NINE
AlmaLeo is silent as we walk toward the restaurant. There’s a nervous energy encircling us. It’s like we’re surrounded by one of those glass plasma globes that you see at science museums. There are strands of electric currents shooting out from us in all directions, and everyone around us is immune to it. However, if I were to reach my arm out or step out of place, I’d be shocked with a volt of electricity that would bring me to my knees. I just know it.
“So, you were coming from class?” I ask an obvious question. Smooth, Alma.
He hesitates. “Uh, yeah, Econ.”
I nod. “I was just reading. Nothing for school, just a romantic comedy. I’m done with classes for the day.” Word vomit spills from my mouth, and I hate myself.
Leo doesn’t respond.
We reach the diner, and he opens up the do
