"Cindy, we should entertain more often," Roger said, as he opened the heavy pocket doors off the kitchen that opened into their rarely used dining room.
Cynthia peeled sweet potatoes and replied sardonically, "Sure, how about Sunday dinners every week?" Deborah, who was standing nearby, cutting up the sweet potatoes, smiled.
Roger smirked and looked at Cynthia with chagrin.
Deborah put down her knife and dried her hands on her apron. "Would you like me to dust the dining room and give it a quick cleaning?"
"No. I'll take care of it," Roger replied.
"When will your parents get here, Roger?" Deborah asked.
"They should be coming from the hotel soon. They came down last night from Dallas," Roger said as he picked up a dust cloth.
"It will be nice seeing them again. I was hoping to see them at Cady's birthday party last month," Deborah said.
"Yeah, well…. They couldn't make it," Roger replied in a wistful, cryptic tone. He walked into the dining room and started dusting.
Deborah walked to the entrance of the kitchen and looked into the living room where Jacob and Cady were. She came back and resumed cutting sweet potatoes. "You should see your father, Dear. He's coloring with Cady on the coffee table. He's sitting on the floor with her with his legs crossed. I hope he can get up again," she said with a laugh.
Cynthia smiled. "I'm sure we'll be able to help him up if he needs it."
"Where's Cady's little neighbor friend?" Deborah asked.
"Julia?" Cynthia replied.
"Yes, that's it. The precocious one," Deborah replied.
"She's in Bancroft, California for Thanksgiving. That's where Linda's family is from. Actually, the town is named after her family. Her maiden name is Bancroft, and Julia was actually born there," Cynthia explained.
"Oh?" Deborah said.
"Yes. Something about her father and oil money," Cynthia said.
"Ah. Like the Houstons," Deborah replied.
"I believe so, but the Houstons come from older money compared to the Bancrofts," Cynthia replied. "They're visiting Linda's brother and his family. Julia has a slightly older cousin named Oliver."
The two women finished all the sweet potatoes and began preparing the other side dishes for cooking. "Where are the Houstons today? Are they joining us?" Deborah asked.
Roger returned from the dining room as Deborah asked about the Houstons. "No. They won't be. This is the one holiday they visit Bill's deceased wife's family. Rebecca's mother doesn't like Bill but would still like Matt to be a part of her life."
"Doesn't like Bill?" Deborah asked. "He's perfectly charming," she said incredulously.
"Bill says she blames him for Rebecca's death. Of course, it's preposterous," Roger replied. "At least she cares enough about her grandson to see him on Thanksgiving and send him the occasional check," Roger continued in a sarcastic tone.
"I'm glad Robert and his family are on the way. Cady will have Dorothy to play with today. A room full of chatty adults can be pretty boring," Deborah said.
"I'm glad they're bringing the pies. I'm short on oven and stovetop space," Cynthia said.
"The turkey smells amazing," Roger said, as he embraced Cynthia around the waist. Deborah finished up the Green Bean Casserole and put it in the refrigerator until it was time to cook, and sat down at the kitchen table. Roger and Cynthia joined her.
"I expect that Cady's grades are going to be as good as ever," Deborah said.
"Yes. It's looking that way. There's not much work after the holiday and she's already got straight A's," Cynthia said.
"Excellent," Deborah said. Then the doorbell rang. All three got up from the kitchen table and went to the door. Cady leapt up from the floor and ran to the door, leaving Jacob struggling to get up.
Cynthia opened the door and Robert, Janice, and Dorothy stood there, pies in hand. "Come in, come in," she said. "Just go put the pies in the kitchen on the table for now." Robert took Dorothy's pie and Cady hugged Dorothy hard and she grabbed her by the hand and dragged her younger cousin off to her room. Robert and Janice took the pies and placed them on the table.
"I'll take your jackets," Roger said. They took off their jackets and handed them to him and he walked away to put them on his and Cynthia's bed.
Robert hugged Cynthia. "How are you, Sis?" he asked.
"Good, Bob. You? How's work?" Cynthia asked.
