He was reading a book, but glanced up as I passed by. “What’s the word?” “You tell me,” I said, slowing my pace, but avoiding his eyes. “That again.” He sounded annoyed. “Ugh.” “Ugh.” I nodded enthusiastically. “Great word. Be sure to let Steve know, because I have to do . . . something.” Like avoid accidentally touching him, so he doesn’t cringe. Or, make sure he doesn’t ask me if I’m going out with Nick. Not that it was a secret since I was allowed to date whoever I wanted. Why did I feel the need to remind myself of that? I walked into the locker room, sat on one of the uncomfortable metal benches, and pulled out a People magazine to keep me occupied while waiting for my Zumba class to start. After only a few minutes, Erica arrived, and stopped in front of me. “You’re avoiding me, just like you’re avoiding your mother.”
