My next step was to log on to my LexisNexis search account and run her name. I was surprised there were several Cheryl Kravitzes on the east coast. Seven in New York alone. Thank God LexisNexis gives a lot of extra information. I guessed at her age and then matched it to one woman listed in the public records section of the site and saw that she had a house on Staten Island. It seemed to add up.

By dinnertime, Bart Simpson and I strolled over to my mother’s house. I thought I was being sly. But as soon as I stepped in the door, my mom, lounging comfortably on the couch, said, “Look who got dressed up to come visit his girlfriend.” She gave me a smile and a wink.

She also immediately made me self-conscious about the fact that I was wearing a nice, collared, button-down shirt and new Dockers. I was going to argue, but arguing a point had no effect on my mother. And in this case, she was right. I was hoping to hang out with Alicia for a while.

My mom said, “Alicia’s training shift at the hospital just ended, and she’s visiting Natty.”

For some reason that news disturbed me. “Why’s she visiting Natty?”

“Probably because his brother hasn’t been to see him since he was moved to a regular room.”

“That happened about an hour ago.”

“Three hours ago. And that’s why Alicia is being nice and polite by visiting your brother.”

“I was going to go by and see him tonight.” I hated to lie. That meant I’d probably make the trip down to Newburgh sometime before nine o’clock to pop in and say hello to my brother. But if I did that, I’d miss Alicia. She’d be on her way back here.

Then I had an idea. I looked at my mom and said, “I’ll go see him right now. Are you okay here alone for a couple of hours?”

“I’ll be asleep sooner than that. Don’t worry about me. Go see your brother.”

I raced down to the hospital and caught Alicia just as she was saying good-bye to Natty. I talked her into staying a few minutes longer, then convinced my brother he was exhausted and got him to fall asleep.

When I suggested coffee, Alicia said she was tired. “I only have class until noon tomorrow. Would you be free to hang out then? Maybe in private somewhere.”

I felt a rush at the offer. An offer I didn’t take lightly. This beautiful girl, smart and considerate, who wanted to spend time with me. Alone. That was great. I knew I was grinning, but couldn’t stop it.

Then I thought about my plan.

Alicia read it on my face. She said, “What? What is it? You can’t do it, can you?”