From: Nick Acevedo
Date: November 29
Subject: Check your mailbox
Hi, Skip.
I sent you a few things before you head out next week. Looks like the box should arrive today or tomorrow.
When can we talk this week? I want to see you, even if I have to rearrange my schedule.
How goes it in the climate change trenches these days?
Nick
* * *
To: Nick Acevedo
From: Erin Walsh
Date: November 29
Subject: Check your mailbox
The trenches are wet, the trenches are warm, and the trenches are not regaining much perennial ice. The trenches have also seen a small but noticeable change in the planet's gravity field as a product of redistributed water in oceans and atmospheric vapor. So the trenches are a little hectic, and a little stressful.
There are days when I wonder why I couldn't research something simple, like the origin of the croissant. It comes from Vienna, actually, and Viennese bakers crafted it to celebrate victory over the Turks. Marie Antoinette brought it to Versailles when she was married off to Louis XVI. For her, it was comfort food.
But then I remember that I really, really like volcanoes and oceans and ice sheets, and I forget all about flaky Viennese breads.
*Have I told you that I love bread? I fucking love bread. It's boring, I know, but one of the best parts of living in Europe is all the amazing bread.
**Did you think I'd forget? Happy birthday, husband.
* * *
To: Erin Walsh
From: Nick Acevedo
Date: November 30
Subject: Check your mailbox
Let's take this piece by piece.
Are you okay? That sounded a little severe, even for you.
Have you checked your mailbox?
If not, please do that.
When can I see you this week?
Apparently, you already know everything there is about croissants. You wouldn't be able to research that for more than 45 minutes. I'll call Le Cordon Bleu, and get the ball rolling on an honorary doctorate.
*since you've been gone, Boston has fashioned itself as quite the foodie capital. There are all manner of authentic bakeries and such here. Come visit. You might find some worthwhile bread. And your husband.
