Page 33
“The couch is comfortable.”
“So was the womb, but we all abandoned it.”
“I’m not discussing wombs over lunch.”
“Fine.” She opens her menu. “We’ll discuss the weather.”
“It’s temperate.”
“I don’t wanna talk about it.”
She’s in her coral blouse, the one she wears on second dates. Cream trousers, gold earrings. Dressed to impress, but maybe a little less.
“You have a date after this?”
Jessica’s eyes widen. “Better. Second viewing of that place on 10th. Think they might bite this time.”
I nod. It’s nice not talking about me for a moment.
The waiter appears. Jessica orders iced tea and the salad. I order the chicken salad sandwich because that is what I order here.
When the waiter leaves, Jessica folds her hands on the table.
“All right,” she says. “What did the business manager say?”
I look past her toward the empty patio, the tables waiting for people with appetites and solvable problems.
“Renny was optimistic in his outlook.”
Jessica’s mouth flattens. “That’s one of your better diplomatic phrases.”
“It’s kinder than reckless.”
“Was he reckless?”
“No.” I pause. “Yes.”
Renny wasn’t reckless in a way that lends itself to easy outrage. He was generous, distracted, sentimental about assets worth more in memories than dollars. And sharing bad news wasn’t his strong suit.
“The Man Cave has been losing money,” I say.
Jessica sighs. “How much?”
“Enough that Martin used the phrase sustained decline.”
“Geez.”
I return her sigh.
“Riverview needs roof work, plumbing updates, and two HVAC replacements—that’s the minimum. One of the rentals is completely unrentable, and the others are underpriced. Renny refused to raise rents on long-term tenants, which is saintly unless you also enjoy groceries.”
Jessica says nothing.
“Martin said that selling half the assets might protect the rest. The gallery space is apparently the easiest thing to sell quickly.”
Her eyes lift to mine.
The gallery was the one piece of the business that could be construed as mine. Renny bought the little storefront on Spring Street for me the year I thought I might try painting seriously.
