*Jane*

At first, I’m frozen, not really sure how to react.

But I soon realize that this new girl has held out her hand to me in greeting and that I’ve just completely zoned out. My initial response is to slap her hand away, for some or other reason. But I don’t.

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask, and she smiles patiently at me.

“My name’s Jessica. And you are… ?” she asks and I shake her ...