Journal 21

Subtract 30 seconds from my 15 minutes of fame: In the Italian deli with family friends. An old woman walks up to where I stand filling a cup at the soda dispenser.

She (suspicious): “Did you write a book about this town?”

Me: “Yes, ma’am.”

She (triumphant): “I knew you did. My grandson said you talked to his class at the high school but didn’t remember your name.”

Me: “Yes, that was for the novel. Have you seen my nonfiction book?”

She: “No.” She walks away, mission accomplished and no further interest.