PS: Does room 101 contain your worst fear?
She smiled as she read his words, feeling inordinately happy that he had replied so quickly. She glanced at her watch. It was 4:00 p.m. in the UK, which meant it was around 11:00 a.m. in New York. She assumed he was either in the library or at home at his desk, working on his laptop. After chewing on a fingernail for a while, she decided to respond.
From: [email protected]
Subject: My Worst Nightmare
Richard,
Since you’ve read Harry Potter, I suspect you already know what my worst nightmare is. But since I cannot say the name, I’ll tell you instead that I’m sharing a bedroom with a six-foot tall, chain smoking, French-speaking Amazonian. I have no doubt that anybody with a name beginning with V would be scared shitless by her. I know I am.
Hanna
From: [email protected]
Subject: Embarrassing …
Hanna,
I’m trying to keep some street-cred and not let on I’ve been reading children’s books during my summer vacation. Can we keep this between you and me?
When does the next book come out, anyway? Can I borrow it from you?
Richard
From: [email protected]
Subject: Embarrassed … you?
Richard,
It’s always a shame when a rich Manhattan boy like yourself can’t afford to buy a book. I’ll ponder on that while I’m eating the refectory’s latest dinner offering. I believe we’re in for a treat tonight—Tuna Casserole with a side of over-boiled spinach. I’ll think of you while I’m masticating.
Hanna
PS: There’s these strange things called libraries …
From: [email protected]
Subject: I’d rather read yours
Seriously.
Richard x
Hanna smiled at the kiss on the last email as she logged off. All in all, today was turning out to be a good day…a really, really good day.
THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY, Hanna found herself in the backstage area of the University’s concert hall, pushing her way through the packed corridors. They were teaming with rock bands, comedians, and variety acts, all vying for dressing space.
As the headliners, Fatal Limits had been given their own room, set apart from the rest of the performers. Hanna pushed her way inside and she could see that at least one of the band was already taking advantage of having a groupie following.