Elizabeth the First Wife by Lian Dolan Page B

explained, “There’s a vague artichoke reference in Hamlet . Shakespeare uses the phrase ‘heart of heart’ to describe the depth of his feelings for his dear friend Horatio, who is ruled by reason, not passion, a quality Hamlet admires to his core.”
    â€œHeart of heart,” Rafa repeated slowly, as if he truly understood the phrase for the first time. His face lit up. I’d seen that look before with my students, when I’d touched something deep inside their intellect. But it had been a long time since I’d seen it in a man’s face. “Free reading in your spare time?”
    â€œI wrote a paper on it once.”
    â€œThe Importance of Artichokes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet?”
    â€œPretty much.”
    â€œThat’s vital work you do, Professor,” Rafa mocked. Then his voice softened. “I’ll never eat an artichoke the same way again. And I’m pretty sure we’ll use that heart of heart bit in a campaign speech. It’s good.”
    â€œAnother donation.” We both laughed.
    His Droid went off, but he didn’t look down to acknowledge it. “Sorry I have to rush, but we’re flying back to Washington this afternoon. Can I see the rest of the place, so I’ll know what I need in terms of office supplies and tech? Then I’ll get out of your hair.”
    Speaking of hair, Rafa had good hair. A thick, full head of black hair. “Sure. It has three bedrooms, including the master. I’d prefer if the master wasn’t ‘donated to the campaign.’ But the guest room is available, and you can use the third bedroom as your office. That’s what I do.”
    â€œGot it, your bedroom off-limits. Any other restricted areas?”
    I bet that line worked on interns. “The air conditioning is a little quirky. Good news is that the adobe walls keep the house cool even on hot days. The stove has its own personality—it’s an old O’Keefe & Merritt—but it sounds like you won’t be turning it on, so no worries. The yard guy comes on Monday and the trash guy comes on Friday.”
    â€œAnybody else show up around here?” Rafa said from underneath the desk in my office, where he was checking out the outlet situation.
    â€œThe meter reader shows up once a month. Other than that, it’s just me.” I tried not to sound too pathetic. Or defensive. Or eager.
    Rafa stood up and wiped his hands on a handkerchief he produced from his pocket. Who carries a handkerchief these days? Then he dipped into his coat one more time, “Here’s my card with all my contact information. Can I get yours in case I have any other questions? I’ll confirm my arrival date with you and Bumble, of course.”
    I looked down: Rafael Moreno. Chief of Staff. Giant Congressional seal. And I had nothing. So I scribbled my e-mail address and cell number on a Post-it and made a mental note to get actual cards before I headed to Ashland. “Don’t hesitate to call.” Whoa, definitely too eager. “Anything for the campaign.”

    I texted Bumble: Don’t think chief of staff interested in watering my plants.
    She replied: Metaphor?
    I answered: No, literally.

    The phone chimed with a text from an unfamiliar number. I tapped the screen: Rafa here. Do you have cable?
    I replied: Yes. C-Span?
    He responded: Wimbledon.
    I saved his number to my contact list.

    Another chime. It was FX from New York: Having Indian at that place on Essex Street. Reminds me of you. Want something?
    I replied: We have great Indian here in Pasadena.

Juliet
Capulet

FROM ROMEO & JULIET

    WHO SHE IS: She’s Juliet, the Juliet. Innocent, obedient teenage daughter of the Capulets who takes one look at Romeo Montague, sworn enemy of her family, and that is that. Goodbye arranged fiancé Paris. Goodbye controlling mother. Hello womanhood.
    WHAT TO STEAL FROM JULIET:
    Determined, strong, sober-minded