Several weeks passed--with each successive one, Ari relaxed. Gar let Ari use the house for his certificate of accommodation. Lion had moved in to try to sober up. Chloe played Mom while Gar struggled with his joblessness. He had taken to sleeping a lot, a depressive symptom. One morning after breakfast, I asked him to walk.
"I guess."
"Great—let's walk to 'Le Chalet des Iles.' I'll buy you lunch."
"Kinda far."
"We have nothing else to do on this beautiful day."
"Oh, alright."
The 'Chalet de Iles' is a beautiful chalet on an island in the Bois de Boulogne. One takes a small boat to get to the restaurant. We walked down Avenue Hoch to get there.
"You haven't said much about Ari and the boys."
"What can I say?"
"I sure appreciate you letting us all stay."
We started through the Bois de Boulogne, surrounded by emerald woodlands and dark ponds.
"It's nice here."
"Yeah."
We rowed out to the restaurant, got a table on "Lac Inferieur", sipping café au laits.
"What would you do if you could do anything, Gar?"
"Something with research—I like digging for stuff."
"Are there many research jobs out there."
"Sure, but I don't want to talk about finding work, okay?"
"Sorry. I will pry on one other thing--are you guys okay money-wise?"
"Chloe whined to the trust guy, so he's giving her a little more."
"Good."
"We have our savings, too. We're okay for a little while."
"I can help if you need it."
"Thanks, Jack."
He picked at his eggs Benedict once it arrived. After making conversation four or five times, we left the restaurant, rowed back across the lake, and began the two-mile walk home.
YOU ARE READING
Leaving New York
PrzygodoweA New York City fireman retires early and seeks adventure in Europe.
