Pin by Andrew Neiderman Page B

said. “I can appreciate the difficulties.” His calmness amazed me. Nothing bothered him.
    â€œNo difficulties. We’re quite used to things by now.”
    â€œSpeak for yourself,” Pin said. I pushed him forward and the three of us entered the dining room.

Chapter 8

    D INNER LEFT ME IN A GREAT DEPRESSION . T HE FOOD WAS good, but I hardly ate. What’s more, Ursula didn’t seem to care. She saw all the food left over, but she didn’t mention it. Pin didn’t touch very much of his food either. Stan was as charming and as relaxed as a person could be and Pin just sat there like a dumb one and soaked him up. I kicked him in the leg under the table a few times, but he didn’t seem to feel it. He was too absorbed in Stan’s conversation. I guess I’d have to admit that Stan was a witty guy at the table. He seemed to really enjoy our company. He knew just how to deliver a compliment, and he made Ursula feel like a million bucks. A rosiness came into her cheeks and her eyes sparkled with happiness. They laughed, ate off of each other’s forks andgenerally acted like two lovesick kids. I was polite and friendly, but not overly exuberant.
    No matter what I said to try to throw him off rhythm and make him feel uncomfortable, Stan took it calmly. It was almost as if he expected it of me. Nothing Pin did surprised him either. Any other person would have felt self-conscious about Pin’s staring, but he didn’t. I caught him looking at Pin a few times, but he wasn’t disturbed. He acted as though he had eaten a hundred meals with us. I began to wonder if Ursula had not prepared him in a way. It was a thought that angered me, because in effect that would mean that she conspired against us, Pin and myself.
    â€œI understand your mother is dying,” I said. They were giggling like kids on a merry-go-round. Ursula stopped and looked at me with a smile still on her face. He turned serious and straightened up in the seat. There was a moment’s pause. I shot a quick glance at Pin, but he didn’t seem to be sharing my satisfaction.
    â€œYes, she is in a bad way,” he said, very matter-of-factly, I thought. “She’s been struggling for health for some time now. It seems hopeless.” Ursula stopped smiling. The heavy note I had set brought the result I was after.
    â€œThe country air hasn’t helped then?”
    â€œNot really, no.”
    â€œThat’s too bad,” Pin said. He said it rather low.
    â€œUnfortunate,” I added. “Do you think you might leave the area then?”
    â€œNo. We’re going to stay. For better or for worse, we’re going to stay.” Ursula looked relieved. I played with my fork for a moment and then looked at Pin.
    â€œI think,” I said, “Pin and I will go back to the living room now. You’re about finished, aren’t you, Pin?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œStan promised to help me with the dishes, didn’t you, Stan?” Ursula teased.
    â€œIf I didn’t, I guess I had better,” he said. They giggled again. I couldn’t stand it much longer, so I got up abruptly and pushed Pin away from the table. We went back into the living room and I made a fire. From the way Pin just sat there watching me, I knew that he sensed my uneasiness.
    â€œYou’re pretty damn quiet tonight,” I told him. “What do you really think of this guy? Is he all Ursula thinks he is?”
    â€œI can’t help liking him. You have to admit he’s got a lot of personality.”
    â€œI didn’t say he didn’t have personality, and I didn’t exactly say I didn’t like him, did I?”
    â€œYou’re trying not to like him, though, aren’t you, Leon? Admit it to me and yourself.”
    â€œI just don’t trust people until I get to know them better, that’s all. I have the gut feeling that there’s something more here than meets the eye.