After the Fall

by Brad Graber

  “Okay,” Harry answered. “Well, you’ll be there well before me. Don’t ring the bell. The kids may still be sleeping. Use the spare key. You know where I hide it.”

  “Kids?”

  “Oh, yeah,” Harry answered. “I’ll tell you about that later. I have two kids staying with me.”

  “Tell me now,” Edward insisted.

  ◆

  Rita waited at the carousel for her luggage. The flight had terrified her. Every bump, every rumble had set her heart thumping loudly in her chest. I’m such a silly woman, she thought as she caught sight of the man who’d occupied the next seat. He stood at the other end of the carousel beside his son. He waved and she couldn’t help but smile. He’d been so very kind throughout the trip. Explaining aerodynamics and how planes managed to stay in the air. Offering to purchase a cocktail for her, which, of course, due to the early-morning hour, she’d immediately refused. Even holding her hand when the plane hit turbulence. It hadn’t been until that moment that she realized that Colby Johnson was a very attractive man. That was the first time, with her palm pressed against his, that she noticed the warmth in his eyes, the tenderness of his smile.

  “You’re going to be just fine,” he’d assured her. “I always used to hold my wife’s hand when we flew. She wasn’t much different from you. A nervous little thing,” he intoned. “It was hard losing her to cancer. Hard when a man can’t do anything but stand around and watch the only girl he ever loved slowly disappear.”

  He’d shared himself so easily, so freely, it had made Rita blush. She admired his honesty.

  “I discovered a long time ago that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely. There are some people who wanted me to remarry right away,” he acknowledged. “I don’t mind admitting that there were more women floating around my door than I was prepared to see.”

  Rita found herself laughing, only too keenly aware of how aggressive some women can be in the presence of a widower. “Well, what did you do?” she asked, genuinely interested in hearing more.

  “I locked the barn door,” he joked, smiling broadly to reveal a gorgeous set of white teeth. “What else could I do? I had a son to raise.” He looked over at his boy, who was wearing ear buds and listening to music while reading an issue of Sports Illustrated. “These kids today . . . He hardly even knows I’m around anymore,” Colby admitted. “I might as well be back in Long Island, for all that Jake knows.”

  Rita thought about Rikki. “I’m raising my granddaughter,” she admitted.

  “Well, good for you,” Colby answered. “That’s a noble thing to do.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not doing such a good job. You see, I’m flying to Phoenix to get her to come home.”

  “She’s run away?”

  “Not exactly. It’s hard to explain.”

  “You know, sometimes, even with our best effort, we fail,” Colby offered.

  “I guess,” Rita admitted. “But I haven’t given it my best effort. If I had, I wouldn’t be on this plane. You see,” she said softly, “I’ve never been a good parent. And I’m afraid that hasn’t made me a better grandparent.”

  “It’s never too late.”

  “I suppose,” Rita answered. “I suppose.”

  ◆

  Edward ran his hand over the top of the doorframe until he came upon the spare key. He let himself in, immediately aware of the silence. There was no Beetle to greet him. No high-pitched barking that might scare away an intruder. Putting his suitcase down in the hall, he dropped his overcoat onto a living room chair and headed to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.

  It’ll be a long day, he thought. I need some caffeine. As he scooped coffee into the brewing basket, the doorbell rang. He looked at his watch. Ten o’clock. Who the hell can that be?

  Lil stood in the doorway, wearing a form-fitting black yoga outfit, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Edward thought she looked like a little girl instead of a mature woman. She eyed Edward suspiciously. “He’s gay, isn’t he?” she said.

  Edward stared at her, uncertain what to say.

  “Are you two having a fling?” Her eyes grilled him.

  “I don’t think I’m the one to answer those questions,” he said hoping to sidestep the issue.

  “Can we please just cut through the crap?” she balked. “I know about life. I’m a grown-up girl and I get it. It’s that down-low thing, I suppose. I watch Oprah. So are you two an item?”

  He didn’t answer her.

  “Well, clearly you can’t be,” she said, talking herself through the answer. “After all, you live in New York City. How committed can he be to you if you don’t even live here?”

