Page 21 of See You at the Sunset

“Fine,” he said. He looked around, saw the waiting chairs, and took a seat.

“Did you say your granddad just moved in? That’s great. What’s his name? Would he be interested in joining us for the Spicy Book Club?” She laughed to herself. It was very loud for this small space. Henry winced.

“I doubt it. He reads mostly thrillers and memoirs.”

“Gardening Club? How about the Walking Club?”

“He’s older and has some mobility limitations. I don’t think he’ll be participating in any activities for now.”

She frowned. It was like the light was suddenly turned off in the entire neighborhood.

Henry felt the need to explain. “We moved him to Sunset Hills because, well, it’s a peaceful place, and he can live a slower, quiet life.”

Her frown deepened. “Oh,” she said, “that’s a shame.”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s just that, well, I see the appeal of a slower life, I guess. But even in this past week, I’ve met too many people not wanting the folks here living their lives to the fullest. It’s like family members send theirloved one,” she said using air quotes, “here hoping that they’ll just pass peacefully or something. It’s so sad.” She frowned slightly and sighed. “Anyways, I was thinking that since I’m here for now, maybe I’d help out and just add some pizzazz to the place, if I can.” She held out her hands and shook them in some weird razzle-dazzle kind of motion. “Wouldn’t that be cool?”

“Well, first of all, I assure you that’s not what I’m doing with my granddad. But anyways, what’s wrong with wanting someone to live out the rest of their lives peacefully?” Henry asked, affronted. “Not everyone needs pizzazz.” He looked down at his own hands, forcing them not to razzle-dazzle in return.

Even thinking of Dennis at the end of his life brought a sharp pain to his chest. He held back from rubbing it. She was making a pretty strong assumption about him and Dennis after having met him for only five minutes, plus a naked night together. Who was this Gladys person?

She shrugged her shoulder like she didn’t believe him.

Henry wasn’t sure what to say or to make of all of this. This was why he tried not to talk to people on any personal level.

“Hi, sugar. Thanks so much for covering for me.” An older woman with salt-and-pepper hair entered the office and gave Gladys a kiss on the cheek.

“No problem. Did you have a nice lunch?” Gladys asked her.

“It was fine. I sprinkled some of that garlic powder on my tuna sandwich like you told me. Delicious.”

“Right? It elevates it.”

An elevated tuna sandwich. With garlic powder. Sounded like a sodium problem waiting to happen. Henry was starting to think this place could be dangerous if his granddad fraternized with the wrong people. But if he just avoided the community center, he’d never have to run into Gladys and her judgments and poor dietary choices.

No chance they’d be hooking up again anytime soon. He absolutely did not feel regret over that.

“This gentleman here needs some help,” Gladys said over her shoulder. “He’s very set on following the rules,” she added before walking out the door.

“How can I help you, honey?” the new woman asked.

“I need to get some permits,” Henry responded. He looked out the window as Gladys walked past, blowing a big bubble with her gum out her mouth before it popped and lapping it all back in with her tongue. He could not wrap his head around that being the same girl he’d had mind-blowing sex with.

“Oh. Well, that would be George. He’s only here from eight to ten in the morning on Wednesdays and Fridays. Can you come back tomorrow?”

Henry looked back down at the woman behind the desk. “I mean, will it be okay if I don’t have them today?”

She laughed. “Sure, it will be. We trust you.”

He didn’t feel right about waiting another day, but it seemed he didn’t have a choice. He nodded, said his goodbyes, and walked out.

Fifty yards ahead of him was the bright pink scrunchie and the woman attached to it. He tried to slow his pace, but his legs were longer, and he wasn’t going to just stop in the midmorning heat.

Gladys glanced over her shoulder.

“Are you following me?” she asked.