“Hard class?” Jess led them to their usual alfresco spot on the patio, where shrubs lined a wrought-iron railing and manicured trees offered shade from the sun. “Coffee’s coming.”
“Thanks.”
They settled into woven chairs and Erin reached for her menu. But Martina steepled her fingers, eyeing her over a fragrant coffee pot that Jess summoned between them.
“Don’t you want to look at the menu?”
“It’s always the same. Everything’s always good. Now, what aren’t you telling me about yesterday? It’s not just the shoes, is it? And it can’t be the suit, because it’s something I actually approve of in your closet. I picked it out for you for your first talk at the International Conference on Physics, remember?”
“How do you even—”
“You hate the swan dive pose,” Martina said. “Everyonehates it. But you kept at it in class. So you were stalling. You’re stalling now, too. You know that menu inside and out. Also, it’s upside down. Why?”
“Uh—did you see that they’ve started making their egg tartine on challah?”
“Erin.”
“Fine.” She exhaled and set her menu aside. “The visit—it wasfine. I made some connections.”
“And?” Martina wouldn’t stop.
But she could change their conversation to the one topic guaranteed to distract her friend, couldn’t she?
“I’m meeting Bannister tonight.”
“What?” Pushing their coffee out of the way, Martina planted her elbows on the table, the Department of Energy forgotten. “Tell me.”
“At the Wine Room in Palo Alto. Seven o’clock.”
“You’re going on a date with your mystery artist!”
“I don’t know if it’s a date—”
“Erin. It’s a date.”
“I… yes.” She could admit that.Wantedto admit it.
“Oh myGod.Finally.” Martina motioned Jess over. “We’re ready to order. And we’re also having mimosas.”
Jess jotted down their usuals without asking: egg tartine for Erin, croissant Benedict for Martina. “What’s the occasion?”
“Erin has a date.”
“Really? If you need an outfit, a new boutique just opened up the street, near where Ann’s Coffee Shop used to be.”
“What an iconic spot. That 1960s decor. I’m sad it’s gone.” Martina shook her head.
Jess shrugged. “But the boutique is cute. I’ll be back with those drinks. Congratulations, Erin.”
“It’s just a date,” she reminded the world at large as Jess weaved back into the restaurant through a raft of serving trays. “Not that I won’t always take a mimosa after Pilates, because hydration is important and I owe you for that tip about adhesive strips with heels, but—”
“How long has it been since you’ve hadjust a date?”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I know. You’ll be busy this afternoon, too, because we have to find something for you to wear. With that lingerie picture you sent? He’ll have expectations. We’ll check out the boutique.”
“I was planning to put on—”
