Chapter 9. Thanksgiving Dinner

"Faydell, our cook, says dinner is ready," said Marjorie. "Let's go into the dining room."

Wow, this is a beautiful room. My family never had anything so grand. We usually ate at the kitchen table or on our laps in the living room. Are these chairs and table family antiques?

Marjorie replies, "Yes, they belonged to my parents and grandparents. I think they were made by Chippendale in the late 1700s."

I'll be careful not to scratch anything. And the china and silver are beautiful.

"The china was made in England by Josiah Wedgwood around the same time," said Marjorie, "and the flatware is by Sheffield."

I'm showing my ignorance here, but why is the little fork and spoon above the dinner plate?"

"That means it's for dessert. After the dinner plates are removed, the fork is pulled down to the left and the spoon, to the right, for coffee," explained Marjorie. "A lot of people don't know that. Would you like wine with dinner, Johnny?"

I'm more of a beer guy, but water is fine. "Water is fine for me, too," said Baby.

"Faydell has roasted a turkey. We have stuffing, cream gravy, two kinds of potatoes—mashed and sweet, green beans, cranberry sauce, ambrosia, and hot rolls," explained Marjorie. "Our family is Jewish but we don't keep kosher. That's how we can have cream gravy with meat. Keeping kosher means you don't mix dairy and meat."

My family is Catholic, so we don't have food rules, but we usually eat fish on Friday. This all looks delicious. Not like what they served the entertainment staff at Kellerman's. I'm going to really enjoy it. Thank you for inviting me. I'll try a little of everything. But what is ambrosia?

"It's a fruit salad of orange sections, pineapple, and coconut," said Baby. "Save room for pie. Do you like pumpkin or pecan?"

They both sound delicious. May I have a taste of both? Wow! I'll have to do extra exercise at rehearsal tomorrow. I wouldn't want to get out of shape for the dance numbers.

"Oh, I don't think that will happen," said Lisa. "You're in great shape and so handsome. I can see how Baby fell for you!"

"Don't say fall," replied Baby. "That brings back memories of the scary lift. But Johnny was so proud that I finally did it."

"Your father was afraid when he saw you up in the air, but you looked beautiful, and Johnny lowered you down with such strength," said Marjorie.

Thank you again for inviting me to your Thanksgiving dinner. I have enjoyed being with you, seeing your amazing home, and also enjoying the great dinner.

"What about me?" pouted Baby.

Well of course, you are my main reason for being here, Baby. I'm so glad to see you and where you grew up. But I'd better be going. I need to make an appearance at my parents' home and also get rested for my rehearsal at the theater tomorrow. See you soon, I hope.

"We're glad to know you better," said Marjorie, "especially if you and Baby still adore each other."

That's not going to change, at least from me. Baby is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I love her.

[Baby walks Johnny to the door and gives him a big hug and kiss.]