Gossip

It was another hot day, and he had a full list again –
excavate here, grade there, dig that septic tank across town. D worked hard. He
started early and didn’t stop until the night made it impossible to see the
survey stakes and lines any more.

He knew Mrs. D wasn’t so happy with his busy schedule. Yes,
she had tolerated it, even approved of it, when they were younger. But
sometimes now he can hear a sour note in her voice when he tells her he doesn’t
know how late he’s going to be because he’s going to talk to J about the big
job coming up at the self-help subdivision, or stop for a quick one on the way
home.

Yup, another hot day. D hoped the trades would pick up to
blow some of the heat away. He grabbed his cap off the nail and gave Mrs. D a
perfunctory peck on the cheek on his way out the door.

“I have a hospital auxiliary supper meeting tonight,” she
said. “You’ll have to fend for yourself.”

“No problem,” D said. “Have a good time.”

“There’s some leftover casserole in the fridge you can heat
up,” she said.

D stopped at the store for some ice to fill his cooler.
These hot days you had to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. Nothing worse
than operating heavy machinery with a headache – the noise, the dust, the
diesel.

While waiting in line at the checkout, he studied the new
cashier. She must be in her thirties, he thought, judging by the smile wrinkles
around her dark eyes, but he was immediately transported back to high school.
Biology class. Dissecting a frog for Rita, who was too squeamish to watch, much
less do it herself. Rita. His first love. He hadn't seen her for many years,
not since she'd moved to Vegas.

This young woman has to be her daughter, D thought. Her name
tag said “Noni.”

When it was his turn, he handed her some bills. “How’s
Rita?” he asked.

“Mom? She’s not well.” Noni’s hands shook as she made
change. “We’re back for a while so she can go through the old house while she’s
still up to it.” Her eyes met his. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this –
well I suppose it will be all over town anyway soon.”

“Tell her hello from D.” He pocketed his change and picked up
the ice. Then, on impulse, he turned back. “What time do you get off work?” he
asked. “Can I give you a ride…” he hesitated, "...home?"