‘We’re getting Wi-Fi installed,’ I said, stopping in front of 14L. ‘Not using modem connections any more should solve our spyware problems. For now anyway. Why? Did he ask you out?’

‘Of course,’ Lulu said. ‘But I’m supposed to go out with a Libra next and he’s a Capricorn, so it will never work.’

‘Are you ready?’ I asked her, my finger hovering over the bell.

‘I’m ready,’ Lulu said, putting away her compact. ‘But are you sure you wouldn’t rather go to Nobu? Pizza always does a number on your insides. And we could go to Cave after.’

‘My insides,’ I said, ‘are already messed up. The truth is, they’re never going to match my outsides.’ I rang the bell. ‘But you know what? I’m starting to think nobody’s insides do.’

‘I’ll get it,’ I heard Frida shriek inside the apartment. A second later, the door to my old home opened, and Frida, in sweats, with face cream all over her T-zone, stared at us.

‘Oh my God,’ she said, her jaw slack as her gaze darted from me to Lulu and then back again. ‘Oh my God, it’s… it’s… it’s… ’

‘Hi, Frida,’ I said. ‘It’s me. Can you tell Mom I’m here? I brought pizza… and my friend Lulu.’

‘I–I — I —’ Frida was so excited, she let the door bang shut in our faces. I could hear her tearing through the apartment, screaming, ‘Mo-oom! Guess who’s here?’

Lulu looked at me curiously. Then she said, ‘Nikki? How do you even know these people?’

‘Lulu,’ I said. ‘I wouldn’t even know where to begin.’

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