A PARTRIDGE FAMILY REUNION - Part 2
The din in the Partridge living room was a welcome one. Four out of her five children reunited after five long years, all talking and laughing and catching up.
Shirley barely heard the phone ring. She hurried into the kitchen to answer it. "Hello? Oh, yes, how are you? What?" She strained to hear the voice on the other end, but the noise in the living room was making it difficult. Finally Shirley closed the shutters between the two rooms and sat down at the table.
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't quite hear you before. What's this about Keith?"
Jay's voice now came over the line more clearly. "He wanted me to call and tell you he can't make it home for a few days. He has a two-night stop in Manitoba, but he sends his love."
"Oh, no...well, Tracy will be hurt, but she knows that's show business. We've been in that predicament before. Thank you so much for calling, Jay."
"He also wanted me to tell you that he'll be doing a live interview on TV tonight, that you might want to catch. It's the One on One with Gary Dunn show."
"Oh, really? That's wonderful. We can all see it together, then. Thanks again." Shirley hung up the receiver, going back out among her brood, who still hadn't toned it down much.
"Who was on the phone, Mom?" Tracy asked.
"That was Jay Levinson, Keith's manager. Keith won't be getting in for a few days. Seems he's in Canada."
A collective moan was heard, and Shirley nodded in agreement.
"My reaction exactly. However, he will be on Gary Dunn's show tonight, so we'll at least be able to see the boy."
"Well, that's something, at least. That show's not on 'til nine, right? I can still keep my date with Doug." Laurie checked her watch.
"That's my sister. Family second," Danny grinned at her, ducking when she flung a toss pillow at him.
"He will be here for the wedding, won't he? He's supposed to give me away!" Tracy looked worried.
"Hey, if he isn't, Danny and I will be glad to give you away. We have practice, now. We tried to give you away when you were seven." Chris laughed.
"I know," Tracy said, smoldering. "To the neighbors down the street, that were moving to Florida!"
Everyone laughed, as Shirley smoothed Tracy's red hair. Both she and Laurie had cut their long locks and had almost identical hair styles, feathered softly around their pretty faces. "It's only a two-nighter. Keith should be here in plenty of time."
"I hope so; it just wouldn't be the same. I can just see these two clowns yanking me down the aisle, eager to pass me on and get rid of me," Tracy absently twisted her engagement ring around her finger, eyeing her two brothers.
"There will be no dragging of anyone down anything," Shirley assured her. "Besides, if worst comes to worst, you can always have Reuben fill in for Keith."
"Speaking of Reuben," Laurie smiled, her eyes sparkling. "How's your relationship going? Last I heard you two were dining and dancing every night."
Shirley blushed. Her blonde hair was now streaked a little with gray, but other than that, she was still the prettiest mother in show business; or any other business, for that matter. "We don't have a 'relationship,' Laurie. We're just two single people who happen to like the night life and one another's company."
"Uh huh," Laurie teased. "That's what they said about Anthony and Cleopatra."
"And Bonnie and Clyde." Danny's grin was met with a derisive look from Tracy.
"I think it's neat that Mom and Mr. Kincaid have each other to lean on. Although it would be nice if there were a little more to it..."
Shirley smiled. "Don't worry. You'll be one of the first five to know. Now, I know you kids are tired from your trips, so you all just go upstairs and get settled while I fix dinner. We're having a barbecue, and Reuben will be here in a little bit."
"Ah ha!" Chris pointed his finger at his mother.
"Ah ha, nothing. He's going to assemble the new grill. Now up!" she ordered.
"I get Keith's room!" Danny announced, grabbing his oversized bag.
"Why should you get your own room?" Laurie pushed him.
"Hey, I just spent a hour on a bus with this one," he said, jerking a thumb in Chris's direction. "That's enough companionship for one day."
"Well, fine," Laurie tossed her head. "Tracy and I have a lot to talk about, anyway." She put her arm around her little sister as they started for the stairs. "Have you considered a pre-nuptial agreement? I wouldn't trust any man nowadays."
"Nowadays? You were worse than Joan of Arc when you were fifteen!" Chris followed his sisters and brother.
Shirley laughed, watching them file up the stairs. It was almost like normal around here, with just one notable exception. Darn that Keith, anyway!
