Hanging out downtown
My kid and Sara’s kid are coming back from their respective summer months away.
Her: This is our last weekend to be DINKs.
Me: Then let’s go out.
Her: I’ve got just the place.
We started the night pretty early at this gorgeous rooftop restaurant called One40 Rooftop that Sara picked out.
We were surprised that it overlooked Ground Zero.
Her: I wasn’t expecting that. It’s beautiful. So crazy that so much happened right there.
Me: I’d gone there so many times in my life. I remember so much about that day.
Her: I read that they’re about to break ground on Two World Trade Center. I have no idea where they’re going to put it.
Me: I didn’t even know that. (thinking) We should probably change the subject.
There’s something that will – for me and many lifelong New Yorkers – always be quiet and sacred about that place.
So, I’ll stop talking about it now and leave you with our view.
We were the only ones there, which is part of why I like to eat so early.
Her: You’re so old. Eating so early.
Me: I have my intermittent fasting deadline!
The food was delicious…
…and while it was enough for her, it was not for me.
Her: Do you wanna get something else?
Me: Yes. But not here. Let’s just see what’s around.
Her: (checking her phone) Oh, The Malt House looks nice.
Me: Done – let’s go.
But, as we were paying the check, the waiter leaned over our table.
Him: You know, before you leave, you should really go over to the other side. The views there are even better than the view here.
Me: Oh man, thanks! We’ll do that.
So, we did.
He was right, the view did not disappoint.
Afterward, we made our way to the other bar and ordered some more drinks.
Me: I’m still hungry.
Her: Big surprise.
Me: Oh, they have sweet potato fries. That’s paleo.
Her: Well, it’s not the worst thing.
We had a few more drinks and continued to chat.
Her: I like it down here.
Me: Me too – it’s a lot different here than when I was a kid. But the major issue is that it’s at sea level or below.
Her: This is true.
Me: It’s ok. We can visit.
Afterwards, it was still pretty bright outside – see, the benefits of eating early – so we went for a stroll.
Sara made a new friend.
But he was too busy staring at his paperwork to notice her.
His loss, really.
As we started to go home…
Me: I’m still hungry.
Her: I would say I’m surprised, but I’m not.
Me: Look! Dollar pizza.
Her: It’s $2.
Me: I’m still getting one. Maybe two.
It was a nice way to wind down our time without the kids for a spell.
We still had one more thing to do, though.
But I’ll tell you all about it in the next entry.
Location: my humid room, interviewing someone
Mood: hungry
Music: down this empty street, let’s walk in the cool evening night (Spotify)
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