"Hashtags Alike," Book One

The ebook version of this book was published in 2021 by The Dramas of a Square, an imprint of Schwa Ink.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1 - The Season Is Spring ................................................................. 6 Chapter 2 - The Food on the Table .............................................................. 9 Chapter 3 - George or Georgie ....................................................................14 Chapter 4 - Bishop Lyman and Her Black Dress..........................................17

The clouds,

Fluffy and perfect,

Look.

Listen.

Sense the ebb and flow of the tide. The planets and the stars, Reach into the distance,

The night sky,

The crescent moon and fall asleep. A shooting star,

The moonbeam glows. Sweet dreams,

Chapter 1 - The Season Is Spring

The season is spring and the draft of cold air through Anne’s apartment window keeps her under the covers a little while longer.

She doesn’t have to be in for work today, which makes this a good morning to catch up on some sleep.

She wakes up the computer and reads a new message from Kate.

Meet me out for lunch??? Xoxox

Kate is Anne's good friend. She grew up here in the city where they have been especially close since college.

Anne replies Yes and Kate calls her shortly afterward.

“Good morning,” says Anne.

“Hey,” says Kate.

“Have you been to the new restaurant Mozambique located at the corner of Blarney and

E 80th?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“It trends in the magazine Vegan Today. Will you join me if I make a 12:30 reservation for lunch?

“Yes, and the 12:30 is perfect.” “K, see you then!”

It is 9:30 in the morning when Anne puts on the hot water for some tea.

Anne sits down and checks her email.

There is one from a colleague, which includes some relevant information to a story she is currently working on. The header reads Your PA and the body It’s not you, but the letters. Anne thinks it might be another one of Elijah’s silly dad jokes.

She remembers Elijah has just returned from his birthright trip, and replies Elijah, great source! See you at the office Monday. Thanks and mazel tov, A

It’s both complicated and office politics, and maybe sometimes even a little cute.

During the next hour, Anne does some research for her upcoming publication where she has been employed for over a year now.

She finishes and gets herself ready to meet her friend for lunch. It is a beautiful sunny day and the songbirds sing out by the window sill. Anne adorns a summery dress, some open-toed heels and a wide-brim hat. She gets her purse and sunglasses together, locks the apartment door, and takes the elevator down to the lobby.

Anne asks Jess the porter to hail her a taxicab. Jess walks into the middle of the avenue and signals to the oncoming traffic. The taxicab turns the corner and stops at the entranceway. Jess opens the door, and Anne gets inside. She thanks him, and he closes the door behind her.

“Your destination, miss?” Says the driver. "Blarney and E 80th,” replies Anne.

The restaurant is about a mile and a half away. Anne checks her phone and sees no new messages. She thinks about her ex-boyfriend, Adam. It is Thursday, and the perfect day to have a lunch date.

The taxi driver takes Blarney Avenue to E 80th Street and slows to a stop.

Anne pays cash and exits onto the sidewalk. Mozambique is a couple of storefronts away where you can see the overhang and some outdoor dining.

Kate sits at one of the tables for two. She sees Anne and smiles.

Kate gets up.

“Kate,” Anne says.

Kate wears a short black dress, white belt, and open-toed high heels. Her dark, long hair is down and tied in a black bow.

Kate walks toward her. “Hi," greets Kate.

Kate and Anne hug.

The restaurant affects an air of both the city and old world cultures.

“Would you rather sit inside?”

“No, outside is fine. The weather is perfect, don’t you think?”

Anne takes off her hat.

It’s a little after 12:30pm and the restaurant is about halfway full. A couple sits at the table next, while the others are just inside the open window.

Anne picks up the menu.

“Kate, it has been so hard for me to find good vegan restaurants.”

Anne looks over the menu, “Lemon, kale, pine nuts, and avocado. Simple and organic. Arugula, rosemary, and sweet potato.”

Kate has a sip of some sparkling water.

“Hello, my name is George. I’ll be your server today. Can I start you off with something to drink, or perhaps an appetizer?”