###
Old home week at the Partridge house was getting more and more interesting. Reuben's arrival was greeted with hugs from the girls and a lot of backslapping from the boys. He and Danny went to work assembling the grill while Tracy and Laurie helped their mother with the salads and Chris prepared the meat with a special marinade he'd learn to make at school.
"So, Trace, when are we going to meet this guy?" Chris asked. "Before the wedding, I would hope."
"Well, he's down in L.A. right now at an audition, but he should be home tomorrow night," Tracy answered, tearing apart the lettuce leaf in her hands.
"Then he can come for dinner; or would you rather wait until Keith gets home?" Shirley peeled a carrot.
"That's fine. Oh, you guys are going to love him. He's so great. He's sophisticated, yet down to earth. Handsome, smart...he's unlike any boy I've ever known," Tracy gushed. Then, to Chris's sullen look, she added, "Present company excepted, brother," she giggled, reaching up and kissing his cheek.
"Gee, I was beginning to hate the guy," Chris muttered. To his mother, he nodded. "Meat should be ready to grill in an hour. I'm gonna go help Reuben and Danny."
He wiped his hands on a towel and exited as Tracy bit her lower lip. "I think I hurt his feelings."
"I don't think he'll lose any sleep over it," Shirley reassured her.
"Right. Men handle these things differently than we women. They are a strange breed, indeed." Laurie glanced at the clock. "I guess I'd better go meet Doug at the Taco Stand."
"Why don't you invite him over here? There's plenty of food. I was expecting one more, anyway." Shirley suggested.
"Let's see how it goes, first. He may have turned into a total jerk and I just may have to dump him." Laurie grinned, heading for the front door.
Shirley and Tracy smiled.
###
"The Gary Dunn Show" was just getting underway when Laurie returned from her date. As she took a seat between Danny and Reuben on the sofa, she asked, "I haven't missed Keith, yet, have I?"
"Oh, yeah. He came on and told the whole world just how miserable you are, being single and all, and gave out your home phone number." Chris munched on some leftover potato chips.
"You are so hysterical," Laurie pulled a face at him.
Chris shrugged uncaringly as Shirley turned up the volume. "Shhh! He just introduced Keith!"
Everyone sat forward watching the screen intently as their brother, son and former client appeared from behind a curtain, waving and smiling to the applause.
"Look at him!" Danny cried out. "The bum looks skinnier than ever!"
"He's probably not eating very well. You know how it is, on the road all the time." Laurie tucked her hair behind one ear as Keith took a seat next to the host.
"I think he looks just right." Tracy, on the floor in front of the sofa, hugged her knees, watching the whole scene with fascination.
"Shhh!" Shirley admonished once more as Gary Dunn began his interview.
"So, Keith, you've been on tour again. Still without the family?"
"Right, I'm by myself…except for a crew of seven, including my backup band. We've been hopping all over. We just played Miami, and in a couple of days, we'll be in Houston. Then I'm going home for a little while. My youngest sister, Tracy, is getting married."
Tracy grinned, putting her chin on her knees as Gary looked surprised.
"Little Tracy, the little one on the tambourine?"
"The one and the same. She's twenty one, now." Keith looked into the camera. "Don't have the wedding without me, Trace! I'll be home as soon as I can!"
Now tears filled Tracy's eyes as Keith blew a kiss toward the camera. Not hesitating, she returned the gesture as Shirley put a hand on her head.
"Sweet," Laurie smiled down at her.
"Is this soon enough?"
The voice behind them startled them all and everyone looked to see Keith - in the flesh - standing in the kitchen doorway.
Tracy screamed, jumping up and running to his open arms as the rest clambered to their feet.
"Keith!" Shirley's hand was on her throat. "What…how….?"
"I've been in the garage for three hours." Keith tried to explain as his brothers and sisters attacked him from all sides. "That barbecued chicken smelled soooo good!"
"Laurie, fix him up a plate," Shirley instructed, reaching over and pulling her eldest over to the couch. It wasn't an easy task, as Tracy, still weeping, was holding onto him for dear life.
"You rat," Danny slugged his shoulder. "Look, you made Tracy cry."
