***
Is this something you’re interested in, generally speaking?
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Are you asking me if I’m a lesbian now?
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I’m not sure what I’m asking. I’m surprised.
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I don’t think I’m a lesbian—I might be bisexual. A nonpracticing bisexual. Not even an Easter-Christmas bisexual. It just reallyallfeels theoretical at this point: I’m tired, and I don’t like anyone.
Don’t tell me to date again, Cary. It’s none of your business.
Areyoudating?
***
I’m on a ship with people I’m explicitly not allowed to date.
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Me too. It’s calledSpaceship Earth.
***
Shiloh, I got your shortbread. Thank you. There are no worms, and only a few pieces got crushed. It’s really,reallygood, but I can’t figure out the flavor...
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Earl Grey tea. Did the shortbread get stale? I vacuum-sealed it.
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It’s crispy and delicious. I’ve been dipping it in coffee, and this time I reallyhaven’tshared any. You’re good at this.
***
Hey, Shiloh, I never should have told you to start dating. You’re right, it wasn’t my business. And I can see now that it was an especially messed-up thing for me to say, considering our history. I’m sorry.
***
It’s okay, Cary. I knew what you meant—and you were probably right. I just don’t have the heart for dating right now.
***
I ate the last of the shortbread today. Thank you again.
***
That wasn’t me angling for more shortbread, Shiloh. I just wanted you to know that I ate every crumb, and I appreciate it.
***
Too late, Cary, I already sent you something different. Junie helped. She’s fascinated by the fact that you live on a ship—I showed her the photos. She wanted to send you a decoration for your desk, like “a nice lamp or some flowers,” but I told her it would fall off when the ship hit a wave.
