The cellphone wager

Hannah loved social networking . . . could she drop it for 24 hours?

Hannah, pay attention.”

“What?” I pulled out an earbud just in time to avoid a collision with the door to the employee break room.

“Everyone is so glued to their phones these days,” my friend Jane muttered. “They’re missing out on the details of life.”

“I doubt that I’m missing anything,” I murmured.

“No? Then how about a challenge? Twenty-four hours without your cell.” “What about emergencies?” “You can answer your phone and make important calls, but no texts or social media. No earbuds to listen to music and block out the world.”

My bravado faded. No text messages? No social media?

He smiled, and I noticed that his blue eyes sparkled

“So what’s the payoff if I’m successful?”

Jane gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’ll give you a gift card to your top restaurant.” “And if I lose?” “You’ll take me to dinner at the restaurant of my choice.” “Deal!” I said. After work, I got on the bus, pulled out my phone and froze when I remembered Jane’s challenge. Instead of texting, I sat back and took in the view. A lot had changed in the neighborhood. When had that bookstore opened?

At the next stop, a tall, cute guy got on. He gestured to the empty seat next to me, and I scooted nearer the window.

“Can you recommend a good Italian restaurant?” he asked.

My raised brow must have shocked him.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m new to the area and teach history at the community college.” He laughed—a nice sound that made me smile. “My car’s in the garage so I’m taking the bus.”

I nodded. “I’ve heard that Minelli’s around the corner is good.”

“Thanks, I’ll check it out.”

When the bus slowed for the next stop, he stood. “You get off here?” I asked. He nodded. “Me, too,” I said. After we left the bus, he gestured up the street. “I’m this way. I think we live in the same building.” “No way,” I said. “I just moved in last week. I’m Scott.” “Hannah,” I returned. “I’ve seen you come and go, but you always seem in a rush.”

How could I have been too preoccupied to notice this gorgeous guy? Jane’s thoughts about details were beginning to make sense. As we approached the complex, the scarlet geraniums around the building caught my eye. “They’re so beautiful,” I commented.

“I know, right? They planted them last week, and they’re blooming already,” Scott said. “Last month? Really?” What else hadn’t I noticed while on my phone? For once, I didn’t follow my usual routine of listening to music as I made dinner. Instead, I opened the windows and savored the sounds of the neighborhood— dogs barking, kids laughing.

Afterward, I stepped outside and sat on the big front porch. A few neighbors strolled by and waved. In the distance, a familiar tune played by the high school band had me smiling.

I turned and noticed Scott walking up the street, hands in pockets and whistling the same catchy melody. His face brightened when he saw me. “Out for a stroll?” I asked.

“Yes. Nice neighborhood. But I imagine you know that.”

“No, actually I don’t. I’m on a 24-hour cellphone fast. No texting or social networking. Just enjoying the details of life.”

He smiled, and I noticed that his blue eyes sparkled. “How’s that working out for you?” “Better than I imagined.” “Great. Since you’re enjoying the details of life, want to walk over to the high school and watch band practice?” “Live music?” “Yes. The best kind.” Scott leaned forward and lowered his voice. “The ice- cream truck parks there every evening about this time.” “More details,” I laughed.

Someone’s cellphone rang. Its discordant tone was a rude interruption. Scott glanced around. “Yours?”

“Nope. I left it in my apartment.”

We passed Minelli’s on the way.

“Maybe we can try it sometime,” he said. “I’d love that!” “Saturday good for you?” he asked.

I accepted the invitation, suddenly realizing that by then I’d have the gift card from Jane.

“My treat,” I said as we continued down the street.