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Epilogue

Raquel

One year later

“You’re fluent in Arabic, French, and… Turkish? Iacross from me

He looks like he weighs one hundred pounds soaking wet, and I briefly consider offering him my order of Extra Matzah soup with half a Turkey Rachel sandwich But I’nant lady

Patton’s having coffee, and A tea

“I’ve picked up a little Spanish, but not etic, but Patton’s quick to reassure him

“The ones you’ve listed arein the UAE”

Narrowinghis wish I’m about to take off for six an applied to be my temporary replacement

Patton’s like a kid finally getting the new toy he’s wanted for years

“I’ot a class starting in twenty minutes”

“It’s perfectly fine” I reach across the table to shake his hand “We plan to go over our top applicants and make a decision this weekend If that’s you, are you available to start Monday?”

“Yes,my hand

“Great I’h the basics before I leave”

“Thank you” He turns to my husband, who has risen from his seat They shake and he offers another thank you before heading to the door