Pizza and ice cream are on the menu Friday evening at the loft, giving Sandra a much-needed break from cooking. Cheryl joins her sisters to spend the night since their father and Larissa are at a university banquet for the evening. She's extremely talkative, chatting about her boyfriend, her upcoming pyramid league schedule, how she taught Fletcher to roll over when he wants a treat, and how much she misses going to JJ's for noodles, a place she hasn't been to in several weeks.
Sandra's phone keeps blowing up with texts and selfies from her friends at the weekly dorm party. Willow makes sure to let her know she's missed, and several students express their disapproval of her prioritizing family over the super-important trivia games they play every Friday, jokingly of course. It's a good group of people to hang out with and Sandra enjoys her popularity with them. The highlight is a video sent from Mason and Gunner, wishing her and her sister well and telling her they are looking forward to her return in a few weeks.
"I see why you wanted to go to the dorm party tonight," Laura observes, looking at Mason and Gunner like they are delectable snacks.
"Down, girl. You're married. And those two gods of handsomeness are practically engaged to each other, it's just a matter of time," Sandra informs her.
"Sounds like they all miss you. You have lots of friends," she says running her hand down Sandra's arm, giving her an approving smile. "Any texts from Jeff tonight?" she coyly asks.
"Noooo," Sandra replies, drawing out the word to get her point across. "I'm sure he has a date."
"Text him and find out. I dare you."
Sandra narrows her eyes and makes a clucking noise with her tongue. "You're worse than daddy. At least he tries to be subtle. You're in my face about him all the time now."
"Chicken."
"Fine."
Laura smirks at the ease in which Sandra gives in, knowing full well that her sister has been thinking of this young man, despite her repeated denial of such thoughts. Sometimes little sisters need a nudge in the right direction and Laura is more than happy to nudge, shove, whatever it takes to get her to admit that there could be something more than friendship between them.
"Haven't heard from u 2day, 3. Doing ok?"
"Happy now?" she asks Laura who's still smirking. "Cheryl, let's find a movie to watch, and something other than Viper Squadron II."
At Cheryl's insistence, they decide to watch Viper Squadron I, a movie that drew enough attention at the box office to spawn the sequel but fell way short in the special effects department. All the main characters were killed tragically, heroically, ridiculously by the end of the movie, but at least it's something they haven't watched a dozen times already.
After making enough popcorn to fill two large bowls, Sandra joins her sisters on the sectional with a bottle of soda. Laura bumps her arm and glances at her phone on the coffee table.
"You got a text while you were popping the corn," she happily announces.
"I can check it later."
"You should at least see who it's from. It could be important," she replies, faking seriousness in her tone.
Sandra quickly checks the message, then turns off the phone and slides it back to the coffee table.
"Well?" Laura asks.
"He's out. Like I said, on a date. We should start the movie now."
"Dammit!" Cheryl yells in frustration. "Why the frak isn't this working?" she asks, violently shaking the remote control.
"Lemme see," Sandra says taking it from her. "And don't let daddy hear you talk like that, alright? I hope you have some new batteries, Laurie," she says, popping the old ones out.
"In Bill's desk, top drawer on the right."
While she's away down the hallway, she receives another text.
"Why don't I run the remote tonight?" Laura volunteers, reaching for it when she returns. "Oh, and you have another message," she smiles.
"Great, it's a photo, probably of him and his date," Sandra mumbles without opening the message.
"There's one way to find out."
"Can we please start the movie?" Cheryl grouses.
"After Sandra checks her message," Laura replies, hardly able to contain her enthusiasm for her sister to look at the photo.
"Why would you put this on me?" she groans, reluctantly opening the message and holding it so they both can see.
Five college men are standing shirtless in all their muscular, sweaty glory, side-by-side, Jeff in the middle holding a trophy. "Intramural pyramid champions." Laura glances at the photo, then turns her gaze to her sister, who is sitting slack-jawed staring at it.
"Um, I think you need to respond to that, sis," Laura says as she watches a smile spread across her sister's face. "He sent you that for a reason. And if you're not interested in the one in the middle, the rest of them are mighty fine, too."
Unable to wipe the smile from her face, Sandra screws her eyes shut, trying to erase the image burned into her brain. It doesn't work. Her face contorts as she tries again to rid her mind of the photo dripping in testosterone, but this effort fails, too. A slow, pronounced sigh leaves her lips as she glances sideways at her older sister, who sits patiently waiting for her to give in and text Jeff back.
"Fine, I'll do this from the guest room. Or maybe I'll take a cold shower instead," she says as she stands and walks down the hallway.
"Good luck. Oh, and no sexting!" Laura calls after her.
