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I check my phone again and Tessa’s dots have disappeared. She’s probably busy with her other friend. They’ve known each other since they were toddlers or some shit, so it makes sense that this girl takes priority. I’m about to give up and zone out to my favorite Jamila Woods album when a bright light in the dark cabin catches my attention. It’s Wally’s phone in the mesh seat pocket, a text lighting up his screen.

I grab the phone and wave it in his face. “Looks like I’m not the only one who bought the Wi—” But the words get stuck in my throat when I see what the text says.

Please, Wally, just talk to me

It’s from Kieran. And another message quickly appears on top of it:

I don’t understand what happened

“What the fuck, Lenore,” Wally whispers, ripping it from my hand. “Reading my texts? Really?”

“I didn’t mean—” I start, but he’s already jumping out of his seat. He throws me a death glare and then storms off to the bathroom, the phone clutched tight in his hand. Across the aisle, Mom looks worried and Dad gives me another meaningful eyebrow arch. I throw my hands up in response. It’s not my fault Wally is making a scene.

This doesn’t make any sense. Wally and Kieran have always been such good communicators. Like, I’m talking weekly feelings check-ins (that I accidentally walked in on once and roasted Wally about for months) and listening to Esther Perel’s depressing marriage podcast for fun. That good. It’s one of the reasons I thought they would last forever, because they seemed so mature, so in tune with each other. Starting their relationship in high school seemed like a blink in their long, long future together. And I was, low-key, always a little jealous that they found each other so early in life, that they could be settled and out of this garbage fire that is dating before they even hit their twenties. So I don’t understand what could have led to them justbeing... over. And it seems like Kieran may be on the same page as me.

I consider texting him myself to get the scoop. I mean, it’s not like he’s a stranger. He spent ThanksgivingandChristmas with us last year! But that may just make things worse with Wally if he finds out. Better to slowly get it out of him.

I unlock my phone to see if their Facebooks give anything away (because they are actually on Facebook like dinosaurs), but I’m distracted by my messages. Tessa has responded. So I guess she wasn’t too busy with what’s-her-name.

Tessa:Oh girl, if anyone deserves this adventure, it’s you! Please post lots of pics because Roseville is significantly less glamorous and I’m gonna be living through you.

Tessa:I wish you had taken that Tembi Locke book I tried to give you. From Scratch! It’s set in places you’re going. I checked!

I roll my eyes, not wanting to get into this “romantic research” thing she apparently still hasn’t let go. Didn’t she get the hint after what happened at prom that I amsonot into this? But I guess maybe I am sending mixed signals, laughing it off and pretending like nothing’s wrong. Would she lay off me already if I was honest and told her that I’m pretty certain I’m meant to be alone forever because I’m never going to be any guy’s first choice?

Luckily, Theo chimes in, saving me from doing something cringe-y like baring my soul.

Theo:Isn’t that book about her husband dying? I’m pretty sure my mom read it a couple years back because it was a Reese’s Book Club pick. I only remember because she was crying so much after and made my dad go to the doctor.

Tessa:I marked the happy parts with post-its!!!!

Lenore:Your mom’s a Reese stan?

Theo:Who isn’t a Reese stan? She is universally appealing

Tessa:There are a lot of happy parts!! You can probably download an e-book. How many hours do you have left in your flight?

Lenore:She does have playing the epitome of privileged white lady DOWN. I think she must actually be really cool right?

Theo:Definitely. I think her work is intentionally subversive.

Tessa:Why is everyone ignoring me???????????

Theo:Because you’re harping on the same note and not taking a hint

Lenore:Yeah, I love you but can you just give it a rest for now

Lenore:I don’t want to talk about it

Tessa:Fine

Theo:By the way, Lavon and I went to the open mic at Viento y Agua last night, and it wasn’t terrible.

Lenore:That’s a ringing endorsement!

Tessa:I just want to tell you one more thing, and then I promise I’ll let it go. You need to go to the Trevi Fountain and throw two coins in. If you do, you’ll fall in love by the end of your trip. There are like loads of examples.

Theo:TESSA!