  Edward sighed. What she said was true.

  “But he’ll never really be happy with me,” she said, searching Edward’s eyes as if he might know the truth. “Am I wrong about that?”

  Edward glanced down. He had no idea.

  “I just wish he’d been upfront in the beginning. Oh, I could manage knowing we’d just be friends. God knows he wouldn’t be the first man with whom a relationship transitioned into a friendship. Some women get sensitive about their men sleeping around,” she said almost matter-of-factly. “But I’m a realist. I like Harry. I really like him. It doesn’t have to be exclusive. It could just be friendly. I’d be grateful for ‘friendly,’” she said, shifting her weight back a step.

  “I’m alone,” she admitted, a hand touching her heart. “I’ve always thought that something better was bound to come along. So I waited. And as other women bury their second husbands, I’m still searching.”

  Edward took pity on her. “Would you like to come in?” he offered, standing aside. “I just put a fresh pot of coffee on.”

  ◆

  “Where the hell are you?” Edward asked when Harry answered his cell phone.

  “I thought I was done, but I had to fill out some paperwork, pick out a box for the cremains, and pay for it all.”

  “Well, you’ve got a surprise visitor.”

  “Who?”

  “An athletic little blonde who you’ve been sleeping with?”

  “Lil?” Harry choked and coughed. “I’ve put her off.”

  “Maybe so . . . but have you told her the truth?”

  Harry bit his lip. “You know how I am. I’m not good with strong women.”

  “Apparently, you’re better than you think,” Edward answered.

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Harry bleated. “Can you get her out of there?”

  “No, Harry,” Edward declined. “She’s upset about Beetle, and besides, I’m not about to do your dirty work. I happen to like her.”

  “What?”

  “That’s right. And I feel bad for her . . . the way you’ve treated her.”

  “Trust me,” Harry confided, “she’s manhandled me more than I’ve manhandled her.”

  “Poor baby,” Edward answered sarcastically, completely unsympathetic to Harry’s dilemma.

  ◆

  “Are those kids still asleep?” Harry asked as Edward met him at the door.

  “I haven’t heard a peep. Are you sure they’re even here? Maybe they got up early and went for a hike?”

  Harry shook his head. “This is their first time in Phoenix. They wouldn’t know where the trails are.”

  “What’s there to know?” Edward said, looking out onto the front patio. “You just walk out the door.”

  Lil’s voice called out from the kitchen. “Is that you, Harry?”

  The voice sent chills through Harry’s body. “You couldn’t get rid of her? I’m not in the mood for this. It’s been a hard morning. You told her about Beetle!”

  “I did.”

  “And she’s still here? How can she be so insensitive?”

  Edward eyed Harry. “I can’t imagine where she might have learned that.”

  “Not from me,” Harry said angrily. “I’m just a sex toy.”

  Edward pulled back and laughed. “You’d better get hold of yourself. You’re be
ginning to lose touch with reality.”

  Lil emerged from the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand. “So, you’re afraid to face me.”

  “Lil,” Harry stammered, “of course not.” He hung back from the threshold.

  “Harry, I’m so sorry about Beetle. Really. And maybe this isn’t the best time—but why don’t you be a man? I’m not going to dissolve right in front of your eyes. I haven’t gotten this far in life by not facing the truth. You don’t find me attractive? I’m not the right style for you? You’d like someone taller? With a larger bust? A brunette, perhaps?”

  Harry looked over at Edward, who was staring at Lil. He had an astonished expression on his face.

  “You think you can do better,” Lil finally blurted out in an angry tone.

  “Do you see what I have to put up with?” Harry said to Edward. “She doesn’t get it. Didn’t you tell her?”

  Edward rolled his eyes.

  “Tell me what?” Lil insisted on knowing. “Tell me what, Harry Aldon?”

  “That I’m,” and Harry swallowed hard, “bisexual.” And as the word left his mouth he felt a sudden relief to have gotten it out. “I’m bisexual, Lil. That’s the answer.”

  “Barely,” Edward mouthed.

