I just got this call on my cell phone. I didn’t recognize the phone number but from the 504 area code I could tell it was from New Orleans. At first, I thought it sounded like my brother’s ex wife, Mary. Then, when they said who they were I figured it was my ex co-worker Joan.

Apparently, I know another Joan (or at least another Joan knows me.)

I don’t think I know another Joan.

When she said she didn’t want to “go back” I thought it’d be a good chance to probe for more information, but she just wasn’t having any of that.

Also, I’m not sure but I think they were stoned. Just sayin’.

It went something like this….

Caller: Hello, VIncent?
Me: Yes.
Caller: Do you know who this is?
Me: Mary?
Caller: MARY? No, this is JOAN!
Me: Oh.. hey!
Joan: Yeah, I need to ask you. I need a job.
Me: Um, oh.
Mystery Joan: Things are bad here, how are things down by you?
Me: Oh, I’m in DC now.
Mystery Joan: Oh, DC? How is it there… I found your phone number and thought “I know. I’ll call Vincent!”
Me: It’s pretty good. I like it.
Mystery Joan: (ignoring me)I need a job…

Brief but awkward silence.

Mystery Joan: but I don’t really want to go back though.
Me: Back? Back where?
Mystery Joan: You know where!
Me: Ah.
Mystery Joan: So how are you?
Me: Um, I’m at work.. can we talk later?
Mystery Joan: Ok, bye now.