the last book I ever read (Early Work: A Novel by Andrew Martin, excerpt six)

from Early Work: A Novel by Andrew Martin:

“I like it,” Leslie said. She was trying to lean into it, into the weed, into possible attraction. “You look a heartbeat away from the presidency.”

“Is that a Sarah Palin joke? If so, great job.”

“I was thinking of Dick Cheney. As I often am.”

Katie looked into Leslie’s eyes queryingly, like she was trying to determine whether or not John Malkovich was in there.