Indeed, Decker hadn’t met him. But most likely, he had seen him. Because it just dawned on him that Waterson was probably the man with white hair and veiny nose, the one who had been deep in conversation with Paul Sparks.

17

To his amazement, Decker made it home during dinnertime. The boys looked up, greeting him with a couple of tepid “Hi, Dads.” But the dog barked excitedly, and the baby squealed with delight, jumping into his arms. Wordlessly, Rina heaped pot roast, mashed potatoes, and peas onto his plate. After washing, he sat down with Hannah in his lap, and threw Ginger a piece of fat. He picked up a forkful of food and shoved it into his mouth.

“Delicious,” he said, after swallowing. “Ginger, stop begging.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Reminds me of my mother’s cooking.”

“Yes, it is a rather goyishe meal.” Rina turned red. “Oh my goodness, I didn’t mean it like that.”

Decker grinned, threw Ginger another piece of fat. “You meant it. You just didn’t mean to say it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. You must be in a goyishe mood.”

Rina didn’t answer. Hannah started throwing peas. Decker said, “Young lady, we eat peas. We don’t use them for target practice.” He offered her a legume. “Eat.”

Hannah took it and threw it.

“She’s totally spoiled,” Jake said. “No discipline.”

“You threw peas, too,” Rina said. “Once, you put one up your nose…or maybe that was Sammy.”

Sam made a face. “Do we really have to talk about this?”

Hannah threw another pea. It landed on Jake’s shirt. “Eema, c’mon. Do something.”

Decker pushed the plate beyond his daughter’s reach. Hannah started squawking. “Are you going to behave?”

“I behave.”

“No throwing peas?”

“I no throw peas.”

“All right then.” Decker kissed her forehead and pulled his plate within her grasp. She reached for one, but stopped herself. “I no throw peas.”

“Very good, Hannah Rosie. You’re a very good girl.”

Within minutes, Decker’s plate was empty. Rina gave him seconds. “It’s nice that you’re home with us. Right, boys?”

Sammy smiled. “Thrilling.”

“That was very disrespectful,” Rina chided.

“It was a joke, Eema.”

Decker said, “It’s okay, Rina—”

“No, it’s not okay. Apologize, Shmuel. Right now.”

“I’m sorry.”

Decker said, “It’s fine.”

Sammy said, “What got into you?”

“Nothing got into me,” Rina snapped. “Look how you talk to me. You’re makbid on everything except the fifth commandment.”

The baby scooped a handful of peas and tossed them at Jacob. He jerked his chair back. “She is so disgusting.”

“Can you just have a little patience?” Rina yelled. “What is wrong with you two today? I spend thousands of dollars giving you both yeshiva educations and you both have the derech eretz of animals.”