Happy Any Day Now by Toby Devens

potential of the Charlie thing. In my book, that’s cheating and Geoff deserves better than me two-timing him.”
    She thought about that for as long as it took to polish off her sandwich. “You’ve got a point,” she said seriously. Then she drawled, “In fact, it’s very noble of you, shafting Geoff.”
    At least I’d knocked her off her moral high horse. And Marti being Marti, as soon as she was on foot, she took the low road.
    “But listen, Jude. Wouldn’t it be fun to get it on with both of them? Not at the same time, though; that might blow your delicate circuits. Rotate. Like the sultans used to do. Men shuffle women like cards all the time. Wives and mistresses. Multiple girlfriends. It really pisses me off that women can’t manage it. Not even my fellow vagitarians. Okay, my opinion: I think you need time off from both your charming suitors. Listen, I know Jews don’t do convents. But there are Buddhist nuns, right? You need to be alone for a while. If it takes wind chimes and incense, so be it. My advice is to back off from men in general, a couple in particular, until you’re sure you know what you want.”
    “I hear you. But how do I find out if I back off? And Charlie needs an answer about the Georgetown reception the next time he calls.”
    “You’re not even listening, are you? You knew damn well what you were going to do before you asked me. I think you’re crazy cutting Geoff from the lineup this early on. And you’re going to lose a cello coach in the bargain. That may not be the smartest move on the planet, Judith.”
    “But don’t you think it’s smarmy to string him along just so he’ll prep me for the audition? I could probably pick up a coach at Peabody.” The prestigious music school downtown had a slew of faculty members who were eager to earn some extra cash.
    “You’ve really thought through all these moral issues, haven’t you?” I couldn’t tell whether she was being serious or sarcastic. “Anyway, I’m not sure why you called me in on this. Your mind is made up. Proceed with The Barrister at your own risk.”
    “No, really, I bounced it off you to figure out what I really want. And it worked. Thanks. You’re the best.” I leaned over and popped a kiss on her cheek.
    “Wow. Kissing. Now you’ve fallen in love with me too? Nasty habit, Judith, all this falling.” She had eyes only for the slab of New York cheesecake I’d brought her for dessert. “And I’d say you have enough on your plate at the moment.”

Chapter 10

    T he talk at Wednesday afternoon’s rehearsal was about Richard. Angela made an announcement before we got started. She’d just had a call from Sarah Tarkoff, who asked her to inform us that Richard’s last round of chemo hadn’t been successful. His most recent MRI had picked up melanoma metastases in a part of his brain that couldn’t be reached by surgery. He and his oncologist were considering next steps. In the meantime, Richard was home trying to regain his strength.
    “He’s up for visitors as long as you phone first.” Angela took a vibrato-edged breath before going on. Our tough musical director had her soft side. “She asked that we pray for him and for their family.”
    I sniffed my way through the run-through of the Tchaikovsky.
    Rehearsal over, I stored my cello, phoned the Tarkoffs, and went looking for Geoff. He was digging out his car keys as I approached. “I just called Sarah. Richard would love to see us.”
    “You mean today?” he asked.
    “A quick stopover. Sarah says we’ll do him a world of good.”
    Geoff jingled his keys. “Then let’s go. And, Jude, bring the Dvorák music. I think he’d get a kick out of discussing your approach to the second movement. Make him feel useful.”
    It was just like Geoff to be eager to extend a hand. He was such a decent man, I almost had second thoughts about dropping my breakup bomb at dinner.
    • • •
    Sarah and Richard Tarkoff lived in a handsome Tudor home in