Beating Holidays, Part 11/12
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That was extraordinary, David breathes when the conductor of the Vienna Philharmonics calls an end to the New Year's Concert, I should have caught one of these before. Not once? Jeannie asks, speaking quietly to avoid waking Kaleb, who fell asleep during the last ballet rendition, head pillowed on her shoulder, We try to wake up for it every year. Never had the time, David admits, while she looks over at her brother and reveals, Actually, it's Mer's fault I started watching, he made me tune in the very first time in 1985.
Finally a New Year's tradition worth having, Rodney declares gruffly, letting go of John in his arms and heaving himself out of the couch to stretch his spine. Neither David nor John miss Jeannie's wince at those words, but apart from racing the horses in competition against their mother for as long as she was up for it, they also don't have any traditions worth thinking about. Remember when we all went skiing and Grandpa built a driving range in the snow? John says suddenly, and Rodney drops his hands to his sides and scowls at his sister, Oh, wonderful, you've done it now.
I sense the need for a birthday present, Jeannie comments drily, stamping her feet for warmth as John prods her daughter's body into the right stance. The repeat of their grandfather's words makes David smile even though, Should have thought of this while there was still more light. Perfect angle, he shouts when Madison swings, snow spraying everywhere, and he believes the shot would have been perfect as well, had he thought to bring and balls with him.
So I might do you a favor, Rodney starts up when he joins them, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands. Of course, someone less foresighted than me might misinterpret the situation and believe you would be doing me a favor, but really, if it comes to that, it'll be the other way around. What, David says, wondering why Rodney waited until the last day to bring it up, wishing he could imitate Jeannie and steal the mug for a sip.
One of my scientists, or, one of Novak's, but – anyway, one of mine. We're trying to find her a different place within the program, but it was – I doubt she can ever let herself work with alien technology again. Not using her brain would be a crime, you'll make millions even though she can only make use of a fraction of her knowledge, and some random university just isn't safe enough.
Mom, Mom, you've gotta try, too, Madison yells, and David turns the offer over in his mind as John shows Jeannie where to put her hands on the golf club. He needs to ask further questions about mental stability and security issues if he agrees, but Rodney is right, there's really only one thing he can say in the end, Not getting to read her full resume is going to drive O'Hara nuts.
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