Mo showed up and ordered a Lillet on the rocks, happy to have closed shop for the day. "Slow, but promising," she said of her business. He complimented her on the Jade Willow Lady picture. "I was lucky," she said. "It took some darkroom work to get it right, but I was lucky with the shot. I only took four; I was so afraid of disturbing her. I gave her a print. She was surprised, pleased, I think."
"I'd love to have one. I'd put it up in my apartment and be reminded to eat out once in awhile."
"Of course," Mo said. "You named her. Do you need reminding to eat out?"
"Homey Joe," he said. "I'm working my ass off."
"I loved your story, by the way," she said. "I could see that balding bus boy carefully loading his cart. But I wanted more."
"Yeah," Joe said. "I can't tell you how many times I've thought of that guy. Did I tell you that I started a novel?"
"No," Mo said.
"You're right about the stories. They aren't enough. It's a new experience for me—a novel. It's taking everything I've got."
Mo nodded and clapped slowly. "Juggling," she said.
"Huh?"