Keith smiled, pulling Tracy's head to him and kissing it gently. "I…get that reaction a lot lately."
Laurie came in with a plate full of chicken and corn and biscuits. "How did you manage to pull this one off, brother?"
Keith shrugged, taking a bite of the chicken. "Wasn't easy, believe me. I had to find a flight that would get me here before the show aired, then pray I came in just at the right moment. Were you surprised?"
"Surprised isn't the word." Shirley touched his nose with her finger. "I thought I was seeing things."
"I thought you were a ghost or something." Tracy said, squeezing his arm. "But I'm glad you came."
"Where are your bags? And don't tell me they're just full of dirty laundry," Shirley said.
"They're in the garage, along with my guitar and a load of gifts for everyone. And no, there's no dirty laundry. I had it done before I left Philly."
"Gifts, did you say gifts?" Danny was suddenly alert.
"Yes, but we can divvy them out tomorrow, if you don't mind? I just want to hit the sack."
"Rough schedule, huh?" Reuben queried.
"The roughest. One night one place, two nights the next…I think I'm getting too old for this," Keith sighed.
"Sounds like old times." Reuben said, a faraway look in his eyes.
Keith grinned. "Miss it, eh, Reuben?"
"Sure, a little. But retirement's nice. Of course, with a little incentive, I could be coaxed back into the game."
"My next tour, you've got it." Keith promised, slapping the older man's knee. "Okay, kiddies, it's bedtime. For me, at least. I will see you all in the morning."
"Oh, uh, Keith, I've got my junk in your room," Danny confessed. "I'll move it."
"No, no, that's okay. I can bunk with Chris. If he can stand the snoring." Keith glanced at his youngest brother.
"Hey, if I can room with six other guys, I can do anything." Chris waved it off meaninglessly.
"Goodnight, honey. Sleep as late as you want. I'll keep breakfast warm for you," Shirley stood up, hugging him. Looking around her, she was brimming with happiness. "I feel like Erica Kane…" she gushed.
Laurie eyed her. "Erica Kane?"
Tracy and Shirley chorused, "All My Children!"
Laurie and the men all groaned.
continued...
The din in the Partridge living room was a welcome one. Four out of her five children reunited after five long years, all talking and laughing and catching up.
Shirley barely heard the phone ring. She hurried into the kitchen to answer it. "Hello? Oh, yes, how are you? What?" She strained to hear the voice on the other end, but the noise in the living room was making it difficult. Finally Shirley closed the shutters between the two rooms and sat down at the table.
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't quite hear you before. What's this about Keith?"
Jay's voice now came over the line more clearly. "He wanted me to call and tell you he can't make it home for a few days. He has a two-night stop in Manitoba, but he sends his love."
"Oh, no...well, Tracy will be hurt, but she knows that's show business. We've been in that predicament before. Thank you so much for calling, Jay."
"He also wanted me to tell you that he'll be doing a live interview on TV tonight, that you might want to catch. It's the One on One with Gary Dunn show."
"Oh, really? That's wonderful. We can all see it together, then. Thanks again." Shirley hung up the receiver, going back out among her brood, who still hadn't toned it down much.
"Who was on the phone, Mom?" Tracy asked.
"That was Jay Levinson, Keith's manager. Keith won't be getting in for a few days. Seems he's in Canada."
A collective moan was heard, and Shirley nodded in agreement.
"My reaction exactly. However, he will be on Gary Dunn's show tonight, so we'll at least be able to see the boy."
"Well, that's something, at least. That show's not on 'til nine, right? I can still keep my date with Doug." Laurie checked her watch.
"That's my sister. Family second," Danny grinned at her, ducking when she flung a toss pillow at him.
"He will be here for the wedding, won't he? He's supposed to give me away!" Tracy looked worried.
"Hey, if he isn't, Danny and I will be glad to give you away. We have practice, now. We tried to give you away when you were seven." Chris laughed.
"I know," Tracy said, smoldering. "To the neighbors down the street, that were moving to Florida!"
Everyone laughed, as Shirley smoothed Tracy's red hair. Both she and Laurie had cut their long locks and had almost identical hair styles, feathered softly around their pretty faces. "It's only a two-nighter. Keith should be here in plenty of time."