“Yes, I will have a glass of your Pinot Grigio extra-chilled, please.” “And for you, miss?”

“Yes, and I will have the same.”

Anne politely declines the flat water.

“And one order of the Sweet Potato Fries, please.” “Will that be all?”

“Yes,” says Anne.

“I love your dress. Where is it from?”

“It is Lourè. I got it from the Lourè Designer Boutique here in the city.”

The dress strap shows off Anne’s slender figure.

Kate continues and Anne pours herself some of the bottled sparkling water. And a light summer breeze passes.

E 80th Street features some of the more historical townhomes in the city, and is located near all the best designer stores along Englehart Avenue just one street over.

George returns with the wine.

"The Pinot Grigio,” he says, and then pours Kate a wine tasting portion. She swirls it around, lifts the glass to her nose, and takes a sip.

Anne approves, and he fills her glass.

“Can I take your order for the main course?”

“Yes,” Anne says, “I’ll have the Kale, Lemon, and Avocado Salad with Walnuts.” “Excellent choice.”

“Yes, and for me is the Grapefruit, Arugula, and Feta Cheese Salad with a side of Tofu.”

Chapter 2 - The Food on the Table

“Anne, have I introduced you to my new boyfriend already? His name is Georgie.” “Georgie,” Anne says with a tone of irony. “What does he do?”

“He’s in the business of real estate.”

“He got me this bracelet.”

Kate reaches across the table to show Anne the piece of jewelry on her wrist. The bracelet diamonds glitter brightly.

“Do you like it?”

Anne takes Kate’s hand and holds the bracelet up close.

“Oh, and here.”

Kate unbuckles the latch and turns it over.

“It’s my name, Kate.”

The name Kate is engraved into the back of the silvery metal.

“Kate, it’s beautiful.” “I know, thanks.”

“Pardon me, ladies,” George sets down the plate of sweet potato fries.

“Your appetizer is served.”

“Yummy. Smells delicious,” Kate says. “Yes, it’s most popular.”

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you.”

“The main course shouldn’t be long.”

He looks to Anne, and returns inside. Anne takes the phone from her purse and puts it on the table.

“My mom is in town,” she says.

“How is she doing?”

“She’s well. She travels a lot.”

“Is she still seeing that one guy from when we all went out for your birthday a couple of years ago?”

“No, I don’t think so. But she’s recently started a business in the textile industry.” “Aw, I’m so happy for her.”

Anne forks one of the fries and takes a bite. She has another, and this time savors the flavor a little longer.

“Anne,” exclaims Kate.

“Here,” she says, and has some herself.

Anne smirks and then indulges some more. She knows Kate likes to tease her. She takes a sip from her wineglass, and George returns with the lunch portion.

Anne moves the small plate off to the side and makes room for the salad of kale, lemon zest and olive oil, a dollop of avocado, and generous sprinkle of walnuts. George offers some freshly ground pepper.

“Would you like another glass of wine,” he asks. “Please,” says Kate.

Kate looks over Anne’s shoulder again. “I love her shoes.”

Anne turns and looks at the high heel sticking out for under the table, as the woman sits cross legged and enjoys her company.

The man’s accent charms the girls.

George returns and pours Kate the second glass of wine.

“Anne, how is Peter doing?”

“Peter is good. He might be returning back to the city from up north after his graduation this fall.”

“I haven’t see him in forever.”

“I know, me too. Mom says he is doing really well for himself. She says he has recently been accepted into the Pink School of Textile honors graduate program. He’s been through a lot, and the school offers a campus here in the city.”

“Anne, I miss him.”

The woman speaks softly, and George walks back inside. The fries are a little crispier now, and the sauce tastes of tartar, avocado, and lemon.

George approaches the girls table.

"Compliments from the table next.”

He shows them the small piece of paper in his hand.

Kate hesitates.

“Would you like me to open it for you,” he asks.

Kate accepts it from him, and then opens it herself. She reads the note and hands it across the table to Anne.

Please be my guest to a party at the Lazarus Hotel tonight! (865) 900-9876 Liza

“Is everything okay,” he asks the girls. “Yes,” the girls say.

