Chapter 5

Evie

Istand under the safety of the awning outside my building on Sixty-Fifth and Amsterdam, scanning the Manhattan traffic as heavy raindrops bounce off the pavement. I rub my hands together for warmth, my wheeled Samsonite perched beside me. A yellow cab speeds past, splashing puddles onto the sidewalk, missing me by inches. Fall has arrived with gusto.

Where is she?

Caroline is not known for her punctuality, but tardiness is out of character for Paul, her punctilious driver.

Caroline relies on him for every detail. Since her husband Bernard's passing, Paul has taken on a variety of roles. Driver, personal shopper, travel agent, and everything in between.

I try calling Caroline once more. Still no answer.

If we don't leave in the next few minutes, we will miss our flight and have to rebook. Which would be a shame. I planned a full first day. We'll hit the ground running. Get the car, head for the park, and take our first hike, an easy three-miler around Mirror Lake.

I feel an excitement I haven't experienced in years. The great outdoors has always called to me. Now it's shouting. Kayaking on crystalline lakes, biking the mountain passes. But hiking out West is my favorite of all.

I open the Uber app. I will hurry to Caroline's place, see what the hold-up is. The Dakota is only a few blocks north. The famed building has housed some of the most prestigious and famous New Yorkers. John Lennon, Judy Garland, Leonard Bernstein. Now Caroline Page.

I'm about to click Request when the call comes. Thank heavens!

"Where are you?" I say, unable to keep the frustration at bay.

I hear some voices in the background. "Is there some issue with Paul? If so, we could just take a cab like normal people."

"No, he's here."

I glance at my watch, irritated at my friend's carelessness. Maybe Caroline's subconscious is sabotaging our trip. She doesn't want to spend a week with a backpack weighing her down while she eats protein bars and pees in the woods. "There's a chance we can still make it."

"I can't come."

"What? Why not?"

"I'm in the emergency room," Caroline sobs.

Caroline never sobs.

Fear forces away my irritation. "Oh my gosh, what happened?"

"I got up early to hit the gym one last time. Paul came to get me and as I was rushing to the car, I wiped out on the sidewalk."

"Oh no!"

"The doctor thinks I broke my leg. I'm so sorry!"

"Sorry? Don't be sorry. I'll be right there. Which hospital?"

"No!" Caroline's sob-to-shout speed is admirable.

"What are you talking about?" I try not to shout back. "I'll order an Uber right now."

Caroline's voice turns firm. "You are getting on that plane, Evie."

"No chance."

"I'm not kidding. This is the most adventurous thing you've done in years. You are not going to delay it because of me. It's all paid for and I can't cancel any of it. And even if I could, I wouldn't."

"I can't just leave you here in the hospital while I'm traipsing through Yosemite. And what makes you think I want to go there alone?" I argue.

"I know you, and you will love it whether I'm with you or not. Paul is here with me so you don't have to worry."

Of course, I'll worry. Caroline has no family. Unless you count Bernard's children who detest their stepmother, certain she only married their father for his money.

"We'll go another time once you've recuperated. Which hospital?" I ask again.

"If you show up here I will never forgive you. And even if I do forgive you, I won't talk to you for the next six months. That means no girly workouts, tables at the best restaurants . . . or mojitos."

I swallow hard. "No mojitos?"

"That's right . . . Please." Caroline's voice breaks. "Please get on the plane."

I badly want to argue further. But I know it's no use. Somberly, I ask, "How can I enjoy my trip knowing my best friend is laid up?"

"Because you will know that I'll be thrilled that you are having the time of your life. Send me lots of photos."

There seems to be nothing left for me to say.

"All the reservation info is in the email I sent you last night," Caroline offers.

A tear streaks down my cheek. "Thank you, sweetie. Feel better. I'm going to call you every day, and you better pick up."

"You got it. Go break a leg," Caroline quips.

I laugh, sadly, and click off.