I’m all amicable and social, even though my impatience is mounting. George doesn’t like to get to the point unless he feels he’s done sufficient hi-how-are-yous first.
–George: Awesome as always. I hear you’re a big shot now.
–Me: If you can call VC a big shot.
–George: Ha! My pop told me he’d die happy if I were as half as ambitious as you.
I smile a little. George works hard, but plays harder.
–George: So what’s up?
–Me: You remember Suyen from college?
–George: That skinny Chinese girl?
–Me: Yeah. You know how to get in touch?
–George: She’s still in Napa. Works at some vineyard. Why? Wanna buy some wine?
Disappointment ripples. I doubt George knows whom Aspen hangs out with these days. They were never that tight, and she obviously wouldn’t have kept in touch with the people from school, not if she felt like she became the biggest joke on campus.
–Me: No. I was just curious.
–George: I didn’t think you guys were that close. But you were dating her friend for a while, right? Aspen?
–Me: Yes. Do you know what she’s up to these days?
I ask, praying he’s heard something that could give me a clue as to where Aspen might’ve gone.
–George: Far as I know, she’s working multiple jobs in L.A. Didn’t sound like she was doing too well. Too bad she didn’t finish her degree. She was always studying.
A huge boulder of guilt presses down upon me.
–Me: Since Suyen’s not around, who does Aspen hang with?
–George: Beats me. She always liked to keep to herself. She was sort of private back in school too.
Damn it. If he doesn’t know, I’m stuck.
I drum my fingers on the steering wheel.
Sadie and Heath told me everything.
It doesn’t take much imagination to know Sadie’s the one who hammered the final nail in the coffin. That bitch. But Heath… What did he say?
–Me: You know what Heath Harringer is up to these days?
–George: Actually, yeah. He moved to L.A. last month. He’s looking for investors for some business idea. I told him I wasn’t into it because that’s my old man’s thing. I’m actually supposed to play tennis with him tomorrow, but I have a date. He’s gonna bitch, lol. Keeps saying he wants to get back into shape.
Here’s my opening.
–Me: When are you supposed to see him?
–George: 10. He joined my tennis club.
–Me: Tilden Courts, right?
–George: Like always. My mom’s probably going to be buried there, lol.