"Gods! I would NEVER!" Sandra exclaims before Laura hears the door to the guest room shut.
"What's sexting?" Cheryl asks innocently.
"Texting. I said texting. Let's watch the movie."
Dave's research award is the final one of the evening and, to his surprise, it's presented to him by Larissa. She charms the audience by listing his accomplishments, reporting on his accolades like he might be the best thing to ever grace the university, then beams proudly as he walks on stage to receive the award from her. She stands close to him as he gives his speech and is the first to applaud when he finishes. They then exit the stage holding hands.
"Are you surprised?" she asks when they get out of view of the audience. "I thought it was a nice touch to have me present it to you."
"Yeah, I was surprised, thank you for doing that," he comments, leaving the part out about how he felt somewhat uncomfortable with her standing so close to him during his speech.
"You know what we should do? We should make this a long weekend. Leave tonight – I know a great place on Virgon we can stay, just the two of us, a lonngggg romantic weekend," she purrs in a sultry tone while adjusting his tie and smoothing it down his chest. "What do you think?" she asks, her eyes eagerly anticipating his response.
"We're having dinner at my house with the girls tomorrow night, remember?" he replies.
"We can do that anytime. I want you all to myself this weekend, and I guarantee you'll never forget it." Larissa knows how to tempt a man, and she certainly doesn't hold back with Dave. Her warm gaze settles on his face, her hand slips into his, and she does her best to put him under her spell, certain he won't turn her down.
Dave isn't like other men she's dated, though. Not just because he isn't a movie, television, or sports star. He's a dedicated family man and his children are front and center in his life, especially after his heartbreaking conversation with Cheryl a few days ago. "I'm going to take a raincheck on that. It's important to me and Cheryl that you join us tomorrow. Are you nervous about it?"
"I can't hide anything from you, can I?" she grudgingly admits. "I've never really been around children, especially ones as young as Cheryl."
"Just relax and be yourself. She's an extremely bright girl like her two sisters, only smaller."
Although it pains her to admit it, Jeff Buttkisser has a nice body. He's tall and slender with a nice athletic build, just the right amount of muscle, but not in grotesque proportion to the rest of him. Broad shoulders, a perfect amount of chest hair, and washboard abs, what she can see of them behind the trophy. Those big brown eyes combined with his dimples – it's a combination that irritates her down to her toenails. Unfortunately, the attraction doesn't end there. He's nice. The least he could do is be a giant jerk, then it would be easy to look away from the team selfie, push him aside, and forget about all things Jeff. But the guy has the nerve to be genuinely kind and despite Sandra's teasing on the subject, he is rather intelligent, otherwise her father wouldn't have him working for him.
No. Nope. Can't do it. Can't be attracted to Buttkisser. Can't happen. Stop looking at him. Stop thinking about him. Stop it. Stop.
Ding. "What ru up to 2nite?"
"Spending time with my sisters."
Ding. "Anything fun?"
That peculiar way he has of irritating her seems to happen when he texts her, too. "Why did u send me that photo?" she replies.
Silence. A full minute passes without his reply and she's convinced she scared him away for the night. As she's about to return to the living room, her phone rings.
"Hey, Jeff," she answers in an annoyed tone.
"Is something wrong?"
"Why did you send me that picture?" she asks in an exasperated voice.
"Because I wanted you to see we won the championship."
"What, so you all just decided to take off your shirts and pose?"
"No, it was shirts versus skins and we were skins. It's the photo they'll put on the champions wall in the gymnasium."
"I see," she replies, suddenly feeling very stupid. "That's good to know. Congratulations on your trophy."
The incredibly long uncomfortable pause that follows causes Jeff to be concerned. "Sandra, what's wrong?"
"There's nothing wrong. It's not every day I get a photo of five good-looking half-naked guys, and I got the wrong impression, that's all."
"Oh, yeah, of course. I mean, most of the guys have partners already, I wasn't thinking, sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"It's not like I'm 12, Jeff. My last boyfriend was a stripper, you know?" she snorts.
"I didn't know that. Wow. Is he the one-"
"-in jail," she finishes his sentence. "So I don't have the best judgment when it comes to half-naked or fully-naked men and I tend to say dumb things and do dumb things just like I'm doing now," she blurts out.
"Look, Sandra, I didn't mean anything by it. It was a selfie we snapped for the wall, and I shared it with you," he explains, hoping it puts her at ease. When she doesn't respond, he decides to try cracking a joke. "It's not my fault I'm a good-looking guy," he states matter-of-factly.
