Katwalk

by Maria Murnane

  “No.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “Yes.”

  She laughed. “Okay, okay. If you must know, I’m a little anxious about my job search.”

  “You’re looking for work?”

  “In theory, yes.”

  He cocked his head toward the counter. “Ever made a latte?”

  She smiled. “I’m more of a numbers person.”

  “What kind of job are you looking for?”

  “Accounting.”

  “You don’t sound very excited about it. I believe I just heard a sigh.”

  “Excited about accounting, or about looking for a job?”

  “Both of the above.”

  She made a sheepish face. “Is it that obvious?”

  “You want an honest answer?”

  “Of course.”

  “Judging by how you’re acting right now, I think you’d be happier making lattes.”

  She frowned. “I fear you might be right, but I don’t have much of a choice.”

  He stood up and squeezed her shoulder. “You always have a choice, Kat.”

  Later that morning, Katrina was on her way to Shana’s ten o’clock class when her phone rang. She caught her breath when she saw the name on the display.

  Reid.

  She hadn’t heard from him in weeks.

  She didn’t think she’d ever hear from him again.

  She looked up at the darkening sky, then answered—with zero plan, this time, for how to act.

  “Hi, Reid.”

  “Hey, stranger. How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing well, thanks.” She knew her voice sounded strained, but she couldn’t help it.

  “Still breaking hearts all over town?”

  She didn’t respond.

  What should she say to that?

  What could she say?

  “Kat, you still there?” he said.

  “Still here. I’m about to go to a yoga class.”

  “What are you doing after yoga? Do you have plans you can’t break?”

  She glanced up at the sky again. It was definitely going to rain. “Why do you ask?”

  “Can I interest you in a matinee later?”

  “A movie?” She hadn’t thought about going to a movie, but a theater would be nice and dry, that was for sure. But she didn’t want to go to a movie with Reid—that was also for sure. She didn’t want to go anywhere with Reid.

  “I was thinking more like The Book of Mormon.”

  She stopped walking. “The Book of Mormon? As in in the smash Broadway musical?”

  “Yep. You interested?”

  She hesitated.

  “Do you have tickets? Isn’t that show sold out like forever?” she asked.

  “I have two incredible seats if I want them. I have a connection through work. The window is closing though. I need to get back to him by eleven or he’s giving them to someone else.”

  She thought about it for a moment. She knew she shouldn’t even be considering seeing him, but seeing The Book of Mormon with him was another story. And seeing a Broadway show was certainly on her to-do list. How could she turn this down? It was nearly impossible to get tickets, and those that were available were way out of her budget.

  “I don’t know, Reid.”

  “Just say yes. We’ll have a blast.”

  She didn’t respond.

  “Snow White?” he said.

  “Why don’t you go with your wife?”

  “Don’t ask me that. Will you come?”

  She squeezed her eyes shut. Why did it have to be so complicated?

  “Can I think about it?”

  “How long do you need?”

  “My class starts in a few minutes. Can I let you know afterward?”

  “Sure.”

  Shana smiled as she lit a candle, then sat down in the front of the room and inhaled deeply. She briefly pressed her palms together, then began to read from a small notebook as the students closed their eyes.

  “From when we’re little kids, we learn how important it is to say no. No to drugs. No to cigarettes. No to strangers. No, no, no. But what about learning to say yes?”

  Katrina opened her eyes. Had Shana been reading her mind?

  Shana continued. “I had a roommate in college who always assumed the worst about people. I could never understand why, but from the get-go, she would think they were trying to con her, or cheat her, or take advantage of her in some way. She was a nice person, a kind person, but it took forever to earn her trust, and as a result, she had few friends. She worked hard in school and has a good job now, but she doesn’t have much joy in her life. She’s very good at saying no, but she never learned how to say yes. Yes to new experiences. Yes to friendly yet unfamiliar faces. Yes to leaving Ohio. Yes to the unknown. She’s built a safe little world for herself, and she’s existing just fine, but in my opinion she’s not really living. And for that I feel sorry for her.”

  Katrina shifted on her mat. How did Shana do it? How did she always know?

  “I’m not saying we need to jump blindly into every opportunity that comes our way, but I think it’s important to have an open mind. Don’t judge a person or a situation on its face, because you just might be wrong. And if you’re wrong, you might be missing out on something amazing.”

  Shana closed her notebook and set it on the small table beside her.

  “Now let’s all meet in downward-facing dog.”

  After class, as she waited outside the studio for Shana, Katrina called Reid.

  “I’ll go.”

  “Excellent. I’ll pick you up in a cab at one thirty.”

  “Okay, see you then.”

  “You’ll see who when?”

  As she clicked off her phone, Katrina saw Shana walking up to her.

  “Reid. Remember the guy who met us at Whiskey Tavern after soccer?”

  “Oh yes, of course. How’s he doing?”

  “He’s good, I guess. Haven’t seen him in a while. He just invited me to the matinee of The Book of Mormon.”

