He nodded. “It’s not run by the government, is it?”
“No. A famous biochemist who made a lot of money created it.”
“Well, what sort of kids go there?”
“Very smart ones.” She finished her mineral water and glanced at her watch.
In fifteen minutes or so, everyone at Spindrift would be heading for their rooms or the lounge. Corliss and Donna would realize she wasn’t there.
She looked at him. “Don’t you have any ambitions for yourself?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Part of what I’m looking for, I guess. What about you?”
“Ditto.”
He smiled. “Well, isn’t that something?”
“What?”
“You and I are at the same crossroads.”
She laughed. “?‘Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,’?” she said.
“?‘And sorry I could not travel both,’?” he added.
She felt the smile freeze on her face.
“English major?”
He leaned toward her. “Don’t tell your friends.”
“What?”
“I’m going to write that novel someday.”
She laughed.
“I bet you will.” She looked at her watch again. “I’d better go.”
“Is there really a curfew this early?”
“No. There’s not a curfew because there is no permission to leave,” she said, and stood.
“AWOL?”
“Exactly.”
“Need a ride back? If you’re not afraid of hanging on, I’d be glad to run you up at least close enough for you to walk in the gate.”
“Too complicated. I’d rather sneak back in.”
He signaled the waitress and asked for the check. She handed it to him, and he left money on the table.
“How will you get back up the hill?” he asked, walking her out.
“There’s a path and a hole under the fence.”
“Fence? You mean the place is fenced in, too?”