I am hung over.
And it's not from drinking. Instead, it's from one of those intoxicating New York evenings that reminds me why I live here. This dessert might also have something to do with it. Yesterday was the Monday of all Mondays. A work event kept me at the office later than I like and then I headed across the street to the gym. When I left just before 9 pm, I got a text from friends saying there was an empty seat at their table for dinner. There, just waiting for me, was a beautiful yellow cab. I crossed the village in just minutes, and I arrived at The Standard Grill. I love this place.The room was hopping. A famous fashion designer was seated just behind me. A magazine editor and his TV attorney buddy were on my left. And a twin-child-actress-turned-I-don't-know-what was there too.
The food was delicious and the dessert, known as The Deal Closer, was incredibly good. You know it's gonna be good when they serve it with a rubber spatula. It just has to be. The night ended perfectly at 11 p.m. with a phone call from my two-year old niece. I love it when my phone rings, and I hear that tiny voice say: "JOSH! Whatcha doin?" And I tell her."Why?" she asks.
Then I say "Whatcha doin?" And she tells me about her day. I ask her if her hair is still curly, and she just laughs."Yes. You are silly" she says.
Then she abruptly says,"Gotta go. Love you. Kisses." "I love you!" I say, and she hangs up the phone. The phone rings again. It's her. We repeat the same conversation. And she laughs. She hangs up. And she calls again. We do this at least three times with every call. Perfection.