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What's taking them so long? They're supposed to be in a big rush. |
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She pressed her legs together. She rubbed them against each other, her corduroys making soft whissy sounds. |
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At last, Lynn opened the door. 'Come in, come in. Oh, you're such a lifesaver. I can't tell you.' |
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Denise stepped into the foyer. She managed not to sigh as the inside air wrapped its warmth around her. |
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'We're almost ready to step out the door,' Lynn told her. 'Let me show you a few things real quick-like-a-bunny.' To Kara, she said, 'Look who's here,' as she hurried by. |
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'Hi there, Kara,' Denise said. |
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The nine-year-old, cross-legged on the floor playing a video game, looked over her shoulder, smiled, and mouthed a silent 'Hi.' She had an amused expression that seemed to say, 'Can't interrupt Mom when she's on a roll.' |
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'We'll be at the Edgewood, did I tell you that?' Lynn continued as Denise followed her toward the kitchen. 'We shouldn't be very late. If you want to let Kara stay up, that's fine. Whatever. Or get rid of her. And if you want to invite your friend over, fine. The refrigerator's all stocked and we've got plenty of snacks in the cupboard. Kara can show you everything.' They reached the kitchen. She stopped just inside the entry and put a hand on the wall phone. 'Here's the phone,' she said. 'If anything comes up, you can reach us at the restaurant. The number's right here.' She tapped a long, tapering fingernail against a |
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