Life In The Palace Read Online Free PDF Page B

adoring crowds. Seth’s nothing like Stacy. I saw him crouch down to talk to some guy in a wheelchair but he was just talking to a guy. He’s not proud of himself for talking to someone in a wheelchair or wondering if anyone’s noticed. I’m not sure he’s even human.
    I sat back to enjoy the show and the comfortable feeling of finally belonging in the city I’d randomly made my home.
     
    On line for coffee and a sandwich on Wednesday, I turned to Maxine behind me, “Why are there no Starbucks around here? Why do we keep going to these Second Cup places? And why is there one on every block?”
    It dawned on me that Maxine was wearing a black singlet, but her chest was just not that muscular. I let my eyes rise. Seth smiled at me. “Second Cup is the Starbucks of Canada.”
    My face must have given away my continued confusion because he said, “It’s the Canadians. Don’t ask too many questions.”
    “Where’s Max?” I asked and then kicked myself for not having a smoother conversation starter.
    “She went to the ladies’ room. I’m holding her place in the line.”
    I nodded like I didn’t care, and tried to ignore the tingles his proximity was inducing down my spine.
    Seth cocked his head to one side. “If you got here as soon as summer session started, what were you doing before Josh herded you into the summer school posse?” It was a slightly random question, but every time I saw him he seemed to find something to talk to me about. How nice is this guy to go out of his way to make the new girl feel welcome?
    There wasn’t really any way to answer the question honestly and still sound remotely interesting. I opted for honesty. “I met this chick Tal. She didn’t have a study partner, so we paired up.”
    “She was also new?” The line inched forward slightly. Seth stepped forward more than I did, which moved him even closer into my personal space. I was acutely aware of my lips.
    “No, she’s from here. But she’s religious and a bit weird. I don’t know whether she didn’t know anyone in the class, or if it was the opposite and everyone else already knew to avoid her.” I laughed uncomfortably.
    “I’m sorry that sounds really awkward.” His tone was surprisingly sincere. Why does he care? Is he just that friendly?
    I felt a little guilty. I’d grown to quite like Tal. “Actually I’ve been wondering if she has Asperger’s, or something, because she’s quite nice. She’s just a bit different.”
    Seth caught my eyes and held my gaze, “There’s nothing wrong with being a bit different.” He smiled and a flood of warmth rushed my body. Before I could respond, the man in front of me moved away and I had to step forward to order.

Chapter 3
    T he air conditioning in the lecture hall created that surreal shopping mall experience where my brain knew that outside it was broiling, but I still wondered if I should have brought a jacket. It was so humid in Montreal I’d practically forgotten I owned any outer wear. My eyelids were drooping. I’d rather relive the night before than pay attention to the lecture. We’d sat at a street side café until nearly midnight. Seth had done his usual number; show up for an hour before heading to work. I tried not to watch him but it was hard when again the only free seat had been next to me.
    Ethan and Josh had been arguing over whether Josh owed Ethan sixteen camels and four donkeys as payment for a bet, or the other way around. Suddenly there was Seth next to me, asking me about live music in Texas. I hope my answers were coherent because as soon as his eyes caught mine I had trouble breathing. I can’t believe that after two weeks he’s still making a point of talking to me so I don’t feel left out as the new one. I let my mind wander to what had become my default daydream: Seth asking me out.
    Seth was just about to make his move, only the 67th time that morning, when something the Professor said managed to penetrate my dream state.
    “The