Page 46 of Starrily

Of course not. Something else was wrong, but Simon was a bit too rattled to think clearly about what that was. So he started walking.

He had pent-up energy and frustration to release, and ordinarily, sport would help. Maybe it was time for climbing again. No, too slow. He needed something to blow his thoughts away. Mountain biking? That sounded better.

But instead of heading home to pick up the equipment, Simon took a bus, then walked some more until he found himself in a suburban street in front of a neat, two-story house with a perfectly maintained lawn and a paved path leading to the front door.

A woman answered his knock, peering past the door. “Hello?”

“Uh.” Simon shook his head. “Wrong house, sorry.”

“Wait,” she said as he turned to walk away. “You’re Stan’s boss, aren’t you?”

He turned back.

“Michelle, wife.” She extended a hand and smiled at him. “Do you need Stan?”

He wasn’t sure. He needed someone to talk to—but why did he pick his driver?

“He took the kids to school, but he should be back soon. Come in.” Michelle moved aside to let him enter. She led him to the living room and brought him a glass of orange juice. “Stan should arrive in five minutes or so. Will you excuse me? I have to go back to my Zoom meeting.”

“Sure. Sorry for interrupting.”

“No biggie.” She disappeared upstairs.

Stan did, indeed, arrive in about five minutes. Based on how he paused at the doorway, Simon assumed his presence here surprised him, even if Stan’s face was as stoic as ever. “Mr. Simon,” he said. “You’re here.”

“Uh—yes.”

“Is there an emergency?”

“No. No!” Simon stood, nearly overturning the glass of orange juice on the coffee table. He ran a hand through his hair and, not knowing what else to do, sat back down.

“It’s the doctor,” Stan said.

“Why is that always your conclusion?”

“It seems to always be true.”

Fair enough.Simon sighed and sank into the couch. “I’m sorry for coming here uninvited. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Did she kick you out of her office again?”

“Close. Her apartment.”

“Hmmph.”

“It’s a long story.”

“Good,” Stan said. “I have a swing in the backyard to fix. You can help while you tell it.” He headed down the hallway.

After the initial surprise, Simon jumped off the sofa and caught up with him. “I had no idea you were married. And had kids.”

“You never asked.”

“I guess I didn’t.” He followed Stan through the kitchen and out the back door. Stan headed for a small shed in the corner while Simon took in the inflatable pool, a set-up for a barbecue, and the aforementioned swing.

“How old are the kids?”

“Eleven and six.”