"What? I'm just saying." Kara winked at Jonah. "Light the candle, Klein. And don't set anything on fire. This place is rent-controlled."
"No it's not," Tzipi said.
"Okay, no, but it's expensive."
Jonah lit the helper candle, watching the flame catch and grow. And the girls used it to light all seven. The menorah blazing in Kara's window for all of Tribeca to see.
They sang the blessing together—Tzipi's voice heartfelt, Kara’s precise, and Jonah's somewhere in between. He felt like he was in a Room to Bloom Hanukkah special, virtual reality edition, in surround-sound.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Rob! Sorry I’ve been out of touch. All the business with poor Hannon has had everyone scrambling. You know how the business is.
Yes, all set. See you tomorrow.
oh btw Tzipi is coming too
it’s been too long!
can’t wait
xo K
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Pass the applesauce?”
“Only if you pass the ketchup.”
“On a latke, at Hanukkah time? You heathen.”
“No, I’m a Jerseyan. That’s just what we do. In my family, at least.”
Jonah handed over the applesauce pot to Shel Ackerman.
He had been to Russ & Daughters exactly twice in his life, both times for special occasions. Today qualified.
He and the good doctor had tucked into a booth for a plate of latkes and to wait out Rob Levin.
Shel passed Jonah the requested ketchup.
“So…Jewish doctor, eh?”
“Yep. I hear you’re an accountant.” Shel grinned. “I can hear the chorus of moms, out-kvelling each other now.”
Their server delivered some more sides: crème fraiche, salmon roe, capers.
“First date for you two?” she asked.
“Nah, he’s taken.” Jonah pointed at Shel’s ring finger. “Lucky bastard.”
“We’re just here for dinner. And a show.”
Jonah flicked a sideways glance. “He just sat down, corner table.”
They watched over their egg creams as a lone woman walked in soon after. Tiny, in jeans, puffer coat, and Converse high tops. She slid into a chair across from him, her back to them. Then shed her coat and pushed down her hoodie to reveal her short, spiky hair.
Her movements were small, but Robby made up for that. Hands flying. Leaning in. Smiling too wide. Jonah recognized that body language. He’d seen it on the boat. Bobby Bloom, trying to sweet talk his someone into some scheme. Checking his watch and wondering when the real star power would arrive.
