27th
Joshua Then and Now
by Mordecai Richler
“I ran into Jane on Greene Avenue and we had a drink together in the Jockey Club. She’s going back to work,” Pauline said, biting back tears.
“Doing what? Poisoning wells? Snipping the balls off passing men and making them into necklaces? Tell me. I’m fascinated.”
“The copyright department. She worked there once and now they’re hiring her back.”
“Why should that upset you?”
“You should have seen her. She had just had her hair done. She was wearing a new outfit. Jane is more interesting than I am. She has more spirit.”
Joshua sat down on the bed and stroked her hair. “Jane has always been that stone in your shoe, and I wish I could get her out. Stop seeing her.”
“But we’ve known each other forever. We have fun when we’re together.”
“You do?” he asked, surprised.
“When you aren’t there, or other men, she’s different. Honestly. She makes me laugh.”
“I don’t understand women and relationships. I really don’t. But I don’t want her interfering in our lives.”