  “I heard that,” Harry snapped. “I don’t know whether I’m a 4 or a 7 on that ridiculous Kinsey scale. But I know I’m not a 1 or a 10.”

  “Oh, Harry,” Edward said, disappointment in his voice. “You’re not the first gay man to ever fall in love with a woman. Ask the men who’ve fallen for Liza Minnelli. She’s had her share.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Harry answered. “Those men were gay.”

  “And, darling,” Edward intoned, “that’s exactly my point.”

  “But wait,” Lil interjected. “There was no denying the chemistry between us.”

  “Oh, Lil,” Harry moaned as a cab pulled into Harry’s driveway.

  “Who the hell is this?” Lil asked, eyeing the cab. “Another playmate?”

  Harry strained his neck to see. “I have no idea. I’m not expecting anyone.”

  “Yes,” Lil cracked. “You’re just a victim of circumstances.”

  ◆

  Harry watched as an older, red-headed woman, stepped out of the cab. “Who on earth is that?” he said to no one in particular.

  Standing at his open threshold, Lil and Edward just inside, Harry on the outside, he waited as the woman approached. “Can I help you?” he asked, unnerved by how complicated this was all becoming.

  “Harry?” She eyed him suspiciously, a winter coat in her arms. “I’d have thought you would have remembered me?”

  “Yes . . .” Harry replied politely, until he suddenly recognized the face. “Holy crap. Not you!”

  “You have my granddaughter,” the woman announced to the threesome in a regal tone. “I’m Rita Goldenbaum. Rikki’s grandmother.”

  Harry stood back on his heels. “Richard’s mother,” he said in a tone of shock.

  Rita held her head high. “Yes. Elle and Richard were my children.”

  “Holy crap,” Harry said. “After all these years, you dare to show your face here.”

  “I have cause,” she reminded him. “You have my minor granddaughter in your home. So, before you start a war on your doorstep, I’d suggest you invite me in. Otherwise, I’ll call the police and tell them a deviant has kidnapped my underage granddaughter. A sexual pervert of the lowest order. A homosexual.”

  ◆

  “Well, aren’t you a touch of frostbite?” Edward said sarcastically, as Rita pressed her way through the door. “Harry is not a pedophile.”

  “Lord knows,” Lil backed Edward up. “He wouldn’t have the time or the energy for it.”

  Harry glowered at the two. “Well, thank you,” he said to Edward and Lil. “I appreciate the support.”

  “Where is my granddaughter?” Rita interjected as she looked about the front hall.

  Harry stepped inside. “She’s in the guest room, apparently still sleeping.”

  “I want to see her now,” Rita instructed. “Right now.”

  Harry led her down the hallway. “She’s staying in my guest room. Right over here.” He gently knocked on the door.

  “Out of my way,” Rita said as she pushed him aside and opened the door. She let out a howling scream.

  Harry rushed to the door as Lil and Edward, just a few steps away, came up from behind to peek inside.

  “Good morning, Rita,” Rikki said as she gathered the white blanket about her bare chest.

  “What are you doing?” Rita shouted, as Barney slipped under the covers.

  “This is Barney. He’s a good friend.”

  Barney stuck his head out of the blanket and smiled. His dimples practically lit up the room.

  “So I see,” said Rita, full of bluster. “So I see.”

  15

  “This is outrageous,” Rita ranted, pacing back and forth in Harry’s foyer as Lil, Edward, and Harry listened. “And you’re the one to blame for this,” she said wagging a finger in Harry’s face. “This is all your fault.”

  “My fault?” Harry could hardly believe the nerve of Rita. Showing up at his house uninvited and expecting him to take the blame for what was clearly her problem. “Listen, lady,” he shouted, voice at full pitch, “I just met them yesterday. They had separate rooms. I made that clear. It’s not my job to lock them in. Perhaps you should have done a better job of keeping Rikki at home. She tells me that she’s been traveling with Barney all week. One week! And where the hell were you? Did you call the police? Did you do anything?”

