In response to a challenge by Jill….the subject was Hot Water
Starsky pushed his tray along the counter in the cafeteria.
"Decisions, decisions," he muttered as he weighed up the choice between meatloaf and fried chicken. He loaded his tray with side orders of coleslaw and French fries and even a little green salad before finally deciding on the chicken. He added an apple, a portion of chocolate cake à la mode and a coke: paid and went to join Hutch at the table.
Hutch looked at Starsky's tray in disgust.
"Hey," Starsky said, "don't look at my lunch like that."
He noticed that Hutch didn't have a tray in front of him.
"Aren't you hungry? Hey you feeling OK? You can have my apple if you like."
Hutch made one of his 'shut up faces' and Starsky started his lunch in silence.
Hutch poured something from a flask and sipped it quietly.
"Listen you have to eat something even if you are on one of your crazy health kicks"
"No Starsk; this is all I need."
Starsky forked more coleslaw into his mouth and pushed the green salad over to Hutch. He made an encouraging gesture with his eyes. Hutch pushed the dish back, "I said no, Starsk."
Starsky shrugged and went on eating. He finished his meal and neatly stacked the dishes and tray on the stand provided.
"Come on then Blondie – let's hit the streets."
As the day continued Starsky stopped for coffee more than once. Each time he tried to encourage Hutch to take something to eat and each time Hutch shook his head and served himself from his flask.
"Listen," Starsky said. If you aren't feeling too good you still need to eat; come back to my place and I'll make you some chicken soup."
"I'm fine Starsk."
"OK."
Starsky had to admit that Hutch didn't seem sick and he didn't lack any energy later in the day when they chased a couple of kids across a lot that was being cleared for a big construction project.
Their shift finally came to an end and Starsky drove Hutch back to Venice Place. Abby was waiting for them.
Starsky raised an eyebrow and looked at Hutch with a twinkle in his eye.
"Another miracle health cure, huh?"
"Starsky…" Hutch's voice had a warning tone to it.
"Ok, ok I'm going. Just one question, what magical brew was it this time? Let me guess…dried seahorse tails mixed in yogurt with a spoonful of molasses for energy?"
Abby laughed. "You are impossible David!"
Hutch handed him the flask. "There's a little left – do you want to try it."
Starsky looked at the cup that Hutch offered him warily. "Oh OK, I guess it won't poison me."
He closed his eyes and sipped.
"Now I really know you are nuts!" He grinned at them both and walked to the door; as he pulled the door closed they could hear him chuckling.
Starsky was still laughing as he started the engine.
Hutch spent the whole day drinking hot water to please Abby. Poor Hutch, he really is nuts for her! I wonder if I should tell him I saw the dirty dish in the sink – she had pasta for lunch!