“These meetings are getting longer and longer,” Eva replied. “We’re pushing our luck.”
Pete stroked her thigh as he said, “Five minutes. Let’s just stay like this for five more minutes.”
Eva didn’t argue. “Okay, five more minutes. But we’d better not fall asleep. Tell me about where you grew up. Tell me about your home.”
Pete let out a long, slow sigh. “It’s beautiful. I want to take you there one day and show it to you. You know how Alaska smells like fresh meadows?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Well, there the air smells like warm butter cookies. I have no idea why. You take a deep breath and just feel… happy.”
“That sounds nice.”
“It is. And it’s beautiful. The lakes are crystal clear and so still you’d think they were paintings.”
“Mmmm. I love swimming in lakes.”
“Me too. But I think the people are the best thing about home. It’s the friendliest country I’ve ever been to.”
“Country? Aren’t we talking about New York state?”
Pete was quiet for a minute and then said, “Eva, I’ve got something to tell you.”
“You’re not from New York?”
“No, I’m not. My father is from California, but I’ve never lived there. Well, not for more than a couple of weeks at a time.”
“Well, where did you grow up?”
“In a small country in Europe, called Laagestein.”
“Laagestein? I’ve never even heard of it!” Eva sat up straight, staring at him in disbelief.
“It’s very small. Very unassuming.”
“But why did you say you were from New York?”
“I didn’t. You assumed, and I didn’t contradict you.”
“But if you’re from Europe, what are you doing here?”
“Like I said, my father is American. My mother is— she’s from Laagestein. That’s where I grew up.”
“But what are you doinghere?”
“I have dual citizenship, and I wanted to join the American military.”
“Doesn’t Laagestein have its own military?”
“Yes, we do, but… it’s complicated.”
“So what, are you staying here for good?”
“What do you mean?”
“I think you know what I mean. Are you here to stay? Or what? This all seems really suspicious, Pete.” Eva started pulling on her clothes as quickly as she could.
“Eva, please. Let me explain.” He was trying to put his arms around her, but Eva shook him off.