"Shell's fine. It keeps me interested and gives me job security. Chemistry's my life. I'm doing what I went to school for. Can't complain, really," Robert said. He put his arm around Cynthia's shoulders and casually leaned against her, "How about you?"
"Glad to have a day off to relax with family and catch up," Cynthia said.
Jacob and Deborah took turns hugging Robert and Janice. "Great to see you again, Son," Jacob said while giving him a hug.
Roger returned from their bedroom and walked up and shook Robert's hand. "C'mon and sit down," Roger said, gesturing to the couch." Roger hugged Janice. "How are you?"
Janice said, "I'm good, Roger. Great to see you. I'll be back in a minute, I'm going to go say hi to Cady."
Janice walked off. Robert said, "She sure loves kids. Well, we both do," he said as he sat down.
"Does Dorothy have a little brother or sister on his or her way?" Roger asked. Everyone else in the room was all ears.
"She'd kill me if I told you, but maybe. We're trying," Robert said with an impish grin.
Roger smacked Robert on the back. "That's great, Robert!"
Jacob sat down with the other two men. "Yes, Son. You'll make your mother a bubbeh a third time. Perhaps a grandson?"
"We don't have any control over that, Dad," Robert laughed.
"A man can wish," Jacob replied. "I love my granddaughters, but a grandson would be a nice addition."
"We'll try, Dad," Robert said as he rolled his eyes and smiled.
Roger got up and turned on the television. "The Macy's Parade is going to start in a bit," he said and sat back down.
"Cynthia and I will check on the food," Deborah announced, and the two walked off to the kitchen.
Janice returned from Cady's bedroom. "Cady is bigger every time I see her. The girls are having a pre-dinner tea party," she said as she sat down with the men, sitting next to Robert who placed his arm around her shoulders while they watched the parade.
"You just missed a couple of parade floats, Janice. One had a rocket ship theme and the next one was a covered wagon with two pioneers," Roger said.
"I like the giant balloons," Janice said. She paused and looked at the television. "Oooh. They do get creative with some of these floats, don't they?"
"Yes. I read about how much work that went into putting some of these creations together and I couldn't believe it," Jacob said.
"It's a nice tradition to have at Thanksgiving," Janice replied. "It's my favorite part."
"That and the Texas versus Texas A&M game this afternoon. Right, Roger?" Robert said.
"I'm ready if you are," Roger said in a defiant tone.
"Care to lay down some money on this one?" Robert asked.
Roger rubbed this chin and scrutinized Robert. "How much are we talking?"
"Doesn't have to be a lot," Robert replied. "Fifty bucks?"
"Fifty bucks on the Aggies?" Roger asked with an incredulous tone in his voice. "You have a bet. I say the Longhorns have this." The two men shook hands on the bet.
Jacob interjected, "Do you know what else is a nice tradition?"
Robert replied, "What, Dad?"
"The Bar Mitzvah," Jacob replied.
Janice glared at Robert. "What's he talking about, Bob?"
Jacob smiled coyly.
Robert explained, "Well, while you were with the girls I said we were trying to make another baby and Dad got really enthusiastic and said we should make him a boy."
"Oh, you did?" she replied, blushing and looking displeased.
"It's okay, Janice. We all know how babies get here," Roger replied to lessen the tension.
Robert turned to Jacob again, "And besides, Dad…What are you talking about? You haven't been to synagogue in years and you're talking about having a Bar Mitzvah for a grandson that doesn't even exist."
Jacob shrugged his shoulders and said, "You can't fault a man for a love of tradition. You had a Bar Mitzvah. I did. My father did."
"Well, if we have another daughter, she and Dorothy can have Bat Mitzvahs if they want them. I would think as a modern man, that that is just as fine with you," Robert replied.
"Sure, sure. But it still would be nice to have a boy to carry on the Glass name," Jacob said.
Deborah stepped into the room from helping Cynthia with food preparation. "Is your father putting his foot in his mouth again?" she asked with her hands on her ample hips.
