And did you see how he danced. Like a hooked worm.
Richard had won a tidy sum the previous night. He was lost in thought. The offer was tempting. He didn’t know jack about Laundromats, but it seemed pretty simple.
People put coins into machines and in the evening you came by to gather up the cash. It didn’t sound too tiring and would leave him plenty of spare time. And most of all, most of all, his income would be regular, in both senses of the word, and times being what they were, in this horrible uncertainty, you couldn’t afford to be careless.
When Mona emerged from her room, her father was already gone. Good thing, too, because if she could avoid talking, so much the better. She’d heard him come in at dawn and had followed his path by ear from room to room, a kitchen chair knocked over onto the tile floor, boards creaking in the hallway, the doorknob that he turned carefully, the hiss of water in the bathroom sink, the gurgling of the drain, his return to the bedroom where the bedsprings made an irritating squeak. She herself had spent a horrible night. She boiled some water for tea because smoking made her thirsty, but basically she didn’t feel like anything.
Dan told Richard he’d go check out the launderette with him in late afternoon, but no earlier because there was a contest and Brigitte had requisitioned everyone, she wanted all hands on deck, no exceptions. He was stuck.
But on the face of it, the idea didn’t seem too bad. He took down the address and hung up. Brigitte asked what he was doing over there. He wasn’t being paid to make personal calls on the clock.
Marlene was eating lunch by herself. She’d gone outside to leave them in peace. She thought Nath was taking a huge risk, but distractions were few and far between and there was nothing worse than losing your desire and succumbing to melancholy. Still, she didn’t encourage it. She continued just to see no evil, hear no evil, and that’s as far as her role went, especially since her sister didn’t ask for more. Anything she could have said Nath already knew. But if you couldn’t resist yourself, get a grip on yourself, then who else could. Marlene knew something about this.
She looked at her watch, bit her lip, and cooled her heels on the opposite sidewalk.
Mona had waited a long time for her breasts to start growing. When the miracle had finally occurred—with exasperating slowness—she’d thought Dan would look at her differently, but nothing doing, and since the other evening she’d realized that it would never happen, and she couldn’t get over it. She didn’t even cry. She was just unable to do anything. She got dressed to go out, but remained sitting in a kitchen chair until daylight started to wane. She hated herself. No kidding, she really couldn’t stand herself.
Whatever the case, it was a pleasure to see Richard so excited, so bubbling over with enthusiasm. The machines weren’t exactly new and the place needed repainting, not to mention some serious repairs, but he already saw himself as the manager of this palace and in his hand he held a wad of cash to prove that he was ready to invest straightaway—it was a mania of his to flash his money around, and the memory of the night when they’d cleaned him out hadn’t changed a thing.
I have a good feeling about this, he said. I know the tattoo artist across the street. He says the place is always packed.
Don’t just sign, said Dan. Think it through. But basically, I can see you doing this. It should work for you.
It’s like you were dealing with slot machines.
Exactly. It’ll be my little casino.
He rested a hand on one of the fat stainless steel washing machines and stroked its rump while looking around, eyes shining.
I’m your guy for the paint job, Dan volunteered.
Great. We should go hiking for a day or two. I’ve got a few son of a bitch pounds I need to drop.
The minute she got home, Nath jumped under the shower without running into anyone in the house. She heaved a sigh of relief. She knew she wouldn’t always be so lucky, but the danger had its good side, brought an undeniable bonus. Her knees were still shaking.
She started when she saw Mona had come into the bathroom, grimacing and sniffing the air like a bloodhound.
Something stinks in here, she said, lowering her gaze toward the underwear her mother had tossed in the sink.
Looks like somebody had herself a good time.
Nath stood petrified in the shower stall.
You’re disgusting, Mona added, turning on her heels.
Nath put on a bathrobe and slowly combed her hair before the mirror. She had just suffered another vicious slap from her daughter.
If Dan had given her an open-ended ticket to travel around the world, with stopovers to die for and super-deluxe hotels, Marlene apparently wouldn’t have been happier than when he pulled the two pool memberships from his pocket and handed her one. She took him in her arms and wouldn’t let go.
And later, as she was resting her head against his shoulder after having deposited several moist kisses on his belly, she took his hand and squeezed it hard. And the next morning, she took his arm as they walked down the street to go get coffee and he didn’t balk.
Dan had seen his shrink after leaving Richard and the man had said it looks like you’ve found the right woman for you, but he hadn’t reacted. The less you told a shrink, even one who was now an old acquaintance, the better. Especially when the latter pressed on a spot where a new pain gently started to hurt, for if Marlene was indeed the right woman for him, his missing half, how could he help thinking that he could also destroy her with all the shit he dragged behind him. How could they manage with that. What kind of life could he offer her, what kind of life would he make her live, what sort of happiness could she expect. He looked at her, all smiles, still under the effect of the night they’d spent together, giving him her arm, blowing on her coffee while holding his hand across the table, and he now found her altogether lovely, and promised himself to do his best—without really knowing what that meant.