“How is your food?"

“Fantastic,” says Anne.

“Can I get you anything else?” “No.”

The waiter leaves and Anne hands the note back over to Kate.

Kate picks up her phone and begins typing. She shows Anne the text.

Thanks for your note!

“Send,” says Anne.

Kate sends Liza the message.

Liza views her phone and shines a bright smile. She types something, and then puts the phone back onto the table and continues her conversation.

Kate receives the message.

Please be my guest!

"What do you think, will you go with me?”

Anne doesn’t say anything.

“Anne, I am so not going without you,” Kate says. Kate messages the woman back.

“There,” says Kate, “All settled, then.”

Kate finishes her bite and plays with the grapefruit and feta.

“Would you like to try some?”

Anne shakes her head no.

The woman and the man thank George, stand from the table, and leave.

“You would think she introduces herself to us in-person, though,” whispers Anne.

Anne has some sparkling water. She regards her mother, and how they have not made any plans to see each other, yet. Her phone rings and she reaches for her purse.

It’s Anne’s mom.

She shows the caller ID to Kate from across the table. “Yay, mommy,” cheers Kate.

Anne answers the phone.

“Hi, mom.”

“My darling.”

“Kate and I are out to lunch. How are you doing today?”

“OH, do I love this city, Annie! It reminds me of your father when-”

“Mom.”

“What, sweetie? We were so in love back then. When is a good time we meet up together,

are you available this mid-afternoon?”

“Sure. How’s after my lunch?”

“That’s fine. Would you like to do some shopping?

“Yes.”

“Okay. Let”s meet up at Bishop Lyman in a half hour or so. It’s one thirty now.” “K, see you then.”

“K, bye.

Anne puts down the phone.

“How weird is it she brings up her marriage with my dad,” says Anne.

“Your dad? No not really. I remember them so close, Annie.”

Anne’s mom and dad got a divorce and then moved out of the city when she and Peter started their homeschooling.

“Yeah, I guess,” says Anne, “I don’t always know what to make of it, though.” “Do they still keep in touch?”

“Yeah, they do. The three of them all get along quite well, actually.”

“Oh my god, do you think they-”

“Kate!” “What?” “No, never.”

Kate’s phone rings. “Anne, it’s Liza.”

Kate answers the phone, “Kate speaking.” She laughs.

“Yes, and thank you.”

“K, thanks.”

The call ends.

“Liza asks to pick us up tonight.” “Please,” Kate says again..

“So I have an upcoming fashion show. It takes place next Wednesday at the Landmark Theatre on W 44th. Will you come?”

“Yea, sounds fun! Just let me first check my work schedule.”

“Pardon me, ladies, can I indulge you in some dessert,” asks George.

“No, thank you,” says Anne, “Just the main course today for me.”

“Very well. Thank you for dining with us. We hope to see you again soon.”

The girls pay and George returns with the receipt. Kate finishes her glass of wine.

Anne and Kate leave the restaurant and walk towards the curb, and hug each bother goodbye.

“Would you like to share a car?”

“No, you go. I’ll text you later, okay?” “K, see you later.”

Kate hails the taxicab and asks the driver to open the door for her. The taxi driver complains, and eventually helps her in.

“Bye, Kate!”

Kate waves happily, and the taxicab drives away.

Anne steps onto the roadside and the approaching taxicab stops. “To 45th and Blarney.”

80th and Blarney, on my way.

Chapter 3 - George or Georgie

Kate texts her boyfriend, Georgie.

Hey! What are you doing right now? Kate

Georgie responds Can you come over?

Kate looks up from her phone and out the backseat window.

“Excuse me, driver?” Kate pauses.

“Please take me to 2300 Liverwort, instead.” “2300 Liverwort,” says the driver.

The taxicab makes a quick turn onto E 64th Street and Kate feels al little tipsy.

The taxicab crosses over Blarney, turns left onto Liverwort, and stops at the curbside. She exits and closes the door shut.

