There are dozens of urgent tasks waiting for me back at the office, but out here in the sunshine, I'm struggling to care. It's the height of summer, and the city park is full of laughing kids and sunbathing students spread out on picnic blankets. The trill of bicycle bells cuts through the hum of the crowd, and businessmen with loosened ties and rolled sleeves chat together on wooden benches.
Nearby, a cluster of food trucks scent the air with garlic and spice. Sitting with Philomena on the stone lip of a fountain, I think this might be paradise.
"Oh my god." Her eyes flutter closed with each huge bite of falafel. There's a glob of hummus on her chin. "Holy s**t. I want to die like this, Ansel. I'm serious. Bury me in a falafel wrap."
It's the first time she's called me by my first name
