February 17, 1998
Darling X,
Greetings from the sands of beautiful Santa Barbara. It has been a strangely long time since I last heard from you, and in a matronly sense I am beginning to worry. I hope all is well.
Last we spoke you were in Memphis, desperately searching for the ever illusive "Momma". Though I am afraid I will never fully understand your obsession with her, I believe that on this little jaunt to the beach I have seen something that may be of interest to you.
While on the beach two days ago I spied a woman...a woman with golden skin...a woman quite like that you have described to me in your many letters. I snapped a quick shot of her while she had her back turned and though I don't believe it came out too well perhaps it may help you.
She left the beach with a tall man dressed in black. As they wove through the sunbathers to a red convertible in the lot I felt a pang of ... I am not sure what... but I knew that I must find her again.
Later that evening I spied her in a dark corner of the bar. She sat alone, drinking scotch. Later, as she rose to leave, she looked over her shoulder at me, and I swear to you, she winked.
Curiosity got the best of me. I wandered to the table where she had been. There I found the matchbook. I am quite sure she left it for me.
Enclosed you will find the photo and the cover of the matchbook...I send them in hopes that you will find her, or at the very least share with me more about this illusive woman.
I hope all is well Darling. Contact me soon.
Yours,
Anastasia