  Rita’s complexion went ashen. “I didn’t know . . .” she stammered. “How could I? She was supposed to be visiting Toledo with a friend.”

  Harry wasn’t about to let it go. “Did you ever speak to the parents of the friend? Did you even check in with them anytime during the week?”

  “Now, why would I do that? I trust my granddaughter,” Rita quickly blurted out.

  Harry gave her a long hard look. “Yes. And so did I.”

  Rita took a breath. “Oh, God,” she said, staring off into the distance, seemingly taking responsibility. “What have I done? What is happening?”

  “Why don’t you sit down?” Lil recommended. “Let’s all sit down,” she said, looking at Harry and Edward as if asking for permission. “Come on, honey,” she said to Rita. “There’s some coffee in the kitchen.”

  Harry ran a tongue across his bottom teeth as he and Edward followed the women into the kitchen. I need to get all these people the hell out of my house, he thought, as he longed for peace and quiet. This is why I live alone. All this drama.

  “Harry, get us a cup of coffee,” Lil suggested, nodding in Rita’s direction as she sat down next to her at the table.

  Harry started to obey, moving to the cabinet to grab a mug, not sure why he had to be the one waiting on the old battle-axe, before Edward intercepted him. “I’ve got this,” he offered. Harry mouthed a silent thank you.

  “Harry, don’t you think you should introduce us?” Lil recommended, as Edward poured from the pot.

  Harry looked at the three people in his kitchen. A feeling of sheer nausea gripped him. His worlds had collided; his thirties spent with Richard; his on-again, off-again dalliance with Edward; his indiscretion with Lil. He felt exposed, humiliated, wishing he could just evaporate.

  “Well,” Lil nudged him along as he stood with his mouth agape.

  “I really don’t know where to begin,” Harry said, gaining his composure. “Rikki and Barney, the two we just met in the guest room, arrived yesterday morning on my doorstep. Two teenagers on their own. Completely out of the blue. And Rikki wanted to know all about her family. Her dead Uncle Richard. Her dead mother. And even about you,” he said, looking at Rita. “Don’t you ever talk to that girl?”

  “Of course I do,” Rita defended herself.

  “Well then, maybe you should think about what you’re not saying. She seems to have an
awful lot of questions.”

  Rita pursed her lips. Harry was reminded of a photo he had seen of Sitting Bull in a history book when he was a kid.

  “And this is Lil. You two have already met,” he said to Edward. “She lives a few doors down. Bossy little thing. In fact, I can’t ever seem to get through to her. Whenever I try, she plows right over me. Lil,” Harry asked, “when was the last time that you listened to what anyone was saying to you? I know you hear the words . . . but do you get the meaning?”

  Lil burst forth with a loud “Harry! That isn’t very nice.”

  “And this young man serving us coffee today is Edward. I’m afraid I’ve done him a great disservice. While Edward has been my editor for many years, I’ve pretty much kept him at bay. I think he might actually be in love with me, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about him until last night. You see, I’m a big dope,” and Harry took a deep breath. “Last night, my beloved Beetle died, and as he lay limp in my arms, I realized how very much I needed Edward. Not as my editor, though God knows my books haven’t been selling like they should, but as a real partner. Someone in my life.”

  Edward smiled warmly as Harry reached out and grabbed his hand.

  Rita gasped. “Disgusting.”

  “Rita,” Harry answered, “the only thing disgusting in this room right now is you.”

  ◆

  “So, what’s the plan?” Lil asked Rita.

  “I’m taking my granddaughter out of here as soon as she’s dressed.”

  “And you think this is the end of it?” Harry asked.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Rita answered indignantly.

  Lil glanced at Harry and then back to Rita. “Do you think your granddaughter will just go home with you right now?”

  “Don’t bother.” Harry directed his words to Lil. “There’s no point in trying to reason with her. She clearly hasn’t learned a thing. She’s doing the same thing to Rikki that she did to her son and daughter.”

  A new voice entered the mix. A younger voice. Unbeknownst to the adults, who were immersed in their own conversation, Rikki had entered the room with Barney in tow. “What did she do to my mother and uncle?”