Malkie is a gay New York lawyer who has a passing encounter with Romanian university student Sofia, who is spending the summer working as a waitress in a high-end western Massachusetts town. It’s where Malkie and her family spend weekends and holidays, as do many other New Yorkers. When they meet, Sofia whispers, “If you are interested, and I think you are, you can contact me here.” Malkie ignores the overture and the little slip of paper placed in her hand.<br><br>When she returns a month later, though, Malkie decides to find out what Sofia has in mind. She believes it when Sophia says she is attracted to the lawyer, and not just as a hook-up. Can Sophia make Malkie understand she’s worthy of another woman’s love?

An International Exchange

“I will be right back,” and she went into the kitchen to place the order.


Upon returning she said, “I think I know. I am finished with lunch at around two. Why do you not come here then, and we can talk about it?”


I called my mother to tell her I was going to be in town for a few more hours. She didn’t ask why. My parents were more than happy about me being gay since they knew that was what I am, and I think they hoped I’d meet a nice Jewish girl somewhere along my travels, and Lenox was as good a spot as any, especially given all the families up for the holiday.


Sofia was sitting in a chair on the porch when I arrived at about 2:10. Fall had begun to set in, and she wore a light blue sweater over her white blouse and black work-pants. I wore a pair of jeans with a blue blazer over a rose T-shirt. Before I sat, she said, “Let us walk.” 


As we reached the sidewalk, she said, “I do not know your name.”


Chapter 2