I wobbled to a stand, excited. “Thank you.”
“Of course, dear. Close the door on your way out, would you? I have to make a nasty phone call to someone who deserves it.” She laughed, her cat arching its back to greet her hand.
Chapter 41
Tristan asked if I could meet him at Georgetown after my shift. This felt like an escalation, more illicit than going to his apartment or messing around in his car. It was a date.
I didn’t get off work until after nine. On the train: A homeless man groaned in the back of the car. The woman in front of me was crushed between two giant Marshalls bags like an episode ofHoarders.
When the train idled at McPherson Square, I got an email from an address I didn’t recognize. I was afraid it was someone threatening to expose my porn history if I didn’t transfer $10,000 in Bitcoin by tonight.
from: [email protected]
Hi there, my name is Anwar. I’m with the Shaheen farm messaging to thank you for supporting our family in these times of great difficulty. If you have any issues, please contact me. We have processed your payment and you can expect your olives after our harvest season in the fall. Please tell your friends about us!
Sincerely,
Anwar Shaheen
I’d forgotten about the tree. Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire last week. People were celebrating, cradling a trepid hope. My relief upon hearing the news was stained with suspicion, but what more couldyou expect than a primal distrust? Either way, I hadn’t expected to speak to a real person about it. I messaged him back.
from: [email protected]
Hi Anwar! I’m excited to support your family’s farm. From the pictures on the website, it looks stunning. I will definitely tell my friends!
Best,
Cat
He messaged back almost immediately even though it must’ve been extremely early where he was.
from: [email protected]
I’ve never met anyone with the name “Cat,” like the animal? I will also send you some Nablus soap. It’s good if you have eczema or other skin problems.
Sincerely,
Anwar
from: [email protected]
It’s short for Catherine lol. I look forward to the soap! I actually have eczema on my elbow.
Maybe he didn’t need to know about my eczema.
I got off the train at Foggy Bottom, hopping on the bus to Georgetown’s campus. As it circled a small man-made park in the middle of an intersection, I saw more homeless men draped across benches like historical landmarks. Georgetown’s shops, restaurants beamed in the distance: a procession of lights, a watery Van Gogh twinkle.
When I reached campus, I texted Tristan. The streets were dark, empty, and ancient. A minute later, he walked through the gates in a black coat. Even though I had literally blown him in front of the restaurant barely two weeks ago, it was awkward when we hugged, like we didn’t know where to put our arms. I got makeup on his jacket, which we both ignored. Our brazen betrayal seemed to baffle us even as we barreled ahead with it.
Clearing his throat, he said, “Wanna grab a drink or…?”
