These four walls were soaked with memories of these past eight weeks—ofus—and I couldn't drown in them, not now. I dropped the magazine and marched to the porch. The sea would soothe metonight.
"Don't be here when I getback."
24
Cut and Run
v. The fast but expensive practice of sailing away quickly, either by cutting free an anchor or by cutting ropeyarns to unfurl sails from theyards.
Cole
Cole:Did you know about TechToday's coverstory?
Neera:I did not. They didn't reach out to me or the communications shop forcomment.
Cole:But you knew it was released? And didn't think I needed to knowthat?
Neera:Yes, I knew it wasreleased.
Neera:No, I didn't think it was worth notifying you. It was unremarkable. Dozens of similar stories have been printed in recentweeks.
Neera:Is there anissue?
Cole:Issues,plural.
Neera:Understood. How can Ihelp?
Cole:I'm going to need yourassistance.
Cole:Get my replacement on thephone.
Neera:I'll take care ofit.
Cole:Get a pilot and a jet ready. If the next day doesn't shake out the way I'm hoping it will, I'm going to need a ridehome.
Neera:May I ask what's happening in the nextday?
Cole:I'm begging the love of my life to take me back despite my extremely long list of flaws, inadequacies, andmissteps.
Neera:Very well. Where might this jet be picking youup?
Cole:I'm in Talbott's Cove,Maine.
Neera:Forgive me for asking but if things do go as you're hoping, do you anticipate stayingthere?
Cole:I'd like to. If he letsme.
Neera:Then I'll do whatever I can to make thathappen.
Cole:Thank you. I appreciate it,N.
Neera:That's what I'm herefor.
Neera:I figured you'd find one spot and stay there for the summer. I'm happy you found that spot, and someone to share itwith.
Cole:What?
Neera:The bookstore you asked me to feature is in Talbott's Cove. And the oceanic nonprofits you asked me to signal boost are also inMaine.
