Monterey seemed less drab than it had before. Not that it had turned into L.A. overnight or anything. Still, she didn’t hate it as much. Maybe it’s just that I’m getting used to it, she told herself. She was certain she would never come to love it; it was far too uninteresting for that. But maybe she could like it. Or tolerate it, she said, compromising with herself.

She walked the now-familiar route to Cannery Row. She headed for the Starbucks, but at the last minute decided against it and instead went into a smaller local coffee shop. As she stood in line, trying to decide between hot or iced chai, she heard someone say her name. Turning around, she saw Nicole behind her.

“I thought it was you!” Nicole said brightly. “How come you never called me?”

Caddie searched the other girl’s face for any sign of hostility and found nothing. Nicole was genuinely glad to see her. “You know what,” Caddie said, “I lost your number.”

Nicole shook her head. “You should have just asked Nick for it,” she scolded. “He says you haven’t been back in.”

“I’m watching my carbs,” said Caddie, hating herself for the lie.

“Well, here it is again,” Nicole said, handing her a piece of paper on which she’d scribbled the number. “Don’t lose it this time.”

Caddie’s turn came, and she ordered the iced chai. “What do you want?” she asked Nicole. “It’s on me.”

Nicole beamed. “I’ll have a decaf latte,” she told the waiting barista. She turned to Caddie. “Thanks,” she said. “That’s nice of you.”

It’s the least I can do after screwing your boyfriend, Caddie thought while she returned the smile. It was another change; two weeks ago, she wouldn’t have cared. She hadn’t cared. She’d felt sorry for Nicole, but not enough to do anything about it. Now, she did. “Do you have to be anywhere?” she asked.

Nicole shook her head. “It’s my day off,” she said.

“Let’s sit then,” Caddie suggested as their drinks arrived.

They went to a small table near the window and sat down. Caddie took a long time stirring her chai, as if it required great concentration. When she could no longer reasonably justify needing to mix it up anymore, she held the cup in her hands and looked at Nicole. “I have to tell you something,” she said.

It was done in a matter of minutes. When it was over, Caddie waited for Nicole to respond. She’d expected anger, maybe accusations, at least tears. Instead, Nicole smiled weakly and nodded. “I know all about Nick,” she said.

“But what you said,” Caddie blurted. “About you two being—”

“Virgins,” said Nicole. “I know.” She didn’t continue.