In Which I Think I Know Spanish

Thursday, 8AM, Upper East Side

I’m dropping off my laundry at the service in my building’s basement….

Clerk: Cuánto es Sarah y Miss Dolores?

How much are Sarah and Miss Dolores?

Joe: I don’t think I know Sarah or Dolores.

The clerk tries again, much slower and more distinctly.

Clerk: Joo wann toh ey-separay dees coh-lors, jess?

Oh.