Rick decided to immerse himself in work for a day or two as an antidote to the mental strife generated by quantum physics. It was also a convenient excuse to delay the third phase of his plan: confiding in Esme. How many times had he run over the best way to explain to her? Frustratingly, he abandoned each possible approach as inadequate. So it was with foreboding he answered his phone with her name on the display. Today would have to be the day! No more putting it off.
“Esme, you’re up and about early this chilly Tuesday morning!”
“I thought it was about time one of us made an effort at communication.”
“I guess I know when I’m being reprimanded. Look, why don’t I make it up to you by inviting you for the best coffee in Cambridge?”
“Sounds good, but where would that be?”
“The Round Ch
