An Unpleasant Encounter

*Harper*

I haven’t been to a play since before college, so seeing one in Paris is even more exciting. As soon as the lights go dim and the velvet curtain starts to rise, a hush falls over the crowd and an exciting energy shoots through me. I sit beside Lucas, our knees almost touching, and let myself get swept up in the warm murmur of French conversation that surrounds us.

The actors are brilliant, even if I only catch half of what’s being said. I understand just enough to follow the plot, but it’s the sets and fabulous makeup that really pull me in. Lucas occasionally leans in to whisper a word or phrase to help me keep up, and the way his breath brushes my ear sends tiny shivers over my skin. But it’s not flirtatious, I keep reminding myself. This is just friendly.

When the play ends, we step out into the chilled night air, the golden glow of streetlamps dancing across wet cobblestones. I expect Lucas to say goodnight then, but instead he gestures toward a nearby alley.

“There is a