How he manages to say the right thing and follow it with the wrong thing makes her head spin. "You just had to add that last sentence, didn't you? You had a solid explanation going and I was feeling better, and then you had to take it one step too far."
"You don't think I'm a good-looking guy?"
"That's not what I said."
"So you think I am?"
"Didn't say that either."
"Alright," he laughs. "I'm being a jerk, and I apologize for that. But, Sandra, don't ever be afraid to tell me what you're thinking. You can trust me. I'm not easily offended, and I don't blab to other people. I know you've had a rough time over the past year, and I feel privileged that you consider me one of your friends."
"Hmm, see, that right there was really nice. That's high on my list of what's important to me in a friend and that's why you're one of them. And since we're on the subject, I could do a better job of being nicer to you."
"Sassy Sandra keeps me on my toes. I like you just the way you are."
As the banquet winds down, Dave and Larissa make the rounds shaking hands with faculty, administrators, and other researchers. She's in her natural element being the center of attention but after about twenty minutes of schmoozing, Dave tires of it, which isn't unusual. She keeps him going for another ten minutes until the crowd thins, then turns to him to let him know it's acceptable to leave.
"I'm a little tired tonight, Larissa, would you mind if I dropped you off and then went home?"
"Are you feeling okay?" she asks, touching his forehead with the back of her hand to check for a fever. Normally he stays overnight with her, but she did notice how quiet he became as the night wore on.
"Yeah, just tired. All these banquets have caught up with me and I need a good night's rest to reenergize."
"Mmh, okay," she replies, placing her palm on his cheek. "I don't want my man to get run down. You have a lot more banquets coming up."
"Don't remind me," he sighs. "The attention was nice at first, but I'd kind of like to have my normal life back."
The drive to her place is fairly quiet, enough that it prompts her to ask if there's something else on his mind.
He assures her it's just fatigue, walks her to her door when they arrive at her condo, gives her a chaste kiss goodnight, then leaves.
Twenty minutes later he pulls into the parking lot of JJ's restaurant. It's after 9 pm and some of the crowd has dwindled, but he can hear the live band still playing from inside. Taking a seat at the bar, KC greets him from the kitchen.
"Hey, Dave, didn't expect to see you here tonight! You have a takeout order?"
"No, I was hoping to see JJ. Is she here?"
"In her office getting ready for a date. She should be out shortly."
"How do you like working for her?" Dave asks with a big grin.
"She's great – no complaints. I really like it here and I think I've picked up on enough things that she should be able to take some time off soon. There she is," KC nods toward the side of the restaurant where her office is around the corner.
Dave turns to see her wearing a dark red cocktail dress, black heels, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail with a few strands framing her face, smokey eyes, and lipstick that matches her dress. The smile that lights up her face when she sets eyes on him provides him a much-needed spark of energy.
"Well, hello, handsome," she greets, giving him a warm hug.
"You look gorgeous," he whispers in her ear before letting her go.
"Thank you, Dave. What brings you by tonight? Are you alone?" she asks, looking around for Larissa.
"I am. I was hoping to talk with you, but if you have a date, I can check back with you some other time."
Not having spoken to him in person for several weeks, she senses something must be bothering him to make him stop by at 9:30 on a Friday night, minus his girlfriend. "We can talk in my office."
They walk arm in arm around the corner, and once she shuts the door, she asks him what's wrong.
"Maybe I shouldn't have stopped by. You're ready to go out and I don't want to interfere."
"He won't be here for at least another fifteen minutes, and you look like you could use a friend right now. Tell me what's going on."
Dave explains the conversation he had with Cheryl on the ride home from the ice cream parlor and the subsequent conversation with Larissa at the banquet when she was trying to avoid meeting his youngest child.
"Maybe it won't be so bad tomorrow. Sounds like they're both nervous, can you blame them?"
"I suppose," he replies, not convinced that it's just because of nerves.
"Is there something else going on?" she asks.
"I'm having second thoughts about dating Larissa." This is the first time he's admitted that to anyone, including himself.
"And that's because...why?"
"Our relationship is very public, and she likes it that way. I'm tired of it. She presented me with an award tonight and stood next to me during my entire speech, and I can't help but feel it was just so she could get her picture taken. Nobody has ever stood right beside me during a speech. It was weird."
"You know what I'm going to say, right?"
"That I need to have this conversation with her, you're right. But I just wanted to get out of there and think some things through. The girls are staying with Laurie tonight, so I have the house to myself."
"Honey, there's a lot more going through your head if you have your place to yourself and you're not inviting your girlfriend over."
