MALLORY and HANA sit in a booth at a coffeeshop. HANA sips her drink with distaste.
HANA
I don’t understand why Americans need to make everything sweet.
MALLORY
I told you to get a black coffee.
HANA
I wanted chai.
MALLORY
And now you still do.
HANA
[nodding in ascent]
So, why did you want to meet. I thought we said no contact for two years. According to my calendar this meeting is 6 months earlier than prudent.
MALLORY
There’s nothing imprudent about running into an old friend at a coffee shop and inviting them to chat.
HANA
Oh, so that’s what happened.
MALLORY
Yes. That’s what happened. And I assume there’s no evidence otherwise?
HANA
Of course not, because that’s what happened so how could there be evidence to the contrary?
MALLORY
Good. Yes. Right.
[sips coffee]
Have you heard from Bern lately?
HANA
No, not for a few months. Curious, isn’t it?
MALLORY
Very curious. I’m so glad that I ran into you though because Bern’s brother reach out to me… last week… Wednesday I think… yes. Wednesday, and he said he was in town looking for any hints of his brother’s whereabouts.
HANA
Hmm. Well, last I heard he was going to Colorado for work. Doing some consulting at a ski resort I think?
MALLORY
Oh! Yes, I can’t believe I forgot that. I had told Leo last I heard he was in Dusseldorf consulting on a restoration, but I think I remember that Colorado was after that.
HANA
His work takes him all over, it’s so hard to keep track.
[reaching for her phone in her purse]
Do you think I should text Bern to -
MALLORY
[uncharacteristically flustered]
NO!
[recovering quickly]
I mean, I’m sure if Leo thinks you have information he will ask. But I just thought you would be curious to know that someone is… asking after Bern.
HANA
Of course. Thank you.
MALLORY
It’s the least I could do. After you were such a support for me after our engagement was cancelled.
HANA
Like I could do anything less for my close friend.
MALLORY
We weren’t that close at the time. Or now even.
HANA
I have faith that we will be again.
[squeezes MALLORY’S hand in an act of comfort]
I want you to know that as long as Leo looks in Colorado or Germany, or I think before Dusseldorf he was in New York he will get a picture of who his brother was. Is. Although I don’t think Bern is in those locations currently.
MALLORY
Yes. Thank you.
HANA
I have to go pick up Tarek soon, but is there anything else you think I should know.
MALLORY
Just that I miss you.
HANA
I miss you too, my dear friend. Six more months.
MALLORY
Six more months.
HANA
If you need me before then, I often go to the Coffee and Tea Exchange on Clark after dropping Tarek at school. 8:30. They have very good chai.
[standing up]
And I will update you on if I hear from Leo, if you happen to be there.
MALLORY
I have heard good things about their tea. Maybe I’ll check it out in a couple weeks. Just to stay up to date on tea spots in the city.
HANA
Good. Take care chou.
MALLORY
You too, chou chou.