Small Steps

X-Ray paces in front of Armpit’s house after Armpit tells him about Detective Newberg’s visit. He is not impressed with Armpit’s cover story but still thinks they will be OK. He tells Armpit “[t]he police have better things to do than launch a big investigation over a couple of phony tickets” (165).

At school, Tatiana asks Armpit how the concert was but she loses interest as soon as he tells her that he took someone else. In class, Armpit repays Matt the $1 he borrowed, and Matt seems surprised.

Back home, Ginny and Armpit talk about Kaira and the concert incessantly. Armpit is so distracted by thoughts of Kaira that he fails an economics quiz at school and incorrectly connects a sprinkler system at work. The mayor calls Armpit’s home to check that he is alright. Armpit’s mother is impressed that they mayor calls, but Armpit is disappointed that Kaira does not.

Eleven days after Armpit saw Kaira (who is constantly on his mind), the phone rings again. His mother mouths “girl” as she passes the phone to Armpit, who is busy studying for his final exams. It is Detective Newberg with more questions. She asks Armpit whether the seller could have been called Felix or Moses.