The Slip: A Novel

by Lucas Schaefer

“I ain’t talking to no tired ginzo whore!” an agitated resident roared at her one morning, in an incident emblematic of her tenure at Prewitt. “Well, you’re in luck, Mr. Matthews,” said Gloria, “ ’cause I ain’t tired.”

it is inconceivable to her that Alexis, so open and easy, would be interested in the forever unsprung jack-in-the-box that is Miriam. He seems to move so lightly through the world, no footsteps in the snow. Miriam has always left deep tracks in her plodding wake.

Here’s a dirty secret: you can always find a way to give yourself permission. A dream portends a breakup; a just-averted car wreck augurs the start of something new. The truth is, you were prepared before your head hit the pillow, before you slammed on the brakes: to end it all, to fall in love. A sign from the universe isn’t an answer. It’s an excuse. To do the thing you were already ready to do.