“It’s been sort of a wild six months.”
She nods and huffs in agreement.
“But no matter what’s happening in my life,” I say, “I never want you to think there isn’t room for you too.”
We step out from under the bridge and the sun is delightfully warm. It’s so bright I’m forced to squint.
“I think…” She begins to speak but trails off, her eyes traveling across the river to the Manhattan skyline. “I think maybe there was part of me that was jealous.”
“You? Jealous of me? Does not compute.”
“Even though things with Jasper have been hard, it’s also been sort of epic—like a classic love story full of drama and excitement. It’s the sort of romance I always wanted.”
“Believe me, all that drama is not the one. It’s not like it’s been fun.”
“I know.” She gestures with a nod toward the steps by the carousel and we make our way over, passing the fiberglass horses, spinning aimlessly inside the large glass cube structure. “I know I shouldn’t covet your trauma. I think I just saw your life and then looked at mine and wondered why things had shaken out the way they did.”
We sit on the cold steps and I shiver into my jacket but continue to spoon the delicious cookie-dough ice cream into my frozen lips.
“I thought things with the bro-twins were better than ever. It’s not like you’ve been drama-free this whole time.”
She laughs a little and bumps her shoulder against mine. “Tell me about it. I had no idea dating two guys would be so admin heavy.”
“Can you expand on that?”
“It’s part of why I haven’t been in touch sooner. There’s just so much work figuring out when to see each of them individually, when we’re going to spend time together as a group, making sure everyone feels equally valued, squashing any jealous thoughts. Being poly takes work. Today is the first day since New Year’s I haven’t had plans with one of my mates.”
“I’m flattered you’d choose to spend it with me.” I offer Katie my tub and she offers hers in return. Hers is choc mint and it’s super refreshing. “Actually I think I can relate. With Jasper going back to college my life is about to get super adminny too. It’s going to be all schedules and booking dates in advance and finding times to FaceTime.”
“Who would have thought romance would be so much like working a reception desk?” she asks with a laugh.
“Not me. And I totally wouldn’t have signed up for it if I knew it came with homework.”
We share a laugh and it feels so good. Katie hands me back my tub of ice cream and I scoop the remains from the bottom before watching her polish off hers as well. She smudges some on her lip and I hand her a napkin.
“Jasper and I are going to try and mind-link,” I say. “To combat the rising tide of paperwork.”
“Wow,” she says. “I’ve heard about mind-linking. It’s supposed to be really difficult.”
“We’re going to start practicing.”
“Good luck. But I suppose if anyone can do it it’ll be you two. What with your new powers and all.”
At this I sense her mood shift. The sun dips behind a cloud and I’m suddenly reminded of the season once more.
“What about my new abilities?” I ask. “You seemed weirded out by them, when you first heard about them and at the party.”
She places her empty cup down and studies the rocking river. “I can’t lie to you, Max. It is sort of strange. Like you get this insight into me that I don’t get into you. It’s like you get the upper hand.”
“But we’re not in competition?”
“No but—I’m not explaining it right. It’s like you get to know me in this new and intense way and I don’t get that with you.”
To our right, the carousel has stopped moving. Kids are jumping off while others stream on, picking their horses, their faces excited about the ride they’re about to embark on.
“Remember when we used to ride on that carousel when we were kids?” I say.
“Totally. Remember that time you ate too much popcorn and nearly vomited all over Thunder?”
