Page 58 of Bad Words

From: [email protected]

Sent: Dec 24, 3:03 PM

Re: Kavan Retrospective

Great. Well, while I have your attention: Has anyone ever told you it’s comical that your email address is “Selina Chan Likes Books”?

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Sent: Dec 24, 3:05 PM

Re: Kavan Retrospective

It’s accurate. I do like books.

I’ve probably liked more books than you’ve read.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Sent: Dec 24, 3:06 PM

Re: Kavan Retrospective

Unsurprising, since you spend your life doing antisocial things like reading in bars.

Let me guess: you’re spending this terrible Christmas Eve reading.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Sent: Dec 24, 3:08 PM

Re: Kavan Retrospective

I am. Jenny House has a new book out next May. I got an ARC at the Wiseman Festival. Her last book was an immense disappointment, but this one is exciting and kinetic.

And you?

I felt a pinch of discomfort. I hadn’t told the Chan Pan Support Group that I’d seen Selina yesterday, although I wasn’t sure why I’d kept quiet. They would have thought the dinner situation was hilarious.

Jenny would have been relieved to know that she didn’t have to gear up for another pan. Still, I didn’t pick up my phone.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Sent: Dec 24, 3:11 PM

Re: Kavan Retrospective

I’m mostly reading articles about cancellation credit for Cathay Pacific. Great works of creative genius.

A few minutes passed, but Selina didn’t reply.