As promised, here’s a new installment of Perfect Manhattan! Welcome to new subscribers and everyone who has supported this endeavor so far. I’m excited to keep it going. 

In Chapter Two (Whiskey Soda), Eve tries to clear the stench of a first date gone very wrong (emphasis on “stench”) with an evening at one of her favorite local hangouts, Rosalie’s. Her old friend Bhanu joins her for some welcome distraction and perhaps too many whiskey highballs. She does, however, make it to work at the magazine on time the following day. At her desk during her lunch break, Eve reads an email with some unexpected news that is potentially life-changing in a positive way. 

She’ll face some big decisions. 

But first, cocktails! 

For anyone in need of a refresher, Perfect Manhattan is an original novel in progress. In case you missed it, you can catch up on the backstory and setup here. To read the first two chapters, you can find them here in the Schudown archive. 

Please note the main character, and all characters, places, and events in this book, while inspired by real life, are made up. Any references to real people and places (and drinks!) are fictionally presented but intentionally recognizable. 

Perfect Manhattan Chapter Three

Aviation

Eve arrives at Turn of Phrase on East 6th Street a few minutes before Julian, her usual plus one.