Page 15 of Pick-Up
“Not really, Mom. I’m outdoors. In New York City. Where we both live.”
“Right, right.”
“Anyway, how are you?”
“Fine. The doctor recommended a new pain medication that I’m taking for my neck, and I think it’s helping!”
“Oh, great!”
“Yes. Don’t get old. It’s not for the faint of heart.”
“I’ll do my best. I hear there’s a cool new fountain of youth in Bushwick.”
She does not laugh. “Anyway. I’m available on Thursday, but we can’t come any earlier than three p.m.”
“That should be totally fine.” I nod vigorously.
“I have a doctor’s appointment and then a meeting with that anti-censorship advisory council at the public library,” my mom continues. “You know, they’re trying to banTo Kill a Mockingbirdin Florida. It’s an outrage!”
“I also have a meeting!” my father interjects from somewhere beyond my view. “But it’s a breakfast meeting!”
“What does that have to do with anything?” my mom asks my father, swiveling so that her back is fully to the camera. So that I am looking at her sweater seam.
“Just contributing to the conversation.”
“Who’s your breakfast meeting with?” my mother asks him.
“It’s Bill. I haven’t seen him since he left Columbia.”
“That’s right. I wonder how he’s doing. His wife must be losing her mind with him home all the time.”
“Well, he won’t be home on Thursday morning. He’ll be at breakfast. With me.”
“Hey, guys,” I try, but they have forgotten I exist.
“Where is brunch?”
“Guys?”
“Fairway.”
“Oh, that sounds good. I haven’t had their cranberry muffins in ages. Maybe you could bring me one?”
“GUYS!” I yelp, just as the woman with the collie circles back around. She balks at me. She is not a fan. “I’m still on the phone!”
“Oh, sorry.” My mom shrugs, turning back to face me. “Where were we?”
“Thursday. Three p.m. Sounds good!”
“What’s the meeting, by the way?”
No way I’m getting led down this path again. “I’ll tell you all about it when I see you in person!”
“One last thing,” my mother says as she puts her reading glasses back on and picks up theNew Yorker. “I was wondering what you’re planning for Chanukah?”
“For Chanukah?”
“Yes.”
