Uncle Leonard brought swim trunks despite the message and looked personally betrayed by the front-yard arrangement.
“Pool’s closed,” Glenn said.
“What happened?”
“Wildlife issue.”
“Pool’s closed.”
I looked at him.
He shrugged.
“Technically, children are mammals,” I added.
At exactly one, Marie pulled into the driveway.
Tommy was the first to step out and spot the banner.
“Mom! Another party!”
He raced toward the yard.
“Mom! Another party!”
Marie stepped out of the car slowly and took in the massive arrangements.
Then she saw me standing beside a folding table with a blue folder beneath my hand. Her smile vanished.
She marched up the path.
“What are you doing?”
I hugged Tommy before answering.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Her smile vanished.
Marie lowered her voice.
“Bessie.”
“Yes?”
“What is all this?”
“Your son’s birthday party.”
“His birthday is over.”
“Then consider this an encore.”
“His birthday is over.”
“You can’t organize a party for my child without asking me.”
