Among the Living by Jonathan Rabb Read Free Book Online Page B

joke.” He made a sucking sound through his teeth.
    “And your family?” said Pearl.
    Goldah found it odd that this was the first time they had thought to ask about the family. He said, “I think perhaps I won’t go tomorrow.”
    Jesler and Pearl shared a glance. She did her best with a smile.
    “No?” she said.
    “If that’s all right?”
    Another glance.
    “No, no,” she said, nodding, “of course. We completely understand.” And then, as if she truly did, “It’s not the rabbi, is it? It wasn’t your meeting the rabbi?” She looked again to Jesler for help but he was back working the chop. “He’s a very nice man but he’s, you know … a rabbi. And rabbis are … well, they’re rabbis. You know what I mean. Well-meaning. A little full of himself. But very learned. He’s a very learned man. Wouldn’t you say so, Abe?”
    Jesler nodded as he ate. “Very learned.”
    Goldah said, “The rabbi seemed very kind.”
    “He is ,” said Pearl. “He really is.”
    Jesler examined the chop. “If he’s not inclined to go, Pearl, then he doesn’t need to go. You’re not inclined to go, are you, Ike?”
    “I’m afraid I’m not, no.”
    “Well, there it is.” Jesler set the food on his plate and took hold of his napkin. He chose not to feel Pearl’s glare from across the table. “Mary Royal’ll be here in the morning for breakfast and lunch. We like to get there just before the Torahreading so maybe we’ll leave here around nine, nine fifteen, back by twelve thirty. Might go a bit longer. The sermons have a tendency to grow the closer we get to Rosh Hashanah. I think he likes working up the muscle, make sure we’re primed for the big ones. Maybe a quarter to one?”
    Goldah felt the genuineness in this. “If it would be better —”
    “Nothing about this is better or worse,” Jesler said easily. “I like to go. Pearl likes to go. Simple as that. We’ve never thought to ask any questions about it. I imagine you have. You’re in our home, Ike. You find what you need and we’re here to give it.”
    Goldah watched as Jesler looked at his wife. “Isn’t that right, Pearl?” Goldah saw an unexpected warmth in Jesler’s eyes.
    As if breathing it in, Pearl said, “Yes, that’s right.” She looked at Goldah. “You find whatever it is you need, wherever it is you need to find it.”
    Goldah heard himself say, “You’re very lucky, the two of you.”
    “Yes,” said Jesler. “We are.” He folded the letter and placed it inside his jacket pocket.

    Goldah waited until after ten the next morning before heading downstairs. He had brought an orange up the night before to tide him over. It was Pearl’s favorite phrase.
    Mary Royal was standing at the sink washing up when Goldah stepped into the kitchen.
    “Hello there,” Goldah said.
    She was taking great care with the glasses and plates, peering through each at the window as if to measure the sunlight in them.
    He said, “I hope I didn’t startle you.”
    “I’d’ve dropped the glass if you had, Mr. Ike. See, I’m still holding it. You want something to eat?” She set the glass down and wiped her hands on her apron. “I got some nice melon, bread for toasting I made this morning, maybe some eggs and grits? Or you just want to start with coffee like usual?”
    “Coffee would be good. Thank you.”
    “You go on in and I’ll bring it in to you. There’s still the papers on the table.” She stepped over to a cupboard.
    “I can eat in here, if it’s easier for you.”
    “Both is easy.”
    The light through the window came in like a spray of ice and played in gray spots on the wall. Just below them was a small table near the door to the back porch. For some reason Goldah was wanting the brightness. He stepped over and pulled back a chair.
    “I think here this morning.”
    “That’s fine.” Mary Royal brought a cup down and poured from the percolator. “Miss Pearl said you needed to have some eggs. And she was wondering