"I hope so; it just wouldn't be the same. I can just see these two clowns yanking me down the aisle, eager to pass me on and get rid of me," Tracy absently twisted her engagement ring around her finger, eyeing her two brothers.
"There will be no dragging of anyone down anything," Shirley assured her. "Besides, if worst comes to worst, you can always have Reuben fill in for Keith."
"Speaking of Reuben," Laurie smiled, her eyes sparkling. "How's your relationship going? Last I heard you two were dining and dancing every night."
Shirley blushed. Her blonde hair was now streaked a little with gray, but other than that, she was still the prettiest mother in show business; or any other business, for that matter. "We don't have a 'relationship,' Laurie. We're just two single people who happen to like the night life and one another's company."
"Uh huh," Laurie teased. "That's what they said about Anthony and Cleopatra."
"And Bonnie and Clyde." Danny's grin was met with a derisive look from Tracy.
"I think it's neat that Mom and Mr. Kincaid have each other to lean on. Although it would be nice if there were a little more to it..."
Shirley smiled. "Don't worry. You'll be one of the first five to know. Now, I know you kids are tired from your trips, so you all just go upstairs and get settled while I fix dinner. We're having a barbecue, and Reuben will be here in a little bit."
"Ah ha!" Chris pointed his finger at his mother.
"Ah ha, nothing. He's going to assemble the new grill. Now up!" she ordered.
"I get Keith's room!" Danny announced, grabbing his oversized bag.
"Why should you get your own room?" Laurie pushed him.
"Hey, I just spent a hour on a bus with this one," he said, jerking a thumb in Chris's direction. "That's enough companionship for one day."
"Well, fine," Laurie tossed her head. "Tracy and I have a lot to talk about, anyway." She put her arm around her little sister as they started for the stairs. "Have you considered a pre-nuptial agreement? I wouldn't trust any man nowadays."
"Nowadays? You were worse than Joan of Arc when you were fifteen!" Chris followed his sisters and brother.
Shirley laughed, watching them file up the stairs. It was almost like normal around here, with just one notable exception. Darn that Keith, anyway!
###
Old home week at the Partridge house was getting more and more interesting. Reuben's arrival was greeted with hugs from the girls and a lot of backslapping from the boys. He and Danny went to work assembling the grill while Tracy and Laurie helped their mother with the salads and Chris prepared the meat with a special marinade he'd learn to make at school.
"So, Trace, when are we going to meet this guy?" Chris asked. "Before the wedding, I would hope."
"Well, he's down in L.A. right now at an audition, but he should be home tomorrow night," Tracy answered, tearing apart the lettuce leaf in her hands.
"Then he can come for dinner; or would you rather wait until Keith gets home?" Shirley peeled a carrot.
"That's fine. Oh, you guys are going to love him. He's so great. He's sophisticated, yet down to earth. Handsome, smart...he's unlike any boy I've ever known," Tracy gushed. Then, to Chris's sullen look, she added, "Present company excepted, brother," she giggled, reaching up and kissing his cheek.
"Gee, I was beginning to hate the guy," Chris muttered. To his mother, he nodded. "Meat should be ready to grill in an hour. I'm gonna go help Reuben and Danny."
He wiped his hands on a towel and exited as Tracy bit her lower lip. "I think I hurt his feelings."
"I don't think he'll lose any sleep over it," Shirley reassured her.
"Right. Men handle these things differently than we women. They are a strange breed, indeed." Laurie glanced at the clock. "I guess I'd better go meet Doug at the Taco Stand."
"Why don't you invite him over here? There's plenty of food. I was expecting one more, anyway." Shirley suggested.
"Let's see how it goes, first. He may have turned into a total jerk and I just may have to dump him." Laurie grinned, heading for the front door.
Shirley and Tracy smiled.
###
"The Gary Dunn Show" was just getting underway when Laurie returned from her date. As she took a seat between Danny and Reuben on the sofa, she asked, "I haven't missed Keith, yet, have I?"
"Oh, yeah. He came on and told the whole world just how miserable you are, being single and all, and gave out your home phone number." Chris munched on some leftover potato chips.
"You are so hysterical," Laurie pulled a face at him.
