Page 41 of Just My Puck
“Sounds good. Say hi to Dad for me.”
After hanging up, I stare out the window again. It’s not the first time I’ve had this kind of talk with my mom, but for once, I agree with her. It wouldn’t be so bad to have someone to share my life with. Only problem is, every time I envision that future, it’s Aria’s face I see myself coming home to.
18
“I guess it’s my birthday.”
Aria
It’s been three days since I’ve heard from Caleb, and my heart still jolts every time my phone pings. I’m walking back from my session with Dr. Stuart when my phone vibrates, and I nearly drop it in the sewer. But as always, it’s one of the girls. We watched the last two games at Marissa’s place, and I hung out a bit at the coffee shop and the bookstore during the day. But never for too long, because Ava’s story was calling to me.
I glance at my phone to see the text from Marissa.
Marissa
Beth’s cousin Celia said she can come early to cover for us, so we could head downtown in about half an hour, if that works for you?
We’re going Christmas shopping today and then watching the game at Marissa’s again.
Aria
Sure. I’ll be right there.
I sigh. I guess Ava’s story will have to wait until tomorrow. I haven’t told anyone but Dr. Stuart about my writing. I like having this just to myself for now. Besides, it’s not like I’m writing a bestseller or anything. It’s just the story of a lost girl.
An hour later, the three of us are getting off the subway downtown. We hit a bunch of stores, weaving through throngs of Christmas shoppers. Beth and Marissa came prepared and found their gifts in barely two hours.
“I’d love to buy something for Caleb,” I say, glancing at the glorious Macy’s shop window. “But it’s hard to buy something for a person who can have anything he wants.”
“True. Not an easy task,” Beth agrees. “But it doesn’t have to be something costly.”
“Yep.” Marissa nods. “Justsomething that shows you’re thinking about him.”
“He’s been so wonderful, though. Nothing will ever come close to repaying his generosity.”
As the words leave my lips, my eyes fall on a gigantic display of LEGO in the shop window, and a light bulb goes off in my head. I wonder if they have Raptors-themed sets, or maybe just hockey? That would be the perfect gift for Caleb.
“Whoa,” Marissa exclaims when we finally locate the toy section. “This is insane.”
She’s right. It’s as though the entire population of New York decided to go shopping for toys at the same time. And given that Christmas is only a couple of days away, that’s probably the case.
“Do you want to look for something else?” Beth suggests, narrowly avoiding getting elbowed by a large man rushing past.
“No, I think he’ll love what I have in mind. But I might be more efficient by myself. Why don’t you two wait for me somewhere?”
They glance at each other.
“I’ll be fine,” I reassure them. “I’ll be quicker on my own.”
A kid starts wailing next to us,and they both nod eagerly.
Marissa rests a hand on my arm. “There’s a coffee shop right across the street. Same entrance we came in. We’ll wait for you there.”
“Sounds good.” I nod.
“Good luck,” Beth says while glancing around the chaotic toy section, not looking too reassured.
We part ways, and with a deep breath, I start worming myself through the crowd of holiday shoppers.
