never intending to talk to you about it. But now, given the circumstances….” He nodded toward Fred. A water lily pad adorned his forehead.
Hunt flipped open the front cover and read the introductory remarks in mocking tones,
“Dear Grantham Community Members,
Welcome to the twenty-sixth year of the Grantham Adult School! As in years past, we are delighted to offer a wide range of classes to meet the needs and interests of the community. Our instructors include noted scholars from Grantham University, as well as artists, artisans and business experts residing in the area. Above all, we at the Adult School believe that education does not end with a diploma. Hence, our motto, Education: the Wellspring of Life.
Iris Phox, President
Grantham Adult School”
Hunt snapped the booklet shut. “As I recall, those very words practically made you gag not all that long ago.”
“Yeah, I admit that’s true. But think what it did for me. When I finally went—okay, not entirely on purpose—to Katarina’s class, I found the woman I love, got my relationship with my son back in order, and acquired a whole new set of friends and family. That’s what I call adult education!”
Hunt slipped his hand in his pants pocket and pulled out his BlackBerry.
“Who are you calling?” Ben asked.
“Oprah. Your story needs to be told to a larger audience.”
Ben rolled his eyes. “Okay, okay. I know it sounds hokey. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a smart thing to do. I mean, look at you. You just hang around doing nothing. You’re not interacting with anyone except…except some mutt whose social skills leave more than a little to be desired.”
“I presume you are referring to my friendship with you?” Hunt joked.
“All right, I asked for that. Not all of us were born on the right side of the tracks.”
Hunt knew that Ben’s declaration grossly understated the harshness of his childhood years.
“But say what you will, at least I’m working my butt off to earn an honest living,” Ben continued.
Hunt rubbed his cheek. “I thought you were okay with me taking a leave from work. If you’ve changed your mind, then you’re free to get a new partner.”
“Jeez, Hunt, I don’t want a new partner. And I’m perfectly okay with you taking time off. What I’m not okay with is you taking a leave of absence from life. I mean, to tell you the truth, I just don’t get it. When you were first diagnosed with lymphoma and had to go through all that wretched treatment, you were amazing, more than amazing. I still can’t believe how you insisted on coming in practically every day while you were undergoing chemo, let alone dealing with the stress and worry. But now that it’s behind you, you’re a wreck. Logic tells me it should be the other way around.”
Hunt frowned. “There’re those people who can’t cope with the prospect of death. For me, it’s the prospect of living that’s got me stymied.”
“Well, just get out there and join the human race. If I can do it, you can! I mean, we all know how hopeless I am when it comes to remembering names and making polite small talk.”
“Let alone impolite small talk.”
Ben pointed at his friend. “See! You’re witty even when you’re not trying! My God, you could practically charm a doorknob!”
“And don’t think I haven’t.”
“So think how many more doorknobs are out there awaiting your unique talents.” Ben noticed the dog in his peripheral vision. “Besides, if what I’m saying doesn’t convince you, I’m pretty sure Fred here will.” He nodded in Fred’s direction. “Don’t look now, but I think you’ll find there’s something shiny hanging out the side of his mouth, something finlike.”
Hunt rushed over to the reflecting pool. “Holy crap, Fred!” He slapped the pamphlet he was still holding against his pants to get the dog’s attention. “That’s one of Mother’s prized koi. She’s going to kill you.” Fred bit down proudly. There was a noticeable crunch.
“Your mother would never kill an animal. She’s on the board of the Grantham animal shelter. I know because she hit me up for a large donation,” Ben said.
Hunt rubbed his mouth. “You’re right. Fred, I think you’re going to live.” He turned slowly back to Ben. “Do you think Mother would hit a recent cancer victim?”
Ben crossed his arms, looking very pleased, indeed. “With gusto. During her visit she was telling me how much she enjoyed the class on weight lifting to prevent osteoporosis.”
Hunt took off his baseball cap, and ran his hand through the thin strands. “Then the only way to get out of this…” He reluctantly looked down at the Adult School listing.
“Exactly.”
Hunt raised his eyes. “And I suppose she already has a course in mind?”
Ben scoffed. “You doubted that for a second?”
“Tell me it’s a large lecture where I can hide in the back of the room,” Hunt implored.
“I could tell you that, but…”
Hunt closed his eyes. “Okay, tell me the truth. I’m man enough to take it.”
“It’s a water aerobics class. Here, give me back the course listing, and I’ll read you the details.”
“Water aerobics?” Hunt grimaced and held out the pamphlet.
Ben flipped the pages. “Here it is. ‘Light Water Aerobics. This six-week class is designed for pregnant women, older citizens and those recovering from injuries, or those wanting a lighter, low-impact workout. Meets Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., Grantham Middle School Swimming Pool.’” Ben closed the booklet. “See, it sounds perfect.”
Hunt frowned. “If it’s so perfect, why don’t you sign up for it?”
“Because I’m not pregnant, old—”
Hunt snorted.
“Excuse me, thirty-eight is not old. Nor am I recovering from an injury. Besides, I know from Katarina’s experience that her knee rehabbed really well in the water. I mean, what have you got to lose?”
Hunt rubbed his lips again. They were perennially chapped despite a constant application of lip balm. “I don’t know. My dignity? Besides, six weeks? That’s kind of a long commitment.”
“I’ve got news for you. Getting a dog isn’t exactly a short-term affair either—right, Fred?”
Hearing his name, the dog sat up in a way that for any other dog might be considered majestic. On Fred, it emphasized the fact that his head seemed to belong to a breed completely unrelated to the rest of his body.
Suddenly inspired, Fred jumped out of the pool and shook himself all over Hunt.
Hunt