Chris shrugged uncaringly as Shirley turned up the volume. "Shhh! He just introduced Keith!"
Everyone sat forward watching the screen intently as their brother, son and former client appeared from behind a curtain, waving and smiling to the applause.
"Look at him!" Danny cried out. "The bum looks skinnier than ever!"
"He's probably not eating very well. You know how it is, on the road all the time." Laurie tucked her hair behind one ear as Keith took a seat next to the host.
"I think he looks just right." Tracy, on the floor in front of the sofa, hugged her knees, watching the whole scene with fascination.
"Shhh!" Shirley admonished once more as Gary Dunn began his interview.
"So, Keith, you've been on tour again. Still without the family?"
"Right, I'm by myself…except for a crew of seven, including my backup band. We've been hopping all over. We just played Miami, and in a couple of days, we'll be in Houston. Then I'm going home for a little while. My youngest sister, Tracy, is getting married."
Tracy grinned, putting her chin on her knees as Gary looked surprised.
"Little Tracy, the little one on the tambourine?"
"The one and the same. She's twenty one, now." Keith looked into the camera. "Don't have the wedding without me, Trace! I'll be home as soon as I can!"
Now tears filled Tracy's eyes as Keith blew a kiss toward the camera. Not hesitating, she returned the gesture as Shirley put a hand on her head.
"Sweet," Laurie smiled down at her.
"Is this soon enough?"
The voice behind them startled them all and everyone looked to see Keith - in the flesh - standing in the kitchen doorway.
Tracy screamed, jumping up and running to his open arms as the rest clambered to their feet.
"Keith!" Shirley's hand was on her throat. "What…how….?"
"I've been in the garage for three hours." Keith tried to explain as his brothers and sisters attacked him from all sides. "That barbecued chicken smelled soooo good!"
"Laurie, fix him up a plate," Shirley instructed, reaching over and pulling her eldest over to the couch. It wasn't an easy task, as Tracy, still weeping, was holding onto him for dear life.
"You rat," Danny slugged his shoulder. "Look, you made Tracy cry."
Keith smiled, pulling Tracy's head to him and kissing it gently. "I…get that reaction a lot lately."
Laurie came in with a plate full of chicken and corn and biscuits. "How did you manage to pull this one off, brother?"
Keith shrugged, taking a bite of the chicken. "Wasn't easy, believe me. I had to find a flight that would get me here before the show aired, then pray I came in just at the right moment. Were you surprised?"
"Surprised isn't the word." Shirley touched his nose with her finger. "I thought I was seeing things."
"I thought you were a ghost or something." Tracy said, squeezing his arm. "But I'm glad you came."
"Where are your bags? And don't tell me they're just full of dirty laundry," Shirley said.
"They're in the garage, along with my guitar and a load of gifts for everyone. And no, there's no dirty laundry. I had it done before I left Philly."
"Gifts, did you say gifts?" Danny was suddenly alert.
"Yes, but we can divvy them out tomorrow, if you don't mind? I just want to hit the sack."
"Rough schedule, huh?" Reuben queried.
"The roughest. One night one place, two nights the next…I think I'm getting too old for this," Keith sighed.
"Sounds like old times." Reuben said, a faraway look in his eyes.
Keith grinned. "Miss it, eh, Reuben?"
"Sure, a little. But retirement's nice. Of course, with a little incentive, I could be coaxed back into the game."
"My next tour, you've got it." Keith promised, slapping the older man's knee. "Okay, kiddies, it's bedtime. For me, at least. I will see you all in the morning."
"Oh, uh, Keith, I've got my junk in your room," Danny confessed. "I'll move it."
"No, no, that's okay. I can bunk with Chris. If he can stand the snoring." Keith glanced at his youngest brother.
"Hey, if I can room with six other guys, I can do anything." Chris waved it off meaninglessly.
"Goodnight, honey. Sleep as late as you want. I'll keep breakfast warm for you," Shirley stood up, hugging him. Looking around her, she was brimming with happiness. "I feel like Erica Kane…" she gushed.
Laurie eyed her. "Erica Kane?"
Tracy and Shirley chorused, "All My Children!"
Laurie and the men all groaned.
continued...