Page 15

15

GEORGIA

I ’m still stewing over Wendy Jennings as I put on my signal to turn down our lane. A huge box truck is leaving so I have to wait until he gets out of my way. “What in the world?”

“Twuck,” Auggie says.

“Big truck,” I agree.

After Auggie woke up from his nap we went to the Splash and Play zone to cool off literally and figuratively. We pull down the gravel drive and my jaw drops when I see the biggest bouncy house this side of the Mississippi practically eclipsing the sun. Right in the front yard! Oh no he didn’t! I’m fuming as I unbuckle August from his car seat.

As I stomp over to the bouncy house my mom comes running out. Breathless, she says, “They was finishing up when I got home from the salon. I tried to stop them from leaving but this jump-a-palooza thingy was already inflated and they said they’d lose their jobs. Traveled all the way from California to deliver it. Can you believe that?” Mama and I stand side by side looking at the huge colorful monstrosity. “What in heaven’s name was he thinking?” she says.

I swear my head is about to explode. “He wasn’t. I’m gonna take scissors to it.” “You can’t do that! I looked it up. They cost an arm and a leg. That thing cost upwards of five thousand dollars! I can’t even imagine what shippin’ all the way from California cost!”

Through gritted teeth, I say, “I’m going inside my house right now and getting my knitting needles and nobody can stop me.”

Mama cups her hands around her mouth and screeches, “Doyle! Come here quick.” Then she sticks her thumb and index finger in her mouth and lets out an ear-splitting whistle that could wake the dead. Daddy comes running. It always shocks the daylights out of me that a noise like that can come out of my petite little mom.

“Doyle, please talk some sense into Georgia. She’s about to take scissors to the funhouse.” Auggie has waddled over to the eyesore and is now clapping his hands with glee. Jasper seems excited at this new development and proceeds to hike his leg.

Mama and Doyle yell at the same time “Jasper no!” They catch him in time and he looks over his shoulder at them with an incriminating glower.

“Killjoy. I would’ve let him,” I say.

“I’m sure you would have,” Mama snips.

“Mama, don’t tax me right now. While you were beautifying the county, I had a visit from the Wicked Witch of Western Kentucky, Wendy Jennings. She threatened to sic her lawyer on me. Now this!”

I see the fire flare in Mama’s eyes and with satisfaction, I know I’ve caught her attention. “How dare that woman show up uninvited, on private property no less, and threaten my daughter!”

“What the hell!” Ava says laughing as she joins us. “Oops, I mean heck.” “It’s not the least bit funny,” I say. “Damn bouncy house.”

“It’s hysterical. You’ve lost your sense of humor.”

Mama says, “We have to call a family meetin’ tonight! Ava, call your sister and I’ll call Grammy and Papaw. Tell them to be here by seven.”

“What do I tell them?”

“Family emergency.”

“Over a bouncy house?” she asks.

“Just do as I ask.”

She salutes Mama. “Yes ma’am. We can include Asher on video call if you want.”

“There will be no meetin’,” I declare. “I can handle this myself.”

“We’re not letting that family threaten or bulldoze you into anything,” Mama says.

“I’m gonna try out the bouncy house,” Ava says running over to pick up Auggie on the way. Next thing I know they’re climbing in and she’s whooping and hollering. I can see glimpses of her through the cutout windows as she bounces up and down. Her hair is flying in every direction and then I see her do a flip in the air and hear August belly laughing at his aunt’s antics. Not to be left out, Jasper is barking to get in. Now that I’m cooling down, I grudgingly admit that it does look like fun. Maybe we can keep it for a bit. “Mama there is no need for a family meeting. I’ll handle this thing with Wendy.”