Jacob smiled coyly again. Robert said, "Sometimes just when I think he's a man of the new world, he goes and shows me he's still a man of the old." Janice and Roger looked on as the three family members hashed out the merits of certain traditions.
"Oh?" Deborah asked.
"First he's talking Bar Mitzvahs for our future baby boy and then he's talking about how he would like a boy to 'carry on the Glass name,'" Robert explained.
"Ay-yay-yay!" Deborah exclaimed. "No one's even pregnant yet! What kind of talk is this? There are two beautiful and smart girls in the other room...," she paused, and looked at the television…. "And why aren't they out here enjoying this tradition? Jacob, don't be a schvantz!" Robert laughed at that and Jacob smiled. Deborah walked over to Jacob and playfully squeezed his shoulders and kissed him on the forehead.
Janice said, "The girls are having their own private tea party, right now."
"Oh, I see," Deborah said with a smile. "Well, don't let them miss the whole parade." Deborah returned to the kitchen.
Cynthia was checking on the turkey in the oven and basting it when Deborah returned.
"How's it looking, dear?" Deborah asked.
"Should be done on time," Cynthia replied.
"Good, good," Deborah replied.
"What was all the commotion out there?" Cynthia asked and closed the oven door.
"Oh, your father. He has such a dry sense of humor that everyone thinks he's serious. Even your brother," Deborah replied.
Cynthia laughed. "What was it this time?"
"Your father was trying a back door way to get Janice and Robert to talk about making a new grandchild and it backfired," Deborah replied. Deborah rubbed Cynthia's back, "Speaking of which…Cady is seven years old as of last month. Have you two given up?"
"I think so. I'm thirty-seven and there would also be a big gap between her and the next child," Cynthia replied.
"And Roger and you agree?" Deborah asked.
"Yes. We've talked," Cynthia replied.
"Too bad… Cady, a 'lonely only,'" Deborah replied.
"C'mon, Mom. Cady's anything but lonely. She has Dorothy, Julia, and Matt and some neighborhood friends as well," Cynthia defended.
"Still," Deborah replied with sadness in her voice.
"Still, nothing," Cynthia said in an irritated tone.
"I've read that if you keep only children involved in activities and groups, it helps with loneliness and avoiding becoming self-absorbed," Deborah said.
"Yes, Mother, I'm aware," Cynthia replied in an even more irksome tone.
Deborah changed the topic. "Well, what else needs to get done?"
Just then, the doorbell rang. The two women wiped their hands on towels and headed to the living room to the front door. Roger was already there shaking Peter's hand. Joanne stood with her arms crossed and a sour expression.
"Can I take your jacket, Mom," Roger asked.
"Sure, Son," she said as she took her jacket off and handed it to Roger.
"I'll just take this and put it on our bed with the others," Roger said and walked off.
Peter and Joanne came inside and Peter closed the door behind them. Cynthia approached the two and asked, "How was the drive?"
Peter replied, "Not bad." He looked oddly at Joanne and said, "A little quiet, but not bad."
Joanne snorted quietly to herself but didn't say anything more. Cynthia looked quizzically at the couple. Roger came back and stood nearby with his hands sunk firmly in his pockets.
Deborah interjected, "Would either of you like anything to drink? We have some red and white wine, tea, or I can brew some coffee."
"Coffee would be great if it's not any trouble," Peter said.
"Of course it's trouble, Peter. She'll have to brew it," Joanne said to Peter in a snapping and abrasive tone.
Peter looked embarrassed. Roger walked over to his chair and sat down.
"No trouble at all. I was going to have some, and we'll all be drinking it later with pie, I'm sure," Deborah replied. Deborah turned and shot a furtive and annoyed look at Cynthia and walked back into the kitchen.
"Joanne, would you like to help us finish getting the meal ready?" Cynthia asked guardedly.
"Sure, Cynthia," Joanne replied. She turned to Peter. "Make yourself comfortable," she said in the same abrasive tone." She followed Cynthia into the kitchen.
Peter sat down with the other four who were looking at him in stunned silence. He broke the silence after a few moments of gazing at the television, "So…where is that beautiful granddaughter of mine?" he asked with a smile.
