The Mysterious Woman at Billy’s Bakery

I recognized her from somewhere, with her dark curls and tentative smile…I knew I did. But she didn’t remember me at all.

Icebox Cake from old-time Billy’s Bakery. This is a chocolate wafer affair, but Billy’s bakes classic layer cakes of all kinds, from coconut to lemon. The original location is in Chelsea.

Picture a warm, sunny spring weekday in New York City, more than 10 years ago. Employees, sprung from their desks with freedom and joy, headed out for afternoon coffee/cake breaks in Chelsea. I recognized the office attire — rolled shirtsleeves for men, pantsuits for women.