Broken homes & gardens

the long version

After returning from an unsuccessful work abroad scenario teaching English in the Czech Republic, Joanna puts down roots in the damp drizzly neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon. Jetlagged anddisappointed, she sets up camp in her sister Laura's tiny laundry room. Weeks later, Joanna attends a house party at Ted's, Laura's new beau. While reading What to Expect When You are Expecting (even though becoming pregnant is the farthest thing from Joanna's mind), Joanna is caught by surprise when Ted's best friend Malcolm, out of nowhere, approaches her. Lanky, dark-eyed, and strangely weird, Malcolm banters with Joanna, intriguing her with his dry, unconventional approach to flattery. Later that evening they fall asleep in each other's arms in a self-fashioned shed that Malcolm made with his own hands. Only one slight problem: in less than 24 hours Malcolm is leaving for the Peace Corps.