I send a picture.
Colt: Afraid so.
A long pause.
Elena: COLT EVANS I AM IN A CAB IN THE MIDDLE OF SOHO RIGHT NOW I CANNOT COME BACK
I try not to smile.
Colt: It’s okay. I can bring it to you.
There’s a beat of pure panic-energy typing.
Elena: NO that’s such a big favor. omg I am mortified.
Colt: Don’t be. You need it for work. It’s not optional.
More typing bubbles.
They appear, vanish, appear again.
Elena: But the cab is already almost at my place and I have to get ready for my date and I can’t ask you to bring it
I cut her off.
Colt: Elena. I’m doing this favor for you. What time is your date?
Small pause. I see the three dots moving.
Elena: 8.
Colt: Where? I’ll meet you there at 7:30.
She sends about eight dots in a row.
Elena: …are you serious?
Colt: Very.
Another long pause.
Elena: It’s at Vestry Bar on Greenwich.
Fancy. Trendy. High-end crowd.
I look down at my worn Fortitude Gym shirt.
Sweat stains.
Black athletic joggers.
Yeah. No.
Absolutely not showing up there like this.
Colt: Got it. See you at 7:30.
Elena: Ok. thank you. seriously. This is a life saver. I can’t get into my building without it. And it’s embarrassing to have to ask my boss to let me in.