2300 Liverwort Avenue is the address of a thirty-story condominium. Georgie’s apartment is on the twenty-third floor.

“Hello, I’m here to see Georgie Ellerton of apartment number twenty-three.” The concierge calls up to the room.

Nobody answers.

“He is expecting me,” Kate adds.

“You’re welcome to take the elevator.”

The concierge presses the elevator button, and Kate takes a seat.

Why didn’t Georgie answer?

She waits patiently, and checks her phone.

The door opens to the lobby and the elder couple all dressed up exit.

When the elevator reaches the twenty-third floor, it opens to Georgie.

Georgie wears blue jeans and a white undershirt.

“Kate,” he says. “Hi.”

Georgie enters the elevator and kisses her.

Kate kisses him back.

He directs her backward.

The elevator door closes and the elevator begins to go down.

“Ah,” Kate does a moan.

He pulls up his pants.

He turns to face the elevator door and stands by her side.

Kate almost falls forward.

She stands herself back up.

The elevator door opens to the concierge.

“Good afternoon, Patricia,” Georgie says.

He presses the button and the door closes.

The elevator returns to the apartment floor.

Kate and Georgie look at each other as if they were almost caught in the act.

He takes her by the hand and says, “Yes, you were saying?”

Kate thinks about what just happened. Georgie smiles back.

“Have you eaten,” Georgie asks her.

The elevator door opens.

“Yes, I’ve just had lunch at the restaurant Mozambique. Do you know it? The food is excellent.”

Kate sits down on one of the high chairs across from the stove. Georgie turns on the stovetop. He opens the refrigerator and pulls out a carton of eggs, stick of butter, spinach and cheese.

The color of the living room is olive green, the kitchen a darker creme, and the dark hardwood living room floors match that of the lobby. The couch faces an electric fireplace, and the stainless steel stove centers the island where the vent hangs down from the ceiling.

Georgie cuts some of the butter and adds it to the pan. He turns around to the large kitchen sink and washes his hands.

“Have you lived here long,” Kate asks him. “A few years now.”

He cracks a couple of the eggs into the pan, and offers Kate some sparkling water. She asks him for a small glass.

“I’ve been invited to a party tonight. Would you like to join me and Anne there?” “Of course, where is it?”

“The Lazarus Hotel.”

“Anne plans on coming over to my place beforehand at around eight thirty, you’re

welcome to join us around nine?”

“Yes, Kate, I’de like that very much.”

Chapter 4 - Bishop Lyman and Her Black Dress

Anne sees her mother from the taxicab. The wind blows against her long designer scarf where she stands just outside the Bishop Lyman entranceway.

“Here is fine,” Annesays..

The taxicab pulls over.

She steps out and onto the roadside, and Sarabeth reaches for her hand as she steps onto the sidewalk.

“Hi, mom!”

“Oh, Annie, it’s so good to see you. How was your lunch?” “So good.”

“Here, let us go inside”

They enter, and begin to wander around the first floor. “How’s your business coming along?”

“I love it. The city is a great opportunity.”

Anne holds one of the citrus scented candles up to her nose.

“Really? That is so great, mom.”

“I know, and we have meetings set up with fashion designers all week.”

Anne gasps.

“Laurie Matilda, and Patterson James. So exciting.” “Mom, I’m so proud of you.”

The store manager approaches them.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” she says.

“Hi, Lilly,” says Sarabeth.

“Please let me know if there’s anything I can help you with today. Have you seen the

latest? The fashion is especially popular. Here, may I show you?” “Me too,” excites Annie.

“K, this way.”

The foyer ceiling is three stories high, and the spiral staircase wraps around the wall. The outdoor light shines in through the upper windows.

“AH, my darlings,” says Lucile. Lucile is the store tailor.

“Lucile. So nice to see you again,” says Sarabeth.

“I love your outfit! Wait, don’t tell me,” Lucile smiles.

“Anne.” Lucile takes her hand and holds it affectionately, “How are you doing?” “Hi, Lucile.” Anne says shyly.

“Lucile, please show us the latest fashion,” asserts Lily.

