Ed knows that he needs to back off. In a moment of sharp parental self-awareness, he wonders if it is he who wants her to be on the soccer field. He’d been a decent basketball player, and he understands the benefits of being part of a team, of being active, of being a little bit celebrated while in high school.

Ed thinks that maybe Stacy is just coming into her antijock phase, and he is mindful to let her make her own decisions. But he can’t help asking the question: “Are you afraid you won’t make the team?”

Stacy takes another mouthful of chili. “More like I’m afraid I will.”

*   *   *

Ed rasps the wire brush across three courses of brick, over and over, until his right arm aches and a thin line of sweat darkens the back of his shirt. This is going to be more than a one-morning job, but Ed has plenty of time.

*   *   *

Finally! Finally, Ed has realized that they should wait here for Justine. Such a relief. Ed has found something to do, which seems like what this human requires for happiness—activity. But there is something about the manic way he’s going about this task that keeps Buddy/Mack alert and concerned. Ed is going at the task like he’s in a battle.

They are there from when the shadows cover him entirely until the shadows disappear and, even in the cool air, Buddy/Mack gets warm. He stands and shakes. Sits, watches Ed. Walks around, sniffs. He hears a squirrel and ponders the chase.

Ed finally tires of his activity and sinks down to sit with his back against the pillar he’s been scrubbing so vigorously. Buddy/Mack comes over to him and sits down, happy that they both will sit here waiting for Justine.

After a few minutes, Ed gets up, complaining in tongue language as he climbs to his feet. He opens the car door. “Let’s go.”

Buddy/Mack’s ears droop in disappointment.

Justine has still not come.

Chapter 33

33

He’s doing the same damn thing with the dog that he did with Stacy—being the fun parent, being the entertainment, monopolizing him. Arms crossed, Alice stares out the living room window, waiting for Ed to return with the dog so that she can get to his first training class on time. Ed knows she’s doing this today, so why ever did he take Buddy with him?