Wife 22

25. William’s girlfriend’s name was Helen Davies and she was the VP of Branding. The rumor floating around the firm was that they would be engaged any day. They came in together in the mornings, sipping their coffees. They’d go to Kendall Square for lunch. She’d retrieve him at the end of the day and off they’d zip down to Newbury Street for cocktails. She was always stunningly dressed. I shopped at Filene’s Basement.

I was put to work on a toilet paper account. It wasn’t as bad as it sounded. I got to go home with rolls of TP samples and think of inventive new ways to say getsyourassreallycleanwithjustonesheet.

I put him out of my mind. Until one day he sent me an email.

—Are those running shoes on your desk?

I emailed him back.

—Sorry! I know that’s a filthy habit. Putting my shoes on working surfaces. It won’t happen again.

And then he emailed me again.

—Just went by your cubicle. Where are they now?

—Where are what now?

And then a flurry of emails.

—Your running shoes, Brown.

—They’re on my feet.

—Because you’re going home?

—Because I’m going running.

—When?

—At lunch.

—Where?

—Um—outside.

—Yes, Brown. I assumed outside. Where outside?

—I start at the Charles Hotel. I do a five-mile loop.

—Meet you there in fifteen minutes.

19

From: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Timing

Date: May 18, 12:50 PM

To: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Researcher 101,

It might take me a little longer than usual to get the answers back to you, as things are a bit crazy here. I should probably let you know that my husband was demoted. I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but it’s been stressful on all of us. I have to say it’s a strange time to be recounting our courtship. It’s hard for me to reconcile the young, vibrant William and Alice with the currently middle-aged us. It makes me kind of sad.

All the best,

Wife 22

From: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Re: Timing

Date: May 18, 12:52 PM

To: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Wife 22,

I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s job. Please take all the time you need. Going back to the beginning is often difficult and dredges up all sorts of emotions. But in the long run I think you’ll find it enlightening to return to the past.

Sincerely,

Researcher 101

From: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Re: Gambling

Date: May 18, 1:05 PM

To: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Researcher 101,

Sometimes when I log on to my computer I feel like I’m in a casino sitting in front of a slot machine. I have the same shivery feeling of anticipation—that anything is possible and anything can happen. All I have to do is pull the lever, i.e. press Send.

The rewards are immediate. I hear the machine churning. I hear all the lovely chimes and whooshes and pings. And when the symbols come up: “Kate O’Halloran likes your comment”; “Kelly Cho wants to be your friend”; “You have been tagged in a photo”—I am a winner.

What I’m trying to say is thanks for such a quick response.

Best,

Wife 22

From: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Unreachability