Evelyn With just a few days before the New Year, people are out and about in town. Ava’s already waiting when I arrive at Joe’s, seeing as I’ve been struggling to find parking. I may live in New York now, but I still know very little about my new hometown. The hostess smiles as I tell her I’m meeting a friend who’s inside, so she nods, and I head over to Ava. Though I saw her only yesterday, it still feels like I haven’t seen her in forever. Her hair, still thick with curls, cascades around her shoulders. She’s wearing a thick sweater and staring at her menu. I walk up to her, touching the table to get her attention without scaring her. “Hi.” Ava looks up at me with her light eyes, her makeup shimmering on her face. It’s like I barely know this person, when in reality, she might be

