14

I rang the bell, heard the gentle chime, walked through the misty hallway with its shimmering waterfalls, and found myself again in the presence of the elderly model maker.

“Welcome,” he said with a warmth that made me feel he had looked forward to my return.

“Hello.”

“So a week has gone by,” he observed, coming from behind the counter and offering me his hand.

“Yes.” I felt the thinness of his palm when clasped in mine.

“Did you enjoy the boat?”

“Yes, very much.” I couldn’t tell him about the flood of fantasizing the boat had started in me. “I’ve brought it to return to you.”

“You aren’t buying it?”

“I feel it belongs here.”

“Perhaps another boat would be better.”

“No no, I don’t think so. These models should be displayed for everyone to enjoy, just as you have them.”

Pecheur took the package and returned to his counter, where he began unwrapping the junk. Finished, he placed it on its pedestal. We stood back and looked at how the ship filled the empty space.

“Are you still looking for an assistant?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“I do want the position.”

“It would mean living here. I may have forgotten to mention that.”

He had forgotten, but I didn’t care. I had no reason to share the apartment with my wife any longer, and I hadn’t found one of my own.

“That’s no problem.”

“Good.”

“When do you want me to start?” I asked.

“When could you start?”

I considered this. “I should give notice at my job. And at my apartment too. Maybe two or three weeks.”

“That’s fine. I’ll have everything ready.”

“So it’s settled?” I asked.

“Yes, it’s settled,” he answered with a smile.

Only later, while passing the expensive boutiques on Madison Avenue, did I realize that I had forgotten to ask about my salary.