“Okay, dream college?”

“Smith.”

Never heard of it. “Dream stage to play on?”

“Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.”

“Do you like me?” I ask, feeling bold.

Maggie stops walking. Looks at me. “I don’t know.”

“What do you not know?” I ask.

“You’re always putting a little act on. I promise it’s cute, but I see through it.”

“What do you see?” I ask, curious.

She thinks. “I see a nice guy with a good heart. But he’s also good at acting. Always putting on a show.”

“I’m not putting on a show,” I say.

“I like you without the show.”

“I like you, too.”

“Then drop the act.”

“I’m an actor—this is who I am.”

We walk in silence. I like Maggie. I feel good around her. I want to tell her everything, but what does it matter now? This is my last night here. I don’t want her feeling sorry for me.

She stops. “This is me.”

I look up at the building, six stories high and old-fashioned, a very New York apartment building. A shiver moves through my body.

“August, when you’re ready to be real, give me a call.”

I watch her walk up the stoop steps and unlock the door, hoping she will look back. When she doesn’t, I feel cold and alone.

Eighteen

Eighteen

Saturday, October 19

8:10 A.M.

Panic and regret hit as soon as I open my eyes. Yesterday rushes back to me. I should have picked a different restaurant. My stomach turns and my head throbs from the champagne. Today is not going to be a good day.

I need water. Lots of it. Aunt Lil is at the kitchen table, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper. “Good morning, sweet boy. How was your night?”

“I said my goodbyes.”

“This isn’t the end.”

“Did you make up with Davina?” I ask, pouring a glass of water.

Aunt Lil shushes me and whispers, “She’s sleeping.”

I’m happy they made up. She starts collecting her things like she’s leaving. “You going somewhere?” I ask.

Aunt Lil exhales loudly. “I can’t stop thinking about last night. I’ve decided that our conversation with your parents isn’t done. We need to go up to Times Square, knock on their hotel door, and demand to talk to them.”

“Go there? They will force me back to Pennsylvania.”

She grabs her keys off the hook. “If they want you to go back with them, then we’ll deal with that. But for now, let’s show up. Maybe they are enjoying the free hotel buffet or whatever. We need to talk to them. We can convince them.”

I’m unsure about this approach. My parents aren’t big on confrontation. But my aunt is so confident. Hope creeps in. I won’t be alone. No more lies. Everything on the table. “I’ll go change,” I say, and head upstairs.