Page 10 of Knotting With A Stranger

Depends. Does it involve more true crime theories?

Better. 5 Questions. And you have to be honest.

My stomach tightens. Honesty isn’t something I can afford right now, but...

Hit me with your best shot.

First kiss - when and where?

I laugh silently into my pillow.Behind the bleachers, freshman year. Belinda… can’t remember her surname. She tasted like cherry ChapStick and immediately told me I was terrible at it.

OMG Mine was Bobby Wilson at a school dance. He missed my mouth entirely and kissed my nose.

Smooth operator, that Bobby.I curl into my pillow, unable to get enough of her conversations.

Question 2. What’s the one thing you’d grab if your place was on fire?

Easy one.My father’s cast-iron skillet. Been in the family for three generations. You?

Mom’s recipe book. Even though half the pages are stuck together with ancient cookie dough.

Question 3?I shift onto my back, the phone held above my face.

How many serious relationships?

My chest tightens.Two. Girlfriend for three years when I was in high school, then another for almost two.I hesitate, then add:You?

Just one. Todd. College sweetheart turned cheating asshole.

I clench my jaw, surprising myself with how angry that makes me.His loss.

Question 4...The dots appear and disappear several times.If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

I stare at the ceiling, imagining freedom.

Polignano a Mare, this tiny town in Puglia, southern Italy. Grandfather used to talk about it, where he often traveled and found his wife. Tiny restaurant right on the water, fishing boats coming in at dawn. You?

Japan. But not Tokyo... I want to find those hidden mountain villages where they’ve been making the same pastries for centuries.

You’d love it. Watched this documentary about their mochi traditions, the way they respect every step of the process.My mouth waters at the memories.

Tell me more about your Italian town.

My chest aches with wanting.

Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh bread and coffee. Streets so narrow, you can touch both walls. Every restaurant has red checkered tablecloths and wine served in ceramic jugs. And the old women sitting in doorways will feed you until you burst, just because you smiled at them.

Sounds perfect. Take me with you?

The words hit hard.One day,I type, wanting to make it real.

One last question...Long pause.What’s your favorite position?

I nearly choke, then muffle my laugh in my pillow.

For... cooking?

Playing innocent doesn’t suit you, Chef.

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