Chapter 16

As if Zack could sense my inner turmoil, his smile softened and he opened the bag he carried. He handed me one of the wrapped sandwiches. I took it automatically.

“Think about it while you eat,” he said.

Like I’d be able to do anything else.

* * * *

We lingered at the park for most of the afternoon. We wandered around, holding hands and making small talk about our surroundings. Zack was a biology teacher, and I learned more about the flora than I’d ever anticipated. Not that I retained much. Or even really cared what he talked about. Just listening to his smooth voice was a treat, and I let it wash over me. My brain was occupied with other things.