“Ah.” McAdams cut it in half.
“You don’t have to do that.” Rina pointed to her steak. “I already saved some of mine for him.”
“It’s fine, Rina. He’s a big guy. He’s entitled to eat.”
“Aren’t we two so nice today?”
“Yes, we are. We’re just the best.”
When the house phone rang past ten in the evening, it was never good news. Rina picked up the receiver, although she didn’t know why. It was always for Peter. But this time she was wrong on both accounts.
“Hi. Am I calling too late?”
Rina’s heart was beating fast. “Everything okay, Gabriel?”
“Yeah, good, as a matter of fact. She phoned me.”
A gush of relief. “That’s great! How’s your mom doing?”
“We only spoke for a few minutes. She’s settled in California somewhere. She said she’d call me when she’s found a more permanent home. But she wanted to let me know that she’s okay.”
“Can I say I told you so?”
“Gladly,” Gabe said. “I really do want her in my life.”
“I know you do, honey. She’s your mom.”
“Also, when she’s okay, it’s less drama in my life. She told me she’s got a few possibilities for a job. I told her not to rush it. I have plenty of money.”
“What did she say?”
“That she really wanted to find work. She couldn’t keep borrowing from me. I know I was kind of begrudging about writing her a check the last time we met. I feel bad about it.”
“She knows you have her best interest at heart.”
“I do. Honestly, I was hoping this marriage would work. And I think it did for a while. Poor Mom. Poor Juleen and Sanjay. Divorce is hard. My parents were toxic together, and it was still hard on me. I told her I’d visit them in California once they’re settled.”
“I’m sure they’d love it. You are a very important person in their lives. How’s Yasmine?”
“Stressed.”
“How are you?”
“Busy.”
“And that’s good, right?”
“Yes, it is. I like earning money. I like being independent.”
“For sure.” Rina looked up and Peter had padded into the kitchen, wearing his PJs and slippers. “Want to say hello to the boss?”
“Love to.”
Rina handed the phone to Decker. Their conversation lasted a minute, and then he hung up. Decker said, “Nice that she made contact.”
“I’m happy for Gabe. Maybe she learned from experience what not to do.” A shrug. “You look tired.” When he nodded, Rina hooked her arm under his. “Let’s go to bed. I’m tired too.”
“No you’re not.” He kissed her cheek. “But it’s nice of you to placate an old man.”
“You’re not old. It’s just the job. I know you don’t want to retire, but it’s wearing you down.”
Decker didn’t answer. They went into the bedroom, and a few minutes later it was lights-out with the bedcovers drawn to their chins. He said, “I had a great time in Israel.”
That was almost a year ago. “As did I,” Rina said. “What brought that to mind?”
“I guess I remembered how wonderful it was to walk everywhere and explore. And do things on my own time. And you seemed so happy. It was really liberating.”
“We can go back anytime, you know.”
“I know.” A pause. “I’ve been looking at real estate ads—”
“What?” She sat up. “Are you serious?”
“I don’t want to sever any roots.” Decker sat up and took her hand. “America is my country. I love it and I’m thoroughly red, white, and blue. But I am thinking that we could afford something small. It might be a fun adventure.”
“Not a cheap adventure.”
“We have assets—social security and my pension—certainly enough to live on. I have a retirement account. You have some money. Not a bad idea to have a second home. The kids would certainly use it.”
Rina eyed him in the dark. “You’re thinking about the property in Nachlaot that we saw on a whim. The one where you said that you wouldn’t mind a project. And then I said, ‘It’s not just a project but a total reno.’ And it’s tiny.”
“Two bedrooms, two baths. That doesn’t qualify as tiny in my book. The inside has good bones—high ceilings and architectural features. The outside has a small garden.”
“It’s a weed-choked patch.”
“Which you can have fun with.” He kissed her hands. “Didn’t you say you always wanted a biblical garden? You know the Seven Species.”
“Did I say that?” Decker didn’t answer. She said, “Yes, I did say that.”
He said, “Don’t you love the neighborhood?”
“Honey, it’s where all the kids hang out. It borders the market and it’s loud at night.”
“It’s filled with action and restaurants, and at my age, who can hear anyway?”
“Stop that,” Rina said. “When we left L.A., you said you wanted peace and quiet.”
“It’s a stone house. All I have to do to get peace and quiet is close the doors. Besides, here may be a little too quiet all the time.”
“Can I ask where this is coming from?”
“We had a great time there.”
Rina sighed. “It’s very different visiting as a tourist than owning.”
“Why? We’re not picking up stakes. I thought you’d be happy.”
Rina laughed. “Look at us. You’re pushing for Jerusalem and I’m resisting.”
“Wonder of wonders.”
“That place was a wreck, Peter. If you really want a part-time place, I suggest we call a real estate agent and look at other properties. Maybe we can find something that’s in better shape.”
“I don’t need to see other places. That property is perfect. I could create something beautiful, and the area is great. It’s so central.” When Rina sighed, Decker said, “Let’s forget about it and go to bed.”
“I just don’t want you in over your head.”
“Last I checked I was still an adult male with a cogent brain.”
Rina sighed again. “Okay. Fine. Let’s call up the real estate agent.”
“Don’t get mad.”
“Now what?” Rina sighed. “You’ve bought the place, haven’t you?”
“No, not exactly. We’ve just been talking price.”
“For goodness’ sake, why didn’t you say something to me?”
“You’re mad.”
“Of course I’m mad.”
Decker took her hand. “I’m wrong. No excuses. I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “How much?”
“I haven’t signed anything yet.”
“Good for you. How much?”
“Approximately $437,000.”
“That’s a precise amount for approximately.”