Despite the weather, tourists pack Union Square, and it makes our progress slower. “Can we stop in Barney’s?” Cal asks. “I want to buy a new scarf.”Mom insisted I drive Cal downtown. Just like last night, at the requisite viewing of the Nutcracker, the Desmaraises had to join us and Cal just had to sit next to me. Not that I mind too much. Things are finally as normal between us as they can. All it took was for me to end up in the infirmary.I duck beneath the shallow awning of Macy’s. “Sure. I need to find a gift for my mom.”Cal reaches for my hand, but I shove it in my pocket. She widens her eyes and sighs. “Stop being ridiculous. I don’t have cooties.”The light turns green, and I step into the rain, leaving Cal behind. All week, she’s guided me through groups of adults at the endless parties we have to attend. Answering for us. Prompting me. Playing the role of girlfriend. “You’re not my girlfriend,” I remind her when she catches up to me. I don’t want her or her mind games.