After spending the day walking through the woods, in the great outdoors, they unrolled their sleeping bags next to a small stream and set about making a fire. They were kneeling. Before, back when they were sent into the combat zone, this trek would have been a piece of cake, carrying gear that weighed a ton, but that was no longer the case; now they surrendered after twelve miles and Richard had blisters.
Darkness was falling, the night looked calm, not too chilly. Richard fried up some cutlets while Dan sliced bread and opened cans of pâté. A rabbit sat watching them for a while and they talked to it, asked after the wife and kids, how things were going in Rabbitland, if he had any pals in the area.
They were in a good mood, content to be together. It brought back some good memories—it hadn’t all been bleak—and both of them had at least one good reason to feel happy that evening. They emptied one six-pack of beer and immediately replaced it with another that they fished out of the cold stream.
They were stretched out on their sleeping bags, in socks, feet near the fire, and Richard said that Nath’s mood had improved in the last few days and he was sure it was because of his plans for the Laundromat. He was sorry he hadn’t thought of it sooner and started laughing at the idea that he’d have to buy a suit and polished shoes.
Dan nodded with a smile. It was like a wilted flower coming back to life in its pot. He’d gotten that expression from Marlene, who’d told him about the resurgence of affection between her and Nath lately. He was happy to be there with Richard. And amazingly, their reunion was the same as with the two sisters, it sprang from the same cause.
And anyway, Nath is right, Richard continued. It’ll help me refocus.
I’ll let you know when I see a house for sale near me.
With those middle-class snobs. Not on your life. When I think about that fucker of a judge, giving me three months. It’s not like I killed anyone.
When night fell, they put on insect repellent and moved closer to the fire. Th
ey could hear the babbling of the stream, sometimes a croak, the shrill cry of a night bird, the snap of a branch.
But I admit, he resumed, I admit a hint of respectability doesn’t hurt. It’s pathetic, but that’s how it is. I got sick very fast of being a delivery driver, you know that, I wasn’t cut out for it. And besides, Nath is happy, she’s been very supportive about this. I think it calms her down.
She’s right. If they keep lowering our pensions and cutting our retirement benefits, we’ll all be out sweeping the streets. With your Laundromat, at least you’ll be able to eat, people will always have dirty clothes. Mona could help you do the books for a bit of pocket change.
Best not to ask her for anything right now. It’s like talking to a tomb. I have to keep myself from giving her a smack.
Don’t pay any attention. She just needs space.
Yeah. Is that why she stays shut up in her room all day.
I know, but go easy on her.
I am going easy on her. Teens aren’t exactly my specialty. I’m not around enough. I don’t know how to talk to them. I can see how much work it’d have been, if I’d really gotten into it. A full-time job, and no guarantee of success.
It’s okay, she’s doing fine. She’s pretty and smart. I wouldn’t worry about her.
I wonder if Marlene is having a bad influence on her. I wouldn’t be surprised.
Dan, who had been staring at the sky, turned toward him.
What makes you say that.
Oh, I dunno, they see each other a lot. They spend whole afternoons together, talking. I have no idea what she’s telling her. I have no idea, but she’s still a slut.
Dan leaned up on his elbows. That’s a good one, he said.
What are you, blind, Richard went on. Marlene is a total nympho. I fucked her practically as soon as I got out.
No fuss no muss. Just saying, since we’re talking about a bad influence.
Dan lay back down with a grimace, rubbing his stomach.
What’s wrong, asked Richard.
I don’t know. Maybe something I ate.
He closed his eyes and didn’t wake until the next morning. He was covered in dew. Dawn was barely breaking.
Over them floated a strong odor of wet ash. Richard was asleep, snuggled in his bag. Dan got undressed and stepped into the stream. He rubbed himself energetically. There was mist, the light was pale and the water really cold, but he needed that at least.
He told Richard he wanted to go back, that he was either going to throw up or have the shits, he wasn’t sure which, no doubt the pâté, and they retraced their steps under a clear sky, twelve miles in the other direction; he wanted to run, but supposedly he wasn’t feeling well.
Richard talked behind him all by himself, or else he was talking to Dan who answered only sporadically and advanced amid the bushes and branches.
Night was falling when they reached the car. Richard asked how he was feeling and Dan made a sign that he felt better. Richard smiled and said that, in that case, he wouldn’t mind having a cigarette, especially at dusk, which he especially enjoyed. Dan nodded and leaned against a fender. A few stars were already glinting in the plum-colored sky.
Did you know you were yelling last night, Richard said.
I know. I forgot my pills at the house. I thought I wouldn’t need them. Anyway, I’m bushed, I’ll drop you off and go straight home. Hope I didn’t get the flu. I’m sorry.
Forget it. We got a good hike out of it. And don’t forget, we met Johnny Rabbit.
DEMON
Marlene tried all day to reach him. Her vague annoyance gave way to worry. She had less and less tolerance for being out of touch with him; she could make do with messages, phone calls, even a wink, but this time there was a gap of seventy-two hours, and that was a lot. She felt sure something was wrong.
That evening, she even prowled around his house. His car was parked in the driveway but the lights were out.
She tried the bowling alley, where she saw a technician she knew by sight who told her Dan had called in sick, he’d come down with the flu.
She stopped at the bar for a drink. At least he was alive.