  Shana’s face tightened for a split second at the mention of the show, but her grimace was quickly replaced by a smile, albeit a stiff one. “That sounds fun. I’ve heard it’s an amazing production.”

  Katrina put a hand on Shana’s arm. “I’m sure you’ll get your big break one day.”

  “I think that ship may have sailed, but thanks, Kat. It’s nice of you to say it.”

  “I truly think your day will come. How could it not? You’re a natural in front of an audience.”

  “That’s in a yoga class. On a big stage . . . let’s just say it’s a different story. Want to grab a bite? I’m starving.” Shana started walking.

  “Sure. Where should we go?”

  “There’s this great coffeehouse not too far from our place. You’ll love it.”

  Katrina looked sideways at her. “That place with the big cup on the sign but no name?”

  “You know it?”

  “I’m sort of a regular there. I stumbled across it when I first got here, and I’ve been in there nearly every day since. I had breakfast there this morning. I still don’t know what it’s called though.”

  Shana shrugged. “I just call it the coffeehouse. Josh and I go there all the time. I love their scones.”

  “Blueberry?’

  Shana shook her head. “Plain. Always plain.”

  By the time they reached the coffeehouse, it had begun to rain. They hurried inside and got in line.

  “So what’s the deal with this Reid?” Shana asked.

  Katrina looked at her. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, what’s the deal? He’s married, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “But you like him?”
/>
  “Sort of. Is it that obvious?”

  “A little. He’s very cute. Is he happily married?”

  “I don’t think so. But it shouldn’t matter, should it? He’s married.”

  Shana squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Kat.”

  “Thanks. We’re going to be friends. It’s fine. Just a little awkward at the moment.”

  “Sometimes life is just . . . complicated, isn’t it?”

  “I’m learning that.”

  “Hey, speaking of complicated, we’re taking Gracie to Molly’s tonight if you want to join us.”

  “Who’s Molly?”

  “Molly’s is a pub over on Third.”

  “Oh. Is that why it’s complicated? Because it sounds like a person’s apartment?”

  Shana shook her head. “It’s complicated because Gracie and her pretend boyfriend sort of broke up, so we’re taking her out for drinks to cheer her up.”

  “Pretend boyfriend? You mean the married guy?”

  “Huh?” Shana looked confused.

  “That’s what she called him.”

  “He’s not married.”

  “He’s not?” Now Katrina looked confused.

  “No. I’ll let her tell you the story. Anyhow, Josh and I are taking her out to keep her spirits up, especially since she’s having such a rough time with her jewelry. Things have stalled a bit since that first order came through.”

  “That’s nice of you.”

  “It’s the least I can do. She’s been there for me after many a failed audition, tissues in hand. She acts tough, but she’s a softy underneath.”

  Katrina nodded. “Yeah. She gave me one of her necklaces the day after I met her. I was so surprised.”

  “Yep, that’s Gracie. So anyhow, I hope you can meet up with us tonight.”

  “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do my best.”

  A man’s voice interrupted their conversation. “Well, if it isn’t two of my favorite customers, one of them back for the second time before noon. You two know each other?”

  Katrina and Shana turned to face the counter.

  “Hi, Justin,” Shana said. “You know Kat?”

  Justin smiled. “I know everyone who comes in here. Hi again, Kat.” He gave her a friendly nod. “It never fails—a city of eight million people, and yet it somehow feels like a small town.”

  “We live in the same building,” Shana said. “She’s been taking my classes.”

  “Ah, yes, yoga. She’s told me how much she likes her teacher. I didn’t realize she was talking about you though.”

  Shana looked at Katrina. “You told him about me?”

  Katrina blushed. “Maybe.”

  “You’re so sweet.”

  “What can I get you both?” Justin asked.

  “Just a large orange juice for me,” Katrina said.

  “I’ll have my usual,” Shana said.

  “One large orange juice, one plain scone and a chai tea coming right up,” Justin said.

  Shana nudged Katrina and pointed to a table by the window. “Want to grab that one over there?”

  Katrina nodded toward the exit. “Do you mind if I get mine to go? I need to get a move on for that matinee.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  “Big plans today?” Justin asked Katrina.

  Shana laughed. “Let’s just say that it’s . . . complicated.”

  Right on time, Reid swung by in a cab to pick up Katrina. “Get wet much?” he asked as he held the door open for her from inside.

  After a full week of sunshine, it was pouring again.

  “This is crazy!” Katrina closed her umbrella, then ducked inside and pulled the door shut behind her. “Does it always rain this hard here? I think I ruined my new boots.” She laid the umbrella at her feet, water dripping all over the plastic floor covering.

  “They say it’s supposed to clear up tonight, but they always say that. There’s a reason everyone in New York has ten umbrellas and at least one pair of galoshes.”

  “I’m learning that.”

  “Thanks for coming. It’s really good to see you again,” Reid said with what she now thought of as his trademark grin. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and she nearly gasped when she saw his left hand.

  It was bare.

