Six months later... 

"WE'RE hanging out at Joe's bar later. Do you want to come with us, Bianca?" 

I pursed my lips at Devi. "I'm sorry, Devi. I'm going to Portland after work." 

Devi smiled. "It's okay, Bianca. Next time, then?" 

"Yeah. Next time." I returned her smile. 

I've been back here in New York now for almost six months. I was able to get back my old post in NYPL when the woman who replaced me before resigned from her job. 

After I got off from work, I drove my car to Portland. 

I was now living alone in an apartment in Manhattan, but once a month I go...