The lack of communication became all the more meaningful. The next morning, she was so distracted that she got bitten by a Chihuahua.
Nath wasn’t aware of anything, other than Dan had gone home feeling pretty woozy but that he and Richard had spent two great days together. Richard was thrilled.
He might have gone to see his mother, Nath added, coming back from the pharmacy. He visits her two or three times a year. With the distance, it takes him all day. I’m putting a muzzle on this little shit.
Marlene trapped Dan the next morning at dawn. He was in his yard, bare-armed in an undershirt, raking the leaves though there was scarcely enough light to see and he could have used a jacket.
He remained speechless for a second when he saw her coming.
Then he smiled and made an appeasing gesture while nodding.
But don’t come too close, he said. I came down with a bitch of a flu.
Did it paralyze your arm to pick up the phone. Are you bullshitting me, Dan.
I think it’s out of juice. I was running a hundred and five for three days, I’ve only just gotten up. I felt like I was in a tunnel, like I’d dropped acid. You’re the first person I’ve seen since opening my eyes.
It was true that she found him pale, eyes baggy, slightly stooped.
Well, okay, but now that I’m here, let me come in.
No, absolutely not, the doctor’s on his way. He knows me. I had a word with him. It might be contagious. It could be some tropical disease I picked up over there, we don’t know yet.
She remained silent. She didn’t quite know what to make of all this. She felt at once relieved and alarmed.
Suddenly, she was no longer angry with him. Daylight grew to the brightness of a low-watt bulb. She raised her head.
Well, at least let me kiss you, she said.
No, I can’t take that responsibility, no, absolutely not. I have to follow a protocol, you understand, there are strict procedures I’m supposed to respect. They’re not playing around with this, and I get it. Please, Marlene, go home, don’t make things harder than they already are.
She hesitated a moment more. She had the instinct of people who are used to rebuilding from scratch, who try their best to limit the damage while anticipating what happens next.
Don’t stay out here like this, she sighed, squeezing her bag under her arm, you’ll catch cold.
She grimaced and, turning away, reminded him to charge his phone.
He didn’t move until he’d heard the car door slam and the engine turn, then fade away with the crowing of the rooster. Then he raked up the last leaves, his mind elsewhere. After which it was time for a good shower. He got undressed, positioned himself under the shower head, and was reaching for the knob when he smelled something burning. He immediately pulled on his underpants and ran out of the bathroom. It was his sofa starting to catch fire. Under the gaze of Mona, who was watching the spectacle with arms folded. He grabbed the extinguisher from the kitchen and put out the nascent flames, which had nonetheless devoured his cushions—no telling what they were made of, but they gave off an acrid smoke and out of them jumped glittering sparks and mysterious curlicues.
Once outside, still dazed, he unthinkingly squeezed her in his arms. You’re totally out of your mind. You scared the shit out of me.
Howdy, neighbor, called the dentist as he left for work.
Dan let go of Mona, but it was too late.
What the fuck was she doing here, Mona said in an ugly voice.
Are you spying on me now.
She’s the one you’re sleeping with. I can’t believe it, she sobbed, falling on him with fists flailing. I can’t believe it, you fucking bastard.
&n
bsp; He grabbed her arm and dragged her inside before the entire neighborhood was at its windows. He shoved her into an armchair where she remained prostrate, weeping without even realizing it as he got dressed. Then he pulled up a chair and sat facing her. She sniffled.
Call me a cab, she said.
You know, you’re going to have learn to deal with this, I think you’re going to have to get past it. It’s becoming serious. You’re wasting your time. You must know that. You must have figured it out by now. There’s never going to be anything improper between us. Never ever, and count yourself lucky. This way you’ll never have anything to regret. And you can set my house on fire as much as you like, you can roll on the ground and tear your hair out, it’s not going to change things.
You’re hurting me. Every word you say is hurting me.
Listen, I don’t have an answer. You’ll have to find it for yourself. Look at this mess. What did it get you.
What do you see in Marlene, can you tell me that.
It’s not about her.
You two sure played it close to the vest, I’ll say that much. You make me sick, every last one of you. I never want to see you again. Call me a cab, I’ll wait outside.
Things had never gone this far, or been this rough. She was hurting him too. He was almost on the verge of tears as he watched her leave. She was like his daughter, and he was feeling it. What Mona had to say, she said straight, without kid gloves. He loved her for that, too, for her rotten nature, her intolerance, but this time it burned like acid. This blow had been totally unexpected. An atomic strike. Everything had flown apart.
He spent the morning sawing his sofa in three sections so that he could cram it into the car and bring it to the dump. To the dentist, who was watching, he alluded to a short circuit. You don’t happen to play golf, do you, asked the medical man. Dan answered no, struggling to fit a piece of the sofa onto the back seat without ripping the ceiling fabric. In any case, the dentist added as he took his leave, if you don’t remember to schedule your cleaning, my friend, it’s not my fault. He exchanged a wave with his wife, who was waiting on the front stoop to see him off, framed by potted shrubs trimmed into spirals. At most, you could see her ankles and wrists, and her hair was in a perfect bun. She met Dan’s gaze for a split second, then immediately looked down.
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