, but trust me, there are a lot of other flavors out there just waiting to be tasted.”
I lick the ice cream off her finger and yeah, vanilla’s always been my favorite, but I’m a convert now. White-chocolate-raspberry-whatever is officially the greatest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.
“Hmmmm, celebrity crush…” she says, drawing me back to our conversation. “There are so many to choose from…”
I try to guess it in my head. A part of me hopes she’s been harboring a secret crush on that guy from the Harry Potter movies—the one who was sort of chubby and dorky-looking while he was at Hogwarts, but grew up and got shredded…but that might just be wishful thinking on my part.
Mel smiles broadly, as though the answer’s just popped into her head. “It’s a tough question, but Chris Evans comes to mind…”
That’s right, I remind myself, pulling my hand back and mindlessly stirring my ice cream that’s turned into soup. Mel’s into older guys. There’s no way she’d ever be interested in me. This isn’t real, even if the conversation flows easily between us. And I need to remember that before I fall head over ass for this girl.
Text Thread between Mel Cohen and Will Franconetti
Mel:Hey, how’s your day going?
Will: Not too bad. My 8 a.m. was canceled, so I got to sleep in. And Ollie made pancakes, so it’s been a good day. You?
Mel:Long, but fine.
Will:When can we meet up for lesson #2? I’ve got a study group tomorrow, but I could do Wednesday?
Mel:No can do. I work Wednesday night.
Will:What about lunch? We could meet on campus, depending on your schedule.
Mel:The first phase of my internship finishes up this week in Warwick, which is almost an hour away. It makes for super long days. What about next Monday? I start a new schedule and it's a little closer to campus.
Will: Sounds good to me.
