Summary

In "August 2017," "Sylvia's Social Club," Olga and Matteo met up for drinks. Olga was surprised to find the bar on "one of the last undeveloped corners of Williamsburg" (71). The area "made her homesick for Sunset Park" (72). Matteo explained that the bar was one of the "last . . . Puerto Rican social clubs" (72). Olga appreciated the atmosphere inside. The owner, Sylvia, was friendly and generous. Over drinks, Olga and Matteo discussed their backgrounds. Matteo wanted to know how Olga’s parents, members of the Young Lords Party, one of the largest "paramilitary pro-socialist Puerto Rican political protest organizations in American history," felt about her job (74). Olga was initially offended, but softened after more conversation. Then Matteo told her about "his Jewish mother and Black father and their divorce" (76).

In "Open Your Eyes," Olga talked more explicitly about her life. She told Matteo that her mother had...