I started to turn toward the closest bus stop. Alex turned…

““I started to turn toward the closest bus stop. Alex turned the other way. " Suivez-moi ," he commanded. So I followed. " Bon.Je pensais que nous irions- " "Alex." He stopped. "Ella." "Don't do that, the immersion thing." "Mais, c'est tres important. " "Alex." "Ella." "Please.I know you do this with other linguistic losers, but it makes me feel like I should have a great big L lipsticked onto my forehead in some swirly French calligraphy." "Do you often contemplate decorating yourself in such a manner?" I took a quick look down.I was wearing Sienna's turtleneck again, but my own jeans. There was a large blue sea horse from the art museum fountain running from my knee to the crease of my thigh. "Yeah," I admitted. "I do." "Quelle horreur! " he declared, eyes round in mock distress. " Casse-toi. " He let out a bark of laughter that sounded just like a seal. "Tres bien , Mademoiselle Marino. Got any more?" "A couple.Frankie gave me a copy of How to Offend the French when I managed to get a B in 1B last year." "Well,I never trade insults on a first date. Not that kinda guy. But after two or three..." I liked that he'd said "date," instead of "tutoring session." Even if it wasn't and he totally didn't mean it. I couldn't help it.””

— Melissa Jensen