Page 19 of Interlude

“You came all the way from Queens,” I reminded her.

She made atsksound under her breath. “That’s right. Okay. Let’s do it.” Joyce smiled, unearthed the keys from her purse, and led the way to the front door.

I murmured the monthly rent to Calvin as we followed her inside.

“Your half would be more than your old place,” he whispered. “Can you afford that?”

“I’ll shop at Goodwill again.” I plucked at the shirt I had on and added, “This was eighty bucks at Nordstrom. And that was itson saleprice.”

As we hiked the stairs, Calvin said, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the creak of old steps, “I think you look sexy in a slim fit.”

I cleared my throat and said over my shoulder, “Maybe I can find another way to save money.”

When we reached the fourth floor, Joyce said, “Here we are—4B.” She unlocked the door and flicked the lights on. “What do you think?”

I cautiously stepped into the apartment.

And it felt as if I’d come home.