"Yeah?"
"Guess what?"
"I don't have a clue."
"The best fish and chips in the world are not in England."
"You lie," he laughed. "Where are they?"
"Argentina."
"Now I know you are lying. And I gotta ask. Why are you eating fish and chips in Argentina anyway? Why aren't you eating empanadas or, oh, I know a great place that serves Gnoquis de Semola a la Romana."
Maggie was laughing. "Wait, I'm writing that down. Okay, steer me."
He gave her directions.
"Wonderful. I think I can make it to La Plata before I leave Buenos Aires."
"So tell me about the fish and chip place."
"I was lost. You know, one of those cabbies that take you the long way around to get the bigger fare, but I got wise before I was too far from where I should be. Anyway, we dickered for a bit, and I knew I was only a few blocks from where I should be. It wasn't a bad neighborhood. So I got out to do a little shopping, hit the stores, see some local galleries, that sort of thing."
"Yeah."
"Oh, I found this piece. It's not an artifact, but… you'll laugh. I bought it for you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. I'm going to leave it with the Brun's. Sebastian." The way she said that name, stretching out the a's made him smile.
"Okay."
"So anyway, I was lost, shopping, buying things and I broke the heel on my shoe. So I found a shoe repair place, and right next door is this English Pub."
"A pub?"
"Yeah run but a Brit ex-pat. Complete with dart boards and pints and football and cricket gear."
"No kidding." Maggie continued, "It was great. You have to get here someday." She gave him the address.
"I don't have any plans to be in Argentina any time soon."
"Neither did I. You never know, though, do you?"
"True enough."
"So, now I'm pool side in my hotel, drinking my cana and soaking my feet and then I'm going out to dinner and dancing and I plan to not get up before noon tomorrow."
"Sounds like a great time. You have a date?"
"Why? Are you in Argentina?"
He chuckled. "No, I just don't like the idea of you out at night, without an escort."
"Ohlala."
"Ha, Ha. You know what I mean."
"Yes. There are eight of us going out. I'll be fine."
"Okay, have a good time. Will you call me when you leave Argentina? Call me from the airport? So I know you're okay."
"Eliot Spencer, are you worried about me? I've been travelling the world since you were …"
"What? Come on. You're not that much older than me. And I started young, too."
"You're right. Never mind. Forget I said anything."
"Okay. But you'll call."
"Yes, mother." She laughed. "I'm leaving Saturday."
"Okay. I'll be waiting. All day. By the phone."
"Right, like I believe that. Good night, Eliot."
"Night Maggie."