Nothing Less

shelter for its protection. Misguided, granted, but she thought he was hurting the dog. But I saw the best in the headstrong little woman then, something that’s hard for me to see now. The Dakota I know is hiding under this jealous, immature stranger in front of me.

I refuse to feed the little green monster on her shoulder.

“This isn’t a competition. If you don’t go, there’s no chance I’m going with you tomorrow.”

Dakota stares at me, waiting for me say another word. I don’t. I have nothing more to say.

I turn to Nora, and she watches Dakota walk away behind me. I can see her from the corner of my eye, and if she says another word, I may lose my temper. I’m fuming, irritated at both of these unpredictable women and at myself for not keeping a better hold on what’s happening in my life.

Nora slowly drags her eyes up to mine. “I—”

I hold my hand up, letting her know it’s my turn to talk. It’s funny how she chooses now to want to talk to me.

I keep my voice down and wait for a man walking his dog to pass by. The dog stops to pee on a trash bag on the sidewalk. Listening to which is a lovely way for us to spend a few tense seconds.

“Before you speak, just know that I’m done playing games here. I’m done with the questions and skipping answers. If you want to be a part of my life, you’re going to let me be a part of yours. Think about this before you reply. I’m serious, Nora.”

I don’t know the extent of what I’m getting myself into, but I know nothing can be worse than being out here, attached to this woman, while remaining utterly unsure of who she is. I would like to think that I know her better than this, that some magical explanation is behind her secrets, but staring back at her now, I’m just not sure. I wish I knew her, and I miss our rooftop in Manhattan. At least that’s one thing about Dakota: I always knew her secrets. I was a part of them.

Nora’s eyes are glossy when I look down at her. “Can I come up?” She reaches for my hand.

I pull away, but lead her inside my building nonetheless.