Earl and I went to a furniture store today to order dining room chairs, which will arrive in about four weeks. As I was bonding with the owner of the store, determining what finish was appropriate for the new chairs, and handing over my American Express card to take a severe hit, Earl disappeared.
He’s prone to doing that when we shop because boredom sets in for him long before it sets in for me. Fortunately, the store had a little holiday buffet with cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, bon bons, and the like. So Earl was well entertained as he waited for me.
I finished our transaction and prepared to leave; that’s when I began looking for Earl. He wasn’t over there and he wasn’t back there either. Suddenly I saw this little arm waving, not frantically but gently; and I found Earl sitting in a leather recliner. He looked peaceful.
Now we’ve been studying recliners for some time now, thinking that possibly we’d replace the one he inherited from his parents when they passed away. That one is rather bright red and has seen better days. But, until now, Earl has been emotionally attached to it.
I approached Earl and the leather recliner, assuming he was just biding time. When I got within hearing distance I heard him say, “I really love this chair.”
Revelation!
We have bought more than our share of chairs together, but I have never heard him say, “I really love this chair.” It’s more like, “If you like it, then buy it.”
It was my turn to say the same thing. He hesitated and asked questions about the leather and its durability; but in the end we bought the chair. And a handsome chair it is too. On top of that delivery is free of charge.
We went home and I stood in Earl’s office, looking at the red recliner and imagining the new one in the same place. I must admit it will look smashing. In addition, Earl’s grandson has always wanted the red recliner; so this turns out to be his lucky day as well as Earl’s. I’m thrilled.
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