Chapter 39

“That’s it!”

“What is?”

“Interesting! You’re someone who gets joy from interesting stuff!”

Vera snorted. “Joy? I don’t know if I’d go that far!”

But Garner shook Vera’s hand. “No. I think you’re wrong there. I think you doget joy. Maybe not intensejoy, but, well, pleasure.”

“Fair enough.”

“Well—pleasure, joy—they’re similar.”

“Happiness.”

Garner nodded. His head was starting to spin again. Vera looked at her watch.

“Well,” she said. “I have to go soon.” She lifted her bag from where it hung on the back of her chair and put it on the table, holding it in preparation to leaving. Then she studied his face.

“But you, Garner. Happiness.”

“Yes?”

She rose and looked at him, a slight smile on her face. “Don’t let it get you down.”

He chuckled, squeezed her hand, and said, “I won’t, Vera. Promise.” Then he pointed a finger at her. “And you—”

“What?”

“Don’t go joining other crazy organizations, okay? At least for a while.”