Chapter 32: An Old Friend, a New ConfidanteHoward was a little surprised that Marjorie had a smile on her face when they arrived two hours early. He was even more surprised when he was sent to work with Gene. Hadn’t it always been him with Marjorie? Was she really that uninterested in talking to him, or was it just that she and Jason had bonded so well this week? It didn’t matter. Gene was good company.
“Welcome,” Gene said, as Howard walked out into the backyard.
It wasn’t just a word with Gene, it was a state of being, a way he made those around him feel. Welcome. Yes, Howard could think of no better word to describe the effect that Gene had on people except to make them feel welcome.
“I’m here to help,” Howard said.
Gene walked toward him from the pile of chairs he had been spreadin
