Free Hung Up by Kristen Tracy Page A

were.
    Lucy: But that’s what you were starting to think, isn’t it?
    James: No. I was starting to think that I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do when I see Jairo and Nan tomorrow night.
    Lucy: You’re supposed to pretend like they don’t exist and dance your ass off.
    James: Lucy, that seems like a game.
    Lucy: It’s not a game. It’s a strategy for protecting your heart. And your image.
    James: I don’t care about my image.
    Lucy: That’s probably because your reputation is in good standing. But forcing a weird Nan encounter at the dance could change that.
    James: I guess you’re right.
    Lucy: I know I’m right.
    James: You’re sounding really bossy tonight.
    Lucy: It’s only the afternoon.
    James: Even that sounded bossy.
    Lucy: I didn’t mean to be bossy.
    James: Yeah. Okay. I’ve got homework.
    Lucy: Are you going to call me later?
    James: I’m not trying to blow you off. I’ve really got homework. I’m working on a report about America’s invasion of Grenada.
    Lucy: For what class?
    James: History.
    Lucy: But you just finished a report on the Rough Riders for that class.
    James: I’ve got a report due every week for the rest of the year in history.
    Lucy: That’s too many. Especially for somebody who is anti-essay.
    James: I don’t mind writing these. It’s for history.
    Lucy: You sound depressed.
    James: I’m not. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.
    Lucy: Is this about our date? I don’t want our date to stress you out.
    James: That’s not it. I’m looking forward to finally meeting you. Really. And I feel so much better knowing that you won’t be punching anybody in the face.
    Lucy: Ha-ha. But I didn’t say anything about not kicking certain people in the knee. Or the no-no spot.
    James: The no-no spot? What are we, ten-year-olds? I’m glad you can have a sense of humor about this.
    Lucy: I’m glad that you’re glad.
    James: I’ll call you tomorrow. I mean, I’ll see you tomorrow.
    Lucy: Does that mean you won’t call me?
    James: Do you want me to call you? Does that make our meeting more like a movie or less for you?
    Lucy: Um, good question. I guess less.
    James: So you don’t want me to call?
    Lucy: Um.
    James: You’re nervous.
    Lucy: No. Maybe. I don’t know why I’m sounding like this. I’m actually really excited.
    James: Okay. How about I call you after I exit in Montpelier?
    Lucy: Okay. Do you need me to give you directions again?
    James: I have them. Township Road. Fourth house. If I see the words “Cream Dog,” I’ve gone too far.
    Lucy: Right. So, four thirty tomorrow.
    James: Exactly.
    Lucy: Wow. Exactly.
    April 18, 4:45 p.m.
    Lucy: You’re late. Are you lost? Did you hit traffic in Burlington? Hmmm. Call me. Okay?
    April 18, 5:10 p.m.
    Lucy: If you don’t get here soon, I’m going to think that you were in some sort of horrible accident. Seriously. Where are you? I’m totally ready. I even have your boutonniere in my refrigerator. I also put the carrot cake in there to thaw out. Okay. Maybe you thought we said five o’clock. Maybe you aren’t that late.
    April 18, 5:38 p.m.
    Lucy: I just tried to find your home number in the phone book. Then I called the operator. It’s unlisted, James. God, maybe you don’t even exist or something. Or maybe you said you were James Rusher, but you’re not really James Rusher. Maybe you’re some creep named Neil or Alexander or Ted. What’s going on? Where are you? It’s totally messed up to be this late. I’m worried. I’m angry. God! The road conditions are perfect. I’ve checked NOAA six times. Just get here, okay?
    April 18, sent 5:43 p.m.
    Lucy: Are you okay? Are you coming? I’m worried about you. You said “exactly.” So now you’re late and you’re a liar.
    April 18, 6:21 p.m.
    Lucy: So we’re not going to the dance. Because it will be too late now. Or maybe we could go to the dance and skip dinner. I’ll call Single Pebble and cancel our reservation. I really think you’ve been in an