Page 9 of Blind Date
“Is that so?” My brow raised. “And do you or any of the other students have a nickname for me?”
“Not yet,” Zoey said. “But I’m sure they will soon. Come on, Maya.”
“I’ll order a pizza for dinner,” I shouted as they headed to Zoey’s room.
It took an hour for the pizza to arrive. I set the table and called Zoey and Maya. As we were sitting down, I decided to tell them about Mr. Monopoly.
“I had an interesting day after school,” I said.
“What do you mean?” Zoey asked.
“I stopped at the coffee shop for a coffee. As I was sitting at a table, reveling in the goodness of caffeine, I overheard this man at the next table talking about Avila’s bakery, and how if he didn’t sign the new lease and agree to the new terms, he’d be evicted.”
“Nooooo,” Maya whined. “That’s our favorite bakery. My mom gets everything from there.”
“Right? I was so angry with the way this rich guy was talking, I had to speak up.”
“Mom, you didn’t,” Zoey sighed.
“Oh, but I did. I even have a nickname for him. Mr. Monopoly.”
“Is he old?” Maya asked.
“No. I’d say he’s about my age.”
“Old.” Zoey and Maya looked at each other and laughed.
Rolling my eyes, I bit into my slice of pizza.
“If he’s about your age, is he hot?” Maya grinned.
The corners of my mouth curved upward. “He is. It’s too bad he’s the anti-Christ and going to bring about the apocalypse with his mouth.”
“Okay. It’s been fun, Mom, but we’re going back to my room.”
“What time does your mom want you home, Maya?” I asked.
“She said eight o’clock.”
“Okay.” I smiled.
Two Weeks Later
Once the studentsplaced their phones in the basket, I sat on the edge of my desk and stared at them.
“Today, we’re doing something different.”
“Please don’t make us act again,” Jeremy groaned.
“I’m not making you act, Jeremy.”
“Thank God.”
“I’m making you judge people. And I know that’s what every single one of you has perfected in your teen years.” I smiled. I stood up, walked over to the board, and pointed to the four names in large letters.
GATSBY
DAISY
