Going Home: Visiting
He couldn't help worrying about Hutch. He sensed Hutch's tenseness the moment they touched ground in Duluth. Could see it in his stance and the stiffness of his shoulders. He wondered if insisting on going had been the right thing to do — not that he could do much about that now. Given Hutch's current state of mind, Starsky felt justified in insisting that they leave a few days for themselves at home, after the visit.
Hutch's parents had wanted to pick them up at the airport, but Hutch had insisted on renting a car, and soon they were on their way. Hutch took the scenic route and as they drove through the streets of Duluth, he pointed out childhood landmarks. His voice sounded at one time excited and uncertain; like he wasn't sure what Starsky would think.
Starsky reached out a hand and steadied it on Hutch's shoulder, tightening it ever so slightly — pleased to see Hutch relax a little.
"Hutch?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're showing me this. You think we can go to New York sometime, and I can show you, too?"
"Sure, buddy. Least I can do." A real smile started to settle in the corner of Hutch's mouth, and Starsky felt a tiny bit of relief. He's still there.
The house was situated in a neighborhood of large, well-kept homes sitting well apart on their manicured grounds. After he stopped the car, Hutch waited a short while before getting out, just sitting and taking in the house. As they were pulling their bags from the trunk, the front-door opened and his parents came out.
"Ken! You're here!" Hutch's mother cried out, as she hurried towards them.
Starsky watched as Hutch greeted his parents. His mother hugged him, and only Starsky noticed the tight set of his shoulders. Hutch shook hands with his father who seemed genuinely pleased to see his son.
"And David, you're here too. So very nice to finally meet you." Hutch's mother came over to him, and while they shook hands, she gave him a peck on the cheek, too. His father settled for a handshake, as he had with Hutch.
Hutch's mother showed them their rooms after his father had excused himself, apparently something to do with the wine.
"So, I guess I'll leave you two to settle in," she said, after showing them their rooms. "Please tell me if you need anything, David."
"Everything looks just fine, Mrs. Hutchinson," he said.
"Please, call me Margaret. Calling me Mrs. Hutchinson makes me feel like my mother in law," she said, with a small laugh.
"I'm sure I would never mistake you for her, Margaret . You look far too young." Starsky beamed at her, and she looked pleased and kept smiling as she went back down the stairs after having told them to come down to dinner as soon as possible.
"Think you made a good impression, Starsk," Hutch said.
"Yeah, well, she's your mother. Want to be in her good graces." He winked at Hutch as he carried his bags into his room. There, think I rattled him a bit. Starsky smiled. If he could just keep up Hutch's spirits for the next few days, everything would turn out fine.
#