‘What did you have for your breakfast this morning?’ Walter asked Stanley, drawing on his cigarette as he awaited an answer.
Stanley, thinking this was a test of his suitability for the job, hesitated. Then he blushed at his foolishness.
‘Nothing much, sir,’ he replied, ‘Just a coffee. I’m planning to get something to eat once I leave here.’
Walter looked him up and down.
‘Good!’ he announced. ‘Nor have I. Let’s walk up to 46th Street. There’s a deli there that makes the most amazing sandwiches.’
Stanley’s face lit up.
‘And pastries,’ added Walter, ‘Italian pastries.’
Five minutes later they were on the street walking north.
‘Actually,’ said Walter, ‘Although the food there is all Italian, the owners are Hungarian, even the chef. Apparently, it sells better.’
Stanley murmured a few pleasantries and then stayed quiet, not wishing to raise his voice above the noise of the traffic.
Walter also remained quiet. He began to wonder if a Hungarian pretending to be an Italian was like a homosexual pretending to be a heterosexual because it sold better. It was a fleeting thought, which he didn’t pursue any further.
He then began to consider which tasks might best suit Stanley in his first week with him. The office had only one desk, though there was room for a second one, if the need arose. It therefore made sense for the younger man to be given something to do that involved publicising their services to a wider audience.
Stanley was not really thinking. He was paying attention to every vehicle passing, to step on the sidewalk, to every window display, to every pedestrian. He wanted to register as many memories as possible of this moment.
‘This is very kind of you, Walter,’ said Stanley as they entered the room at the back of the deli where customers could sit and eat.
‘Nonsense,’ deflected Walter, ‘This is a sensible start to the day. We can formulate a proper plan of action for the rest of the week.’
He looked sideways at Stanley, who looked even more good-looking in profile.
‘That is,’ he added, ‘If you are able to start straightaway.’
‘Yes, sir, I can.’
‘Drop that, Stanley. From now on, just say Walter.’
‘Yes, Walter,’ he confirmed, smiling, showing his teeth white and neat.
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