Blanche's POV
When Zain Jacob stood to leave, Castro Dixon got up to walk him out.
I stayed put, quietly pushing my food around the plate.
After dinner, everyone scattered.
Foster and I were both heading back to school, so we took the same route.
The small town stretched out beneath a bright moon and scattered stars, our shadows moving together down the empty road.
Autumn had arrived. Sweet osmanthus bloomed everywhere, filling the air with their heavy perfume.
I'd never been one for small talk, and we walked in silence until Foster finally broke.
"Where did you study, Ms. Callum?"
"Oakwood University."
"I know someone who went there too."
"Small world."
"The principal mentioned you're returning to Oakwood tomorrow?"
"Yes. My stint here is finished."
"Then... would you let me take you to dinner sometime?"
I stopped walking, considered his words, then replied, "If you ever make it to Oakwood, I'll buy you dinner. It would be my pleasure."
