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Sitting in the chow hall was the first chance I had to check my phone today. Pulling it out, scanning through the usual suspects, I found the name I was looking for.
Zoe Harrison.
Sure enough, a new text from her awaited.
New winery was a hit. Not sure if this will come through but a little taste of home.
Below it, there was a picture of wine-tasting glasses with a view of the lake behind them.
Home. It had been more than ten months since I’d been stationed here, and the thought of going home was a mixed bag. Getting used to normal life—everything from driving a car to the sleep schedule to the lack of alarms back home—would be an adjustment.
I told Zoe to text me anytime but wasn’t sure if I should do the same. It was after midnight back home, and if she didn’t turn her phone off, my text could wake her. Then again, most people at least put their phones on silent for the night.
Screw it. I had no idea what the day would bring or if there would be another chance to text her.
Looks great. Glad you had fun.
I put my phone down and finished eating. It was only a second later when my phone buzzed again.
Can’t go wrong at a Finger Lakes winery in the fall.
She was up late.
Still awake?
Yep…night owl
Same. Usually. Not here though.
Zoe immediately responded.
Up too early?
Exactly
Pause. So, I checked some of my other texts and fired one or two off before another of hers came in.
So, what does an army sniper, sorry, spotter, do on a fine morning in Africa?
She referenced my own question to her yesterday. Clever woman.
Sniper. Spotter. Either works.
I added a coffee emoji to show her what I was up to.
How’s the coffee there?
Okay by me. I’m not very discriminatory. You a coffee drinker?
Is the sky blue?
Smiling, I texted right back.
I take it that’s a yes?
An enthusiastic yes!
So. . . a wine- and coffee-drinking gym rat who manages a Finger Lakes resort, is obviously good with people, and is kind enough to send an encouraging note to a stranger. How am I doing so far?
