“I … Yes, I’m coming.” Somehow saying no to Jane was as impossible as saying no to Betty Bates. Between this and the murder mystery dinner, his social life had revived from a near death experience. Was there anywhere to run from pushy females? His life seemed overrun with them lately.
Lois motioned for the papers in Jane’s hands, and she reluctantly gave them up.
“Make dinner plans another time,” Lois said, waving the stack of papers at Jane. “We haven’t gone over cancellations yet, and while you’re up, I need you to look up in that top cupboard and get me a roll of receipt paper.” Lois turned her shrewd eyes on George and crooked one long bony finger at him. “And not so fast, young man. Mrs. Wallis in 108 had a fall last week and ended up in the emergency room. She’s coming in for a follow-up, and you’ll need to go fetch her from her apartment and wheel her back here.”
“Yes, ma'am,” he and Jane chorused at the same time. They shared a look of long-suffering before each went to do Lois’s bidding.
***
Emma woke up full of ideas for her party. Yesterday, she’d managed to get an enthusiastic yes from her former college roommate, Nicole, and a promise to be at the dinner party from her college friends, Austin and Cara. They were all single and fun at parties. As a bonus, this was turning out to be a little college reunion of sorts.
Taylor and West couldn’t make it, which was a bummer. But with Granddad resigned to participate in it and Elton and Harriet both excited to come, Emma could finally go into full planning mode. While still lying in bed, Emma called up Isabella and reminded her to get a babysitter. Her sister could be flighty about such things.
“It’s already done, Emma. And it’s my good babysitter. She actually keeps the kids aliveanddoes the dishes.”
“So glad to hear it. You and John need to get out more.”
“Doesn’t everyone? Don’t worry about us. It helps my sanity that we put the kids to bed at seven every night. Oh, speaking of. Emma, did you tell Johnny a scary story about monsters or something yesterday? Last night he kept pointing at his bedroom wall and whispering, ‘monster.’ It took forever to get him to go to sleep.”
Emma went from feeling like the best aunt ever to the worst. “Well, I did draw a monster on the wall outside with chalk, but he was a friendly one, like a Sesame Street character.” Except for the sharp teeth. That was a mistake. Emma ran her knuckles up and down her forehead. “I’m sorry. I did the best I could to keep him entertained. I didn’t think the kid was afraid of anything.”
“Don’t worry about it. Now that I know what it was from I feel much better. Sometimes he and John Senior watch movies I’m not happy about, so this has happened before, only last time it was battle robots with shiny eyes keeping him awake.”
“Men.”
“When are you getting one of those, Emma?”
“A man? Are we having this conversation? I swear Taylor asked me the same thing yesterday.”
“Come on. What about George? He hasn’t had a serious girlfriend in almost a year. Ever thought of putting a move on him?”
Emma would not answer that question. If Isabella knew Emma had even an inkling of interest in George in that way, she’d never let it go. “Serious is right. He always picks women way too serious for him.”
“Exactly. He needs someone a little bit silly.”
“I’m choosing not to be offended by that.”
Isabella laughed. “Well, good for you. I meant it as a compliment. And remember it’s not just us married people who need to get out more. I love that you’re so good to Granddad, but make sure you get out of that house occasionally, too.”
“Duly noted. If you need help with your costumes, let me know.” Emma said her goodbyes and crossed Isabella’s babysitter off her to-do list.
As she dressed and did her makeup, Emma considered what decorations she’d need and what to buy now that she’d settled on a roaring twenties theme. Everything was coming together.
Bothering George with questions about it was fun in its own way. She usually didn’t pester him at work, but in order for her to assign out characters for the murder mystery, it required RSVPs. His response to whether he wanted to be Mayor Graft or Mr. Peabody waswhichever lets me show up in a tee-shirt and jeans. Not happening. She’d pick out his costume herself, twirly mustache and all.
***
George almost didn’t hear his phone with his music up so loud in the car. He liked to listen to movie scores, and this morning it wasThe Last of the Mohicans. Turning it down, he picked up his phone and accepted the call from John.
“What’d you find out?” George asked.
“We’re going. Isabella got a babysitter, and I talked her out of ordering me a costume, but I have to wear a suit and tie. She’s gonna murder me when I spill food on it.” This morning it was the sound of giggling and shouting children in the background John had to yell over.
“Okay, but did Isabella say why Emma decided to have this party?”
“Because she thought it would be fun. That’s what Isabella said.”
“Seems like a lot of work for fun.”
