“You wouldn’t say that if you saw the price tag,” Rina told him.

“You look lovely as well,” Decker said. “I like you in red.”

Rina laughed. “Aren’t you full of lightness and cheer. Thank you, darling, I’m glad you like the way I look.”

“The dress is too long on you, Ginny.”

“Don’t start, Mama.”

“Let her start,” Decker piped in. “Bugging you is taking her mind off her anxiety.”

Both women laughed.

“I’ll get you some tea, Akiva?”

It was a good sign when Magda used his Hebrew name. Decker answered, “That would be great.”

“And a little sandwich, too?”

“No, I’d rather not mess up your artistic presentation.”

“I have extra in the kitchen.”

“That I’ll take. I have a quick question for you.”

“What?” Magda asked.

“You are playing host to two women in their eighties, two very skinny women. What in the world are you going to do with all the leftover food?”

“A little they’ll take home, some you take home. The boys will eat it all in one sitting.”

That was true.

Magda fussed with her clothes. “I get you tea and sandwiches. What kind?”

“Egg is fine.”

“Maybe a little tuna? I give you a little of this and that.”

“Perfect, Magda.”

She went into the kitchen.

Rina said, “Since when did you become the charmer?”

“She’s right. We should have gone to her first. We did put her in a bind.”

“She could have said no.”

“No, not really. It would have made her seem bitter or unfriendly or scared. You know your mother. Image is all.” Decker smiled. “I do like the red dress. I was being honest.”

“Thank you.” She ran her hands down the sides. “You think it’s too long?”

“I didn’t say it in front of her. But as long as you asked, you could easily take it up a couple of inches and still be fine.”

Rina crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine. I’ll take it up.”

“I’m not saying you have to take it up—”

“Why are we having this inane conversation?”

“Because you’re nervous? To pass the time until the ladies get here? To fill in dead space?”

“Very funny.”

“Rina, this whole thing was your idea. Don’t drag me into an argument.”

“I did it for my mother.”

Decker didn’t answer.

“I really did,” she said with emphasis.

“I’m not arguing with you.”

“I just wanted some … some piece of her childhood that wasn’t marred by tragedy and death! Some closure for her.”

“I know that your heart was in the right place. But you know what they say about the road to hell.”

“I really don’t need to hear this! I think I’ll wait outside.”

“Rina—”

“No, I really think I need to wait outside!”

“Fine. See you later.”

In a huff, Rina left and Decker sat in a room devoid of female chatter. He loved women, but sometimes he needed to hear voices in the baritone range.

Or better still, no voices at all.