Page 26

She holds up the wrapped hand and studies it.

Gabi brings the printed pages over and sets them beside her.

“Thanks.”

The girl tucks them into her notebook, then reaches for the shoe on the floor.

Her foot catches the folded heel.

My hand starts forward.

I stop it.

She tries again.

Gets it.

I pick up my paperwork.

“I know your number,” she says.

I look back.

“Twenty-seven.”

“So you knew who I was this whole time.”

“Yes.”

“And still let me make an ass of myself.”

“You did that without help.”

I laugh.

Fair enough.

She settles the notebook back onto her knees.

“Do you do that with everybody?”

“Do what?”

“Where you’re friendly at people.”

“Pretty much.”

“Even when they tell you to go away?”

“I’m usually better at it.”

“Does your therapist know that?”

Astrid’s face arrives immediately. The cool eyes. The look across the parking lot, after she had already finished deciding I wasn’t worth stopping for.

“I’ve got until Monday to improve.”

“Unlikely.”