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“Let me get you the recipe box along with Dee’s notebook. She keeps a list of everyone’s favorites. Speaking of. My parents are coming. They’ll be here tomorrow by lunchtime.”

I take the new information in stride and follow Effrem out of the kitchen. He goes to an old Hoosier cabinet sitting in the corner and pulls out a wooden recipe box and a worn spiral notebook. He hands both to me.

Chapter 20

Effrem

I bring up my parents' contact information and start with their home phone. Yes, they still have one. My dad picks up on the second ring.

“Son.”

“Pops, how are you?”

“We’re doing good, son. How are you?” Mom asks, picking up the other phone.

She’s probably in the kitchen.

“I just finished the breakfast dishes and put a roast in for supper. When are you going to come for a visit?”

“I can come after the holidays, Ma. Are you going on a cruise this year?”

“No, son,” Dad says.

“We decided to stay home this year.” Mom adds.

“Jessi is coming home this year with a special someone. She’s bringing his parents.”

“Will the boys be there?” Mom asks.

“Yes, they’re all coming in tomorrow morning.”

“We’ll be there for lunch. Tell Dee to make our favorites.”

The call ended before I could tell them that Dee and Clay are away on vacation. God, please help me make it through the next two weeks.

Ruby’s vehicle is parked out front by the time I pull in the driveway. I go through the front door and call her name. When I don’t get a response, I walk through the house.

I call out again.

“I’m in the pantry.”

I walk to the pantry and find Ruby looking at all the shelves.

I smile. “Familiarizing yourself with the work space I see.”

“I am. I’m going to load up a bunch of pans and baking supplies this afternoon when I go grocery shopping.”

“Let me get you the recipe box, along with Dee’s notebook. She keeps a list of everyone’s favorites. Speaking of. My parents are coming. They’ll be here tomorrow by lunchtime.”

I took the new information in stride and follow Effrem out of the kitchen. I go to the old Hoosier cabinet and pull out a wooden recipe box and a worn spiral notebook. I hand both to Ruby.

“Mom requested her favorites. I know Dee has them written in the book. I’m afraid Dee handles everything. I’m of little use with who loves what.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

“Oh hell. I should invite Evie’s parents to a few meals. They’re local. No worries about them being underfoot twenty-four-seven. Also, don’t feel you have to make nothing but favorites or even favorites every meal. Lunch tomorrow and a few things on Christmas is enough of an imposition. It’s also late in the season. I don’t know how picked over the store is. We have plenty of beef and pork in the big freezer. It’s in the garage. I can show you where it is, then I’ll give you a tour.”

Ruby