"She's playing tea party with Dorothy in her bedroom," Janice replied.
"Oh. Well, I won't interrupt that," Peter said with a smile. "What have I missed?" he asked referring to the parade on the television. It was clear to everyone present that what had just transpired was not a topic for discussion.
"Floats and a few big balloon characters, Dad," Roger replied. "You just missed a toy soldier. I swear it was about twenty times as tall as the average man, maybe more."
"Sorry I missed that," Peter replied.
Everyone caught Peter up on what he had missed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airing on KPRC that day, and meanwhile, in the kitchen, the three other women were hashing out who would do what in terms of preparation.
"I've got to keep an eye on the turkey, and Mom is going to make the mashed potatoes here in a bit," Cynthia delegated. How would you like to set all the place settings in the dining room, Joanne?"
"I guess I didn't realize you had a dining room, Cynthia. I don't think we've ever been entertained here," Joanne remarked.
Cynthia kept her temper. "We do, as a matter of fact. And we don't often have time to use it ourselves or entertain," she said pointing over to the space that used to be closed pocket doors that acted as a false wall when shut.
"Oh! That's lovely," Joanne complimented while looking into the room. "Where are your place settings, then? I'll get started," she said with sudden motivation. Cynthia pointed out where her nice china, silverware, and table dressings were and set Joanne to the task. Deborah rolled up her sleeves and dumped the boiling water out of a large stock pot into the sink and began using a hand-masher to mash potatoes. She alternated adding cream and butter to get the potatoes to the consistency she desired. Cynthia took the turkey out of the oven to cool before removing the stuffing. And she placed some previously cooked sides back in the oven to rewarm on low.
The giant balloons were coming in rapid succession in the Macy's parade. Roger called, "Girls! Come in here. You're missing the best part of the parade!"
Seconds later, Cady and Dorothy came running and Cady jumped in Roger's lap and Dorothy climbed in between Janice and Robert on the couch and they watched the parade with the adults.
Jacob leaned forward in his chair. "Why… are those the Radio City Rockettes?" he asked, with his eyes bulging, admiring the high-kicking legs of the statuesque dancing beauties.
Robert slapped his father on his upper arm. "Didn't you hear, Dad? I think this is their first year in the parade," he said with a knowing smile.
"Are they going to be in it every year?" Jacob asked, still riveted to the screen.
"I believe so," Robert said, glancing over at Peter and Roger, who smiled back. Janice just shook her head.
"Well, I'm going to make a point to catch this every year from now on," Jacob declared.
"I bet. You were always a leg man, Dad," Robert said and laughed. Janice elbowed him and glanced at the girls who were watching the television.
"Look Daddy!" Cady exclaimed. "It's Popeye!"
Dorothy echoed, "Popeye!"
"You're right, Baby. I think this might be the first year for him too," Roger replied.
It had been raining on that year's parade for almost the whole event. Popeye made his way down the avenue and swayed with the ropes in the breeze, and there was a dent in the top of his hat that had apparently collected a lot of water and when he leaned forward, many gallons of water spilled on the crowd.
Cady and Dorothy pointed at the television and squealed with glee at watching the people try to get away from the massive amount of water falling on them. They both pointed to the television laughing hysterically. Cady exclaimed, "Look, Daddy! The people are all getting wet!" Dorothy continued laughing.
"I bet they didn't plan on that," Robert remarked. "I wonder how much water that was."
"Seemed like a lot," Roger replied, looking at the television and watching the crowd scatter.
"Speaking of Popeye, is there going to be spinach with the meal today?" Jacob asked Roger.
"I think Cynthia made creamed spinach earlier," Roger replied.
"Ewwww, Poppa," Cady said, making a scrunched up face at Jacob.
"What? You don't like spinach?" he replied.
"No!" Cady said emphatically.
"Me neither!" Dorothy agreed, if only for the fact that she often followed Cady's lead.
"Well, how are you two going to be strong like Popeye, then, and get big muscles?" Jacob asked.
"We don't need big muscles, Poppa," Cady replied in an incredulous tone.
