Page 26 of We Used To Be Magic

We’re at this record-shop/deli/coffee place downtown, one of Caroline’s favourite haunts. It’s too far out of the way for me to come here often but I wanted to dazzle Audrey with my urbanite know-how by taking her somewhere cool. I doubt it’s worked but she seems happy. I know I am, sitting opposite her at a wobbly metal table on the pavement outside. I’m still grappling with how surreal this all is, actually. Last night feels like a dream – I still don’t believe in cosmic whatever, but there was a definite vibe of unreality that I haven’t quite shaken off. Of course, that fact that she looks like she does isn’t helping. It’s a clear, blue-skied morning, and in the daylight, I can see her smatteringof freckles, the coppery tint to her dark hair. She’s probably noticing how unkempt my eyebrows are.

‘There’s goat’s cheese gnocchi on the menu at your restaurant,’ she says then, delicately dabbing the corner of her mouth with a napkin. ‘I really wanted to try it.’

‘Why didn’t you?’

‘Well, everyone else had ordered salad, so …’

‘Oh, you were the salad table! I cleared your plates!’

‘The salad table?’

‘Uh-huh. The kitchen loved you. Easiest service of the night.’

‘Good to know.’

‘Sorry.’ I grin. ‘Come back sometime and Romy’ll make you that gnocchi. Extra cheese and everything.’

‘Romy – is she the chef I met?’

‘Uh-huh. And my sister’s girlfriend.’

‘Oh, you have a sister?’

‘Two. How about you?’

‘Just me,’ she says – a little sadly, maybe? I don’t know her well enough to tell, yet.

‘Must have been quiet.’

‘Uh-huh. Apart from all the construction noise.’

‘The what?’

‘My parents fix up houses. It’s their thing.’

‘Oh, that’s cool. Like a hobby, or … ?’

‘Like a job.’ She shrugs, looking embarrassed. ‘We live in them while they renovate. I know it’s weird.’

‘They were probably around a lot, at least.’

‘Sure. I’d have rather had sisters, though.’

‘Take mine.’

She smiles, but I think this conversation might have gotten too personal too soon. I mentally fumble for a segue.

‘Do you like the city?’ I manage – clunky but salvageable.

‘Oh, totally. I haven’t done anything touristy, though.’

‘Maybe we can see if they have bagels at the Empire State Building, next time.’

‘Is it worth it? The view?’

‘I don’t know. I’ve never been.’

‘Seriously? How long have you lived here?’

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