VAMPIRES AND SLAVES I set up a morning meeting — with Grace at Cafe Boronne. It is a Friday, so the cafe is open. Since Covid, it has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is inconvenient since I enjoy coffee after my dialysis sessions, and Monday is the first session of the week. Dialysis takes up 15+ hours a week of my daylight hours, so the remaining time is very scheduled by me… apparently even ‘manically’ scheduled… like this is my last day on earth. Rhythms like coffee keep this innate mania a bit in check. “How have you been doing Grace? I know Martha took over after you ‘went on’, and your kids were going to Priori, but I don’t know what you have been up to since then. Are you still living off Alpine?” “Yes. Still there. The kids are grown, but we like the house, and it is good for entertaining. I am the angel investor for several companies, and the gaming and VR spaces are doing really well. I also represent the 13th district, so that takes a bit of time. “ “Sounds exciting. Can I pitch a public benefit to you as state senator?” “I agreed to meet, and you are very transparent, so clearly ‘yes’. “ “I want to end homelessness. I believe this will save and improve lives. And the newly housed will be able to contribute much more effectively to the local economy … maybe even as gamers”. I say the last part with a smile. Grace has been in the game industry for decades. Never seemed to match her professionalism and personality to me, but people have layers.
- 25 -