"You never know. You could get in a bind and need to fight your way out of somewhere," Jacob replied, winking over at Roger.
"Poppa…." Cady said with further disbelief, this time with her hands on her hips and head cocked to one side.
"You're on a roll today, Jacob," Roger said.
"Spinach doesn't give you big muscles like Popeye, Poppa. It's a cartoon," Cady continued.
Jacob replied, "Oh. I stand corrected. You are right."
Joanne entered the room and sat near Peter on the couch but with her arms crossed. Everyone else went quiet. She said, "The dining room is ready and Cynthia and Deborah are almost done."
Roger said, "Great!" He paused for a bit, thinking to himself. "I know! Mom and Dad haven't seen the Galveston pictures yet! I'll be right back." Roger went back to the back of the house and came back with an envelope. He sat between Joanne and Peter.
Joanne said, "I wish we could have come for Cady's birthday party, but things came up." She turned her attention to Cady who was watching Roger take pictures from the envelope. "Really sorry we missed your birthday, Darling."
"It's okay, Gramma," Cady said with a smile. "You can come next year."
"We definitely will," Joanne replied.
Roger organized the photographs in his hands and started passing a few to his mother and explaining what was going on in each picture. Janice, Robert, Jacob, and the girls moved closer to look at the photographs again. "These are some pictures of some of the historic homes," Roger said.
"These are lovely. So grand… and I love the ornamentation," Joanne replied, looking through each picture. "Such nice homes on the island..."
"I read about how that hurricane in 1900 all but destroyed Galveston. Horrible," Peter remarked. "The homes look great despite the city's history. Weren't you there after Hurricane Audrey this summer?"
"Yes," Roger replied. "But we had the vacation scheduled and we weren't going to let a little weather get in the way of our plans. There was a lot less damage on our side than on the Louisiana side." Roger passed another set of pictures to Joanne. "These are from the seawall – some views of the Gulf."
"Beautiful," Joanne said.
"Cynthia took these. She's the shutterbug," Roger replied.
"Sunrise or sunset?" Peter asked.
"Sunset," Roger replied. "We had to get out of there that night. Apparently illegal gambling and prostitution has become a problem in Galveston."
"I've read something about that," Peter replied. "The State Attorney General and the Texas Rangers have been running raids on the city to shut down those black market industries; of course, driving down tourism with it."
Joanne looked at him askance.
"Well, we felt it wasn't the place for Cady, so we went to the beach the next day and most days after that," Roger said. He handed some more pictures to Joanne, who looked at them and passed them to Peter as she had done the others. Cady and Dorothy had gotten bored and were taking turns braiding each other's hair on the floor. Joanne looked at pictures of Cynthia on the beach looking off into the horizon, Cady picking up shells and some of her drawing in the sand, pictures of Roger – almost all of which had him making funny faces for the camera.
Joanne held out one in particular in her hand. "Oh, son… I very much like this one of you and Cady," she said.
Robert and Janice leaned forward and Robert asked, "Which one?"
Joanne showed the group the picture.
Cady looked up. "I love that picture of my Daddy and me."
Jacob said, "Yes. We all liked that one… very nice. You can tell who my daughter's two favorite people in the world are in that one."
"She has the eye for sure," Joanne replied. She looked at the photograph again which showed the horizon of ocean water in the background at a sharp diagonal going down to the left. Cady was in front of her father and both were perpendicular and at an opposing diagonal to the horizon. Cady was standing while Roger squatted down to be at her level and the two held hands while looking out into the ocean with a breaker crashing behind them. Both had windswept hair and were smiling. "Do you mind if I have a print from the negative for the house?" Joanne asked.
"Not at all, Mom," Roger replied.
Roger showed the group a few more pictures and Deborah appeared in the doorway to the living room. "Alright, everyone…. Thanksgiving dinner is served. Turn off that television and come on in to the dining room." Roger put the photographs back into the envelope and went over and turned off the television where he rested the photographs. The group walked into the kitchen with Jacob bringing up the front and Roger coming in last.