“My pleasure. Right this way, girls.”

The second floor consists of a dressing room, a large three-tiered mirror, and the balcony which looks down over the polished stone floor.

Lucile walks us over to the clothing rack.

“This! Yes. And this,” Lucile arranges a couple of the items out in front of the mirror for everyone to see.

“So as you know, Bishop Lyman maintains a blend of both the delicate and sustainable.” “Here you see mostly recycled fabrics,” he points out the label.

“And here.”

Anne turns to admire the one black dress. Lucile approaches her.

“Try on whatever you like,” he says. Sarabeth stands to her other side.

Anne touches the bottom edge. The is of an outer transparent and inner opaque fabric, both pleated from the waste down.

Lucile takes a step forward, “Yes, whatever you like, my dear.”

Anne takes another look at herself in the mirror, and then lifts the bottom edge of her dress out to the side.

“Lucile,” Anne says, “How do you like the length of this dress?” She lets go and it falls just above the knee.

“Yes, of course, and you wear it dashingly.”

Anne takes another moment in the mirror and removes her hat. “Here, allow me,” says Lucile, and Anne hands it to him.

“May I,” he asks her.

Lucile stands behind her, he pulls her hair back and together, and then lets it fall back down, long and straight.

“There you are,” he says. He tilts his head to the side and smiles.

Anne meets his infectious expression.

She then steps off of the platform and follows Lucile into the changing room where he hangs the items.

“I’m here if you should need anything.”

Lucile leaves, and shuts the dressing room door behind him.

She begins from the outside in. The first is the flower design similar to her own.

She turns around and the dress fans outward.

Anne steps out of the dressing room.

“What do you think,” she asks him. “Do I ever,” Lucile cries out.

“Here,” he says.

Lucile takes a couple measurements, and Sarabeth sits down.

“It’s perfect, I dare say,” he says.

Anne sees her mother’s reflection in the mirror.

She steps off of the platform and returns back into the changing room.

She looks deeper into the selection of items Lucile has provided her, and sees the lingerie.

Anne takes a breathe. She touches the lace with her fingertips. She sees herself in the mirror again, and she puts on the black dress. She opens the dressing room door and Sarabeth and Lucile turn. They see Anne stop and do a little pose.

“Anne,” says Lucile.

“Sweetheart, I love it,” says Sarabeth. “Here,” Lucile motions toward him.

Lucile steps back in front of the mirror.

He moves from one side to the other and takes a couple more measurements.

“Yes,” Lucile talks to himself. “What,” conjectures Anne.

Lucile takes a small step back and away.

He claps and says, “Why, it’s perfect!”

Anne forgives his humor and happily returns back to the dressing room.

She considers the other clothing and checks her phone. She sees a new message. It’s from Kate.

So happy! Thanks for lunch. Xoxo

She takes another moment in the mirror, changes back into her clothes, and walks to the sitting area.

“Thank you, Lucile,” says Anne, “The second is my favorite.”

Anne suggests that she and her mother resume shopping another day.

“Thank you,” says Anne, “It’s been fun.”

Lucile gets everything together and walks down the stairs to the checkout.

Anne sits down onto the couch next to her mother. She rests her head against Sarabeth’s shoulder.

“Mom,” says Anne.

“Yes?”

“I have some plans to attend a party tonight.”

“Oh, that sounds quite nice. Come on, it is getting late.”

Sarabeth stands from the couch. She holds out her hand.

“I am staying at the Laurie Hotel from where you can get back and rest up, what do you think?”

Anne stands, and Sarabeth calls and arranges a car.

Anne holds on to her mother’s arm as they walk down the stairwell. And Lily is there at the register. She scans the dress and a couple of other items, and Sarabeth handles the shopping bag.

“Thank you for shopping with us today, ladies.” “Bye, girls. Always a pleasure,” Lucile says.

The girls exit the store where a man stands outside the parked car..

“Ms. Englart,” the man says. “Yes.”

“Your car service.”

The man opens the car door and Anne and Sarabeth drive off uptown.