We stopped at a light, and hundreds of people streamed across the street. I saw men in business suits, carrying attaché cases. I saw women in business suits, carrying attaché cases and pocketbooks — and wearing running shoes instead of high heels. I saw women who looked like models, wearing amazingly chic outfits. Even Claud and Stacey don't dress like that! I saw bicycle messengers flying past, dodging people and cars. And I saw little old ladies carrying shopping bags and walking tiny dogs.

Everywhere I looked there was something to see, and I wanted to see it all, but I knew that if I looked in one direction I'd miss something in another. Stacey nudged me. "We're passing Bloomie's," she said.

I gaped at the big building with the brass-and-glass revolving doors, and at the sidewalk merchants who had set up tables in front of it.

"How about if we hop out and shop for a few minutes?" Stacey teased her dad. "You can wait in the cab."

He smiled. "I have other plans for you, young lady," he said. "I made dinner reservations at the Sign of the Dove."

"All right!" exclaimed Stacey. "My favorite."

For a minute I wished I could go with them. I love to eat out in fancy restaurants, and besides, I was still a little nervous about seeing — and having my Talk with — Quint. But then Mr. McGill asked, "What time are you due at your friend's house?", and I realized that I had to go through with my plans.

"Not until seven," I replied.

"Fine," he said. "Our reservation is for seven-thirty. We'll get you girls settled at my apartment, and then Stacey can put you in a cab."

Just then we pulled up in front of an old brick building. After Mr. McGill had paid the cab driver, we went inside and up to his apartment. I looked around. I'd been there before, but the last time I'd visited New York, I'd stayed at Laine Cummings' apartment, since I'd been traveling with the entire BSC and not all of us could fit into Mr. McGill's place. Laine Cummings used to be Stacey's best friend in New York, but they — well, they're not friends at all, anymore.