  Oh my gosh.

  He’s not wearing his wedding ring.

  “Are you okay?” he asked. “You look startled.”

  “Oh no . . . I mean yes, I’m fine.”

  “It really is good to see you again.”

  She gave him a weak smile, stunned.

  Does this mean what I think it means?

  The cab dropped them off at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Forty-Ninth and Broadway. A long line snaked all the way down the block, dozens of umbrellas creating a makeshift, multicolored tent with no sides. The crowd was buzzing with energy, and no one seemed the least bit bothered by the weather.

  As they made their way to the back of the line, Katrina glanced over at Reid, “Do you like the rain?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t mind it. I think it’s pretty, actually. And I like the sound of it. I find it relaxing.”

  “What about snow? Do you like snow?”

  He shook his head. “Now snow I could do without. Snow ain’t so pretty.”

  “Really? But it’s so beautiful in the movies.” Katrina had never lived in a place where it snowed, and she’d always wanted to.

  “When it first comes down, yes, it’s gorgeous. And from a bird’s-eye view, it always looks perfect. But when you get up close and see all the dirt, it’s not so nice. Once it turns to slush and gets covered with mud and exhaust, it can be downright ugly. The distance hides the reality.”

  She gave him a curious look.

  Was he talking about snow? Or was he talking about his marriage?

  She turned her gaze to the street and watched the raindrops dance on the cement before trailing away. The movement was so simple and pure yet hypnotic.

  “Kat?” Reid asked.

  She looked at him. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

  He pointed to the line in front of them, which had just started moving toward the theater.

  “You ready to do this?”

  She smiled. “I am.”

  “So what did you think?” Reid asked as they exited the theater.

  Katrina lifted three fingers, then switched to just one. “Third best overall musical I’ve ever seen, but first overall comedy performance.”

  “You’ve already positioned it in two categories?”

  She nodded, then raised one finger before switching to two. “Best overall was Les Misérables. Second was Phantom of the Opera. I saw them both in San Francisco. They didn’t make me laugh like this one did though. Did you hear that lady behind us snorting?”

  He pretended to cough. “I think the whole theater did. I’m surprised no one called security.”

  “Can you imagine having a laugh like that? I’d be mortified.”

  “I’m sure her poor husband is. Hey, do you want to grab something to eat? I’m pretty hungry.”

  Katrina looked at her watch. It was just after four o’clock. “That sounds great. I’m starving. I didn’t really eat after yoga.” She couldn’t bring herself to tell him why, which was that her stomach had been in knots at the prospect of seeing him again. She was dying to know why he wasn’t wearing his wedding ring, but she forced herself to be patient. He would tell her when he was ready.

  “Do you like seafood? Have you been to Marea?”

  She held up four fingers. “I love lobster, crab, mussels, and scallops.”

  “You like holding up fingers, don’t you?”

  “I guess I do. I’m a numbers person, remember. But today’s the first time I’ve
ever done it.”

  “Well, I find it very endearing. And there’s a first time for everything, right? Let me see if I can get us in for an early dinner on such short notice.”

  “Is it fancy?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Am I dressed okay?” Under her coat she was wearing a sleeveless black-and-white-striped dress with a pair of knee-high black boots, both of which she’d found at a tiny vintage clothing store on East Seventh. She’d accessorized with a pair of teardrop silver earrings she’d bought from Grace. The outfit was bolder than anything else in her closet, but she loved it.

  “You look stunning, as always. You’re the fairest one of all, remember?”

  As Reid pulled out his phone, she once again noticed his bare ring finger.

  Questions fluttered inside her.

  Is he really splitting up with his wife?

  Is it because of me?

  Could he really be my Prince Charming?

  She looked up at the bright lights of Broadway all around, soft and hazy in the mist. It had stopped raining, but the sky was still filled with dark storm clouds, waiting to open up again at any moment. It was still afternoon, but it already felt like evening.

  Reid hung up and put his phone back in his pocket. “Okay, we’re in, but not until five thirty.”

  “Did you use more connections to get us that reservation?”

  “You could say that.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Are you in the Mafia?”

  He shrugged. “Manhattan is a banker’s town. What can I say?”

  “It’s so different from Silicon Valley. Nearly everyone there works in technology. All you hear when you go out for dinner is people talking about this hot app or that hot start-up, or the latest billionaire CEO who isn’t even old enough to rent a car. Nearly everyone here seems to be doing their own thing. I really like that.”

  “There’s a lot to like about New York.”

  “So I’m learning.”

  “You said you wanted adventure, right?”

  She nodded. “Indeed I did.”

  “Well, that’s what I’m here to provide. Why don’t we grab a drink before dinner? I know a good little spot on the way. We could walk there.”

  “Sure.” Despite her wish to be spontaneous, not to mention the giddiness she was feeling at the thought of Reid’s being single, she wasn’t thrilled about the idea of drinking on an empty stomach. Maybe she would just order a soda. Or would that look too unsophisticated?