The First Warm Evening of the Year by Jamie M. Saul Read Free Book Online

the Coast to play some of the clubs,” he said. “Laura and Steve. They were so in love, I found it unbearable.”
    â€œStop being evasive,” I told him. “Tell me what you want.”
    It was a few minutes after two, the lunchtime crunch was finished, and only three or four people were sitting in booths and at the counter. Simon’s eyes never stopped moving, looking around at each person as though he was expecting to see someone he knew—or hoping he wouldn’t—looking out the window at the street, then past my head in the direction of the front door. Then at me.
    â€œI’d really like to see my sister’s house, some of her things. Before you give them away.”
    â€œI’m not giving anything away. Ask Remsen. I have nothing to do—”
    â€œI’m sure you don’t know what you’re talking about. Do you know that Remsen didn’t let me go to her funeral? The son of a bitch kept me away.”
    â€œHow could he keep you away?”
    Simon lifted the cup, looked into it, and put it down. “By not telling me she died until it was all over.” He took a quick peek past my head. “Did you get to look through Laura’s stuff?”
    â€œLet me understand this. You ran out on your roommate, came to New York without any money and apparently no change of clothes, all because you want what ?”
    â€œAnother cappuccino.” He was speaking to the waitress now. “I can only wonder what they—” He watched the waitress walk away, didn’t quite sit up, but pulled himself, just a little bit, out of the corner. “I don’t want anything. Not from you . I only want to go to my sister’s house one last time, look at some of the things that belonged to her, just to get some closure.”
    â€œThe last time I saw you, you were running away. My guess is you’re running away from something now.”
    â€œBecause I want to spend a little time at my sister’s house?”
    â€œWouldn’t it be easier to leave this alone?”
    â€œNow who’s being evasive?”
    â€œI know you’re after some thing because chances are someone’s after you . You know what I’m talking about. Howie Greenberg calling in the middle of the night? That car?”
    â€œDon’t lecture me about my life.” Simon glanced down at his hands, just for a moment. “God forbid I should have any feelings about my sister. That I might actually want some small token—”
    â€œContest the will, if you want.”
    â€œThis is going to take more than a cappuccino.” He made eye contact with the waitress and asked for a menu. “These people—look, Geoffrey—oh crap.” He sat up and leaned forward.
    The waitress came to take Simon’s order, I asked for a fresh cup of coffee.
    â€œYou and I were never friends,” I told him. “I’m not your friend now.”
    â€œWhat do you know about Laura and Steve?”
    â€œYour sister entrusted me to take care of her estate. Not to take care of you.”
    â€œThat’s not all she entrusted you to do.”
    â€œDo you ever know what you’re talking about?”
    â€œDo you ever know what I’m talking about?”
    â€œYou’re acting like this is the first time we’ve met. Like I have no recollection of you. And I’m looking at you and seeing what an irresponsible mess you are. And I don’t think that’s much of a change since the last time I saw you. Tell me I’m wrong.”
    The waitress brought over my coffee, and placed the sandwich Simon had ordered on the table. Simon gave it slow consideration and before he took a bite, he said, “You’re a very abrasive person, Geoffrey.” He bit into his sandwich. “I grew up with these people. I don’t need you. I can go there without you.”
    â€œSo go.”
    He took another bite of his sandwich. “Whether