The electric company’s repair truck took the curve at the beginning of the court a little too close, tipping slightly as it turned. In the truck’s shadow, Lyndsey Templeton swerved his bicycle up onto the sidewalk and stopped a moment. He snarled at the truck and pushed his tie back into place inside his jacket. He rubbed his hands until they stopped shaking.
“That was close,” he murmured. “I’m too old for this ride. So what if they give me a bit more in my paycheck at the college for being ‘green.’ I should paint my face instead.”
He checked his helmet straps and wobbled back into the street, nearly grazing a UPS truck as it entered the court. He stood on his pedals to complete the journey to his own garage, taking care to avoid scratching Peter’s Lexus.
“I’m not up for this,” Lyndsey muttered, as he dismounted and removed his helmet. “I hope it’s a short visit.”
As he entered the house, Lyndsey caught his wife’s laughter, loose and carefree, and Peter’s strained guffaw in reply. He saw Bobbi first as he rounded the corner past the kitchen, shedding his backpack onto a chair. She slumped in a patio chair, her face wrestling with a faked smile. The smile relaxed and became real when she caught sight of him in return, her eyes momentarily shifting his way.
“Lyn’s home,” Bobbi announced.
Polly rose from her chair in stages, re-lowering herself once. Lyndsey reached the sliding glass doors before she could open them. He slipped into her arms as she turned to him and accepted the kiss she planted behind his ear.
Peter extended his hand to shake. “Hello, Lyndsey. How are things with you?”
Lyndsey stepped away from Polly but kept one arm about her waist, supporting her as she faded back into the chair. He took Peter’s outstretched hand, grasping it in a firm and abrupt motion.
“It’s midterm time at the college,” he said. “So it’s a little crazy, especially with one of my T.A.’s out sick and the math department trying to squeeze into the new space.”
Bobbi cut in, “I think I’ll get Polly some more to drink.” She squeezed Lyndsey’s elbow as she passed him. “Anything I can get you, Lyn?”
Lyndsey turned to her, his mouth twisted on a reply. He followed her glance to Polly, who rubbed her head and then smiled and said, “I’m fine you all. Please. Just make Lyn comfortable for me.”
“I will,” Bobbi replied. “Lyn, sit down. I’ll get you something. What’ll it be?”
Peter already occupied the only other chair besides the one Polly sat in. Lyndsey looked to Bobbi who shrugged in reply. He dropped into Bobbi’s chair and sighed, “Well, if you insist…I just want some water.”
“She’s such a sweetheart,” Polly said to Peter as Bobbi retreated into the house.
“So she is,” Lyndsey said.
