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Ari was surprised, “That’s far out, all the way in Ditmars? Long walk, stations near Bryant right?”

Cass nodded.

“Do you want me to call you a car?” Ari offered.

Shaking her head, Cass said, “No, don’t worry about me. I like a good walk.”

“Well, I’m not going to let you walk that far alone,” Ari said.

Cass laughed and started walking, “But where are you? Is it out of your way?”

Ari shook her head, even though itwasout of her way, “It’s no trouble. Besides, we still have a lot to learn about each other.”

Cass nodded as they started to walk toward the station with more purpose.

“So, Astoria. Why that far out? There’s no way Last Stitch pays that little, right?” Ari asked.

“Oh, so you wanna talk money?” Cass joked, poking Ari’s arm.

Ari, flustered, tried to recover, “No, I’m just surprised you’d want such a long commute.”

Cass laid her hand flat on Ari’s shoulder, sending a warmth through her skin that Ari could barely handle. It felt like snuggling under a blanket in the dead of winter.

It had been years since she felt a warmth like that… if ever.

“It’s totally okay. I moved out there post-college with one of my friends… my best friend really. And she can’t afford much more – she’s a social worker. And I liked saving extra.” Cass explained.

“So, you’re a saver?” Ari asked.

Cass shook her head, “I didn’t say that. I go on a lot of trips and have other… expenses.”

Ari nodded, sensing that she should stop there.

They walked in silence for a block or two, or three. Ari couldn’t even keep track because although the silence was the comfortable kind that came so rarely, she was nervous.

She knew that the more she learned about Cass the more it would be hard for her to see their time together as a convenient solution. And shereallydid not have time to invest in anything else.

“Also, in case you were wondering, my full name is Cassadra,” Cass added.

Ari nodded, trying to determine what the appropriate answer was.

“And do you like that name… or?”

Cass shrugged, “Not many people have ever used it honestly. It was something Elle used to call me.”

Ari raised her eyebrows, “Your ex?”

Cass nodded and kept walking.

“Can I ask you another question?” Ari asked, hoping to take advantage of Cass’s candid mood.

“Sure, why not? You're my fake girlfriend after all,” Cass said with a wink.

Ari laughed, she hadn’t been someone’s girlfriend in a long time, and said mockingly, “You wanna make me your girlfriend? So soon?”

Cass moved in front of Ari and put on a squinted, flirty face, “Hey girl, I like your vibe. Wanna be a mama?”

Ari gave her a light shove and kept walking, shaking her head, “Very funny.”