18 September 2001
To: Astoria Greengrass
From: Cary Robards
Astoria,
How’s life? Want to go out with me?
—Cary
Dear Cary,
Life’s not very good. I quit my job the other day. It was very dull but so is not having a job.
Go out with you where? I’m not supposed to see you. I’m a bad influence apparently.
—Astoria
Astoria,
Tough break.
Go out, dating. Food, drink, maybe some other leisure activity, kissing.
—Cary
Oh. Really?
Can I think about it?
I’ve never dated anyone before.
Astoria,
No place to start like the present, then.
—Cary
Cary,
Are you only asking me out because your mother said we shouldn’t see each other? Because I can’t say you’ve demonstrated very much interest before.
—Astoria
Astoria,
Why does that matter? Unless you have love at first sight most people demonstrate no interest till one day they do.
—Cary
So it is the only reason? Because if it’s the only reason I don’t know if that’s a good enough reason for me.
—Astoria
Astoria,
No, it’s not the only reason.
—Cary
Cary,
Alright, then. When would you like to take me out?
—Astoria
Astoria,
Let’s go now.
—Cary
No, I need time to get ready! An hour? Where are we going?
—Astoria
Astoria,
London. I’ll pick you up because maybe you shouldn’t be seen around the house just yet. You can come as you are.
—Cary