Good Harbor

“Not that you’re in the least bit prejudiced,” Hal said.

They walked into the kitchen just as Buddy arrived, carrying two bags of groceries.

“Surprise!” he said, beaming.

“You knew? You sneak.”

“I got tuna steaks to grill.” He deposited a six-pack of beer on the counter.

They settled on the deck while Buddy started the fire and Hal tried to get Kathleen to talk about her treatment.

“I don’t know what to tell you,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’m in and out so fast. The girls, the techs, are nice kids. The best thing is that it’s almost over.”

“No side effects?”

“Not really.”

Buddy frowned at her.

“What? Oh, my fatigue? Yes, I’m tired, but that will pass.”

Kathleen could tell that Hal didn’t quite buy her version of the summer, and she walked into the kitchen to fetch place mats and napkins.

When she returned to the deck, Hal was telling Buddy about work.

“It’s fine,” said Hal. “I’m making great money, but . . .”

“Great money is great,” said Buddy.

“But what?” asked Kathleen.

“It’s just a job.” Hal shrugged. “I’m not interested in what I do all day, and when I go home, I have nothing to talk about.”

“So you’re thinking about making a change?” Buddy asked.

“Change is in the air in my house.” Hal proceeded with news about his many roommates: Tom, the cycling nut, had bought an insanely expensive bike and entered a big race; Ruthie, the nursing student, had decided to specialize in pediatric oncology; Leona was burned-out from teaching city kids and was looking for a job in the suburbs.

“And what about Josh?” Kathleen asked. Josh had been Hal’s roommate at Michigan and had moved to California with him.

“I was saving this for last. Josh is getting married.”

“Married?” Buddy asked.

“Yup.”

“To whom?” Kathleen asked.

“Sarah Bley.”

“Do we know her?”

“You met her last time you were out. She’s the big blonde from Los Angeles.”

“The one who was visiting Ruthie?” Buddy asked.

“Yeah. That’s when they met.”

Buddy raised his eyebrows at Kathleen, and she realized Buddy had also guessed that Josh and Hal were lovers.