Page 16 of Let Me

Picking right back up where we left off, I say, “It’s not that I’m trying to hide them.It’s just the fact that they’re always a topic of conversation for people, even strangers, and I don’t like talking about them constantly.”

“They’re beautiful.They remind me of when I’m staring up into the night sky and looking at constellations of stars.I get lost doing that—taken into another world where I want to stay forever.”

“Well, thank you.I’ve never had anyone describe them so beautifully.”

“You’re welcome.”

I pick up the menu.

He asks, “Have you ever been here?”

“Yes, several times.I love this place.”

“Have you ever tried the stromboli?”

“No.I’ve only gotten the pizza.”

“Then might I suggest you get the stromboli this time?It’s one of those food experiences that are once in a lifetime.”

“That good, huh?”

“Yes.I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

“I believe that.”

He looks up and a smile slowly graces his handsome face as if he’s pleased.An actual smile.I must be doing something right.

We order pepperoni and sausage strombolis and sip our drinks as we wait for food to arrive.The silence between us is awkward, but we hardly know each other so conversation doesn’t flow as readily as I’m sure we’d both like.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yes,” I say eagerly.I’ll take just about anything right now to cut into the silent nervous tension.

“When I told you I was a bagger, did you immediately think less of me?”

“Thinklessof you?Of course not.I’m not the kind of person to look down on anyone.A job is a job.”

“I see,” he says, still examining me.

“Why do you ask?If you feel like I thought less of you, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s something I face all the time once people find out what I do.”

“I mean, how?What do they say?”

“You remember my friend, Nico?”

I nod.“Yeah.”

“He seems to think I’m wasting my talent by doing something so—how did he put it?—mediocre.”

“What doyouthink?”

“I think I’m doing the best I can.”

“That’s all we can do, Judah.If you’re doing the best you can, what other option is there?”

The food arrives and I’m grateful because I’m also starving.I had a small salad for lunch and water for a snack.Now, I’m about to tear into this stromboli like it’s my last meal.

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