“Excellent!” Julie said. “So when would it be convenient to throw a party for all of us?”
Misty laughed again. “Wow. You’re not nervy at all. Hang on. Let me look at my calendar.” She pulled up her planner, looking further out, even though she knew there was nothing on it to speak of. More tests and doctor’s appointments. Ugh. “How much notice do you need?”
“Not much. I have a party next weekend. How about the weekend after that? I can text everyone as soon as you and I pick a time.”
“Don’t you need to consult the hostess, or put-er on-er, or whatever she’s called?”
“You’re the hostess. And you’re in luck, because the put-er on-er is me.”
“Oh. I see how it is. You’re using me to forward your career as a toy party put-er on-er.”
“No! I don’t want you to feel that way. I just thought it would be fun if we all got together, and doing it this way would be even more fun.”
“Yeah. I was kidding. It does sound like a lot of fun. How’s a week from next Saturday? The twenty-ninth.”
“Perfect. What time?”
“I don’t know. Do you want to have dinner here?”
“Oh, hell no. I’d never make you cook for all of us. Besides, you only eat rabbit food as I remember. We could all go out to dinner first. Nothing fancy or expensive. Maybe just someplace in Quincy Market.”
“That sounds good. Want to meet at the fake Cheers at five?”
“Sure. We might need to make reservations since there are so many of us.”
“I don’t know if they take reservations.”
“Well, I’ll call and ask. If they don’t, maybe I can order pizza to be delivered to your place? And salad, of course.”
“Either is fine with me. You decide…since you’re orchestrating the whole thing.”
“Speaking of orchestras and stuff, how’s your dancing going?”
Misty’s good mood took a nosedive. How could she tell her friend she might never dance again? She would have to wait until she knew for sure. Hopefully they’d find out it was nothing…just some inner ear infection or something.
“I haven’t really had time to do much. New job. New apartment. I’m still adjusting to the move.”
“Really? I thought you’d have a dance studio lined up before any of that. I’ve never known you to miss a lesson…until your grandparents got sick.”
“Nope. A roof over my head and a job to pay for it take priority. I’m getting practical in my old age.”
“If you say so. Well, I gotta go. I’ll let you know what I find out as far as who’s coming.”
“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to it.”
And she was. She might need friends more than ever, depending on the results of the tests she was having Thursday.
* * *
Misty and Gabe had firmed up their plans for her birthday. Gabe had had to work overnight the night before, but he would be getting off at six that evening. She hoped he didn’t get too many calls during the night and wind up exhausted. That was a common problem for firefighters, but she understood this and would go with the flow. They made arrangements to meet at his station in the South End, right around the corner from where they grew up.
When she arrived, she was told Engine 22 was battling a three-alarm fire in another part of town. Gabe was on Engine 22.Oh well…
Misty decided since she was in the neighborhood, she’d drop in on Mrs. Fierro. It wasn’t as if she was inviting herself for dinner. She already had plans—whenever Gabe got back. She left a message with the dispatcher, so he’d know where to find her.
She was pretty sure she was always welcome at the Fierro home. How many times had Gabriella told her so? If she got hungry before Gabe was able to join her and Gabriella offered to feed her, she could have a cup of coffee and a cookie or something to hold her over.
Strolling down Massachusetts Avenue a couple of blocks, she found herself actually looking forward to visiting with Gabriella Fierro. The woman had been like a second mother to her.
