Techniques for optimistically obtaining a resource that does not currently reside in a cache associated with a node include sending a request for permission to access the resource. Before receiving a response to the request, an operation is initiated to retrieve the resource; then the response to the request is received. After receiving the response, it is determined whether the operation results in a correct version of the resource. A returned resource is received in response to the operation. If it is determined that the operation results in the correct version, then, after the returned resource is received, the returned resource is placed in the cache associated with the first node. The techniques of the current invention not only perform an optimistic read but also determine whether the results of the optimistic read are valid. When optimistic read results are valid, latency is reduced in retrieving resources.