It's a feeling he's had for a while, something he hasn't been able to put his finger on. His mind goes in circles trying to figure out what it is that's making him feel like he should pull away from Larissa. She hasn't overtly done anything to upset him. Her behavior was odd during his speech, but she also made it very clear she's proud of him, so that could easily explain it. It makes sense that she might be uneasy the first time she meets Cheryl, never having children of her own or spending any time with them. But this feeling gnaws at him, and the more he tries to figure it out, the more exhausted he becomes.
"I can see how much this is troubling you," JJ begins, "so I'm going to be a good friend and cancel my date tonight. We can stay here and talk for as long as you want."
"No, don't do that. I'm not here to ruin your Friday."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
Ding. Dave reaches for his phone in his suit coat pocket to check the message, hoping that it isn't a distress call from Laura or Sandra. He's relieved when he sees it's from Larissa, but that relief is replaced with displeasure when he unlocks his phone and finds a photo of her lying across her bed, wearing barely anything, with the message "Sure you won't change your mind?"
If the annoyed grunting sound that escapes his lips isn't enough to clue JJ in, his eye roll and shift in posture provide an exclamation point to his mood.
"Do I dare ask? Is it Larissa?"
"Yes," he replies, almost gritting his teeth. "It's a picture of her almost completely naked, asking me if I've changed my mind about spending the night with her."
Ding.
"And now she's asking me to send one back."
"Has sexting been part of your relationship?" JJ asks, unbothered by the salacious subject matter.
"NO!" Dave exclaims, put off by the very thought of it.
"Then she knows there's something wrong and she's desperately trying to get your attention."
"You're exactly right. I'm going home, having a beer or two, then to bed. By myself. I will have a conversation with her about this tomorrow before we have dinner at the house."
"Sounds like a solid plan. You sure you don't want me to cancel? We could knock a few beers back together," she offers.
"No, go on your date. One of us needs to have a good time tonight."
"You don't think we could have a good time together?" she murmurs stepping toward him, peering at him from under heavy lids.
He doesn't shy away from her flirtation, the heat in his eyes hinting at his thoughts. "You're tempting me, JJ."
"And what's your answer?" she asks, resting her palm against his chest.
The simple thing to do is take her home with him, have a few beers, and let these smoldering embers that exist between them burn a little brighter. But the simple thing isn't the right thing, especially now, and he knows that. "I'm not the type to cheat on my girlfriend, even one I'm having doubts about."
"Excellent answer, Busboy. You're a good man."
"That's an honest answer. I'm hoping you'll be honest, too."
"Of course."
"Is there a reason you're testing me?" he asks, placing his hand over hers on his chest.
Laura and Sandra arrive at the Roslin home at 3:30, just in time for their father to leave to pick up Larissa. After a solid night's sleep, he's much more optimistic about the future of their relationship, convinced that he's reading too much into her reluctance to spend time with Cheryl and her penchant for the spotlight. She's intelligent, vibrant, attractive – all qualities that drew him to her and none of that has changed.
She's eager to discuss what's on his mind when he arrives at her condo, stating she sensed something was off between them the previous evening. Her comfort in the spotlight is because of her job, the news anchor in her difficult to leave behind when she steps outside the studio. She's very nervous about meeting Cheryl and is grateful it's taking place in a setting that's comfortable for the young girl.
"David, please, don't hesitate to talk to me about these things. I appreciate that you took the time to gather your thoughts first, but maybe next time you could let me know that's what you're doing. I wasn't sure if you were mad at me, if I had done something wrong, and then when you didn't respond to my texts, I was certain you were upset."
"I'll be more open in the future, I promise. I was genuinely exhausted last night and not at my best when I left here," he explains.
"Oh, you poor thing, going straight home to bed. Were you asleep when you got my texts?"
"Um, yeah, I was," he says, pulling her into a hug so that she can't read the lie on his face.
With her arms spread as wide as they can go, Cheryl zooms through the air in her viper. She rounds the kitchen island in her junior jock smock, dashes through the living room, then back down the hallway to her bedroom, Fletcher fast on her heels.
Laura tries to subdue her the next time through the living room, but Cheryl blows by just out of her grasp.
"Let her go, sis," Sandra says.
"First impressions are important," Laura replies, nervous how Larissa will react to an overly energetic child.
"So's being yourself. She shouldn't have to act like she's something she's not."
"That's what momma used to say about you."
"Then that's probably where I learned it from. And she's right."
"So, how was Jeff last night? You missed the entire movie and I swear I could hear you laughing sometimes."
"Stop. He's nice to talk to, that's all. And he can be kind of funny. Besides, I was tired of babysitting your giant butt all week and needed a break."
"My butt's not that big, is it?"
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"
"No," Laura replies with a pout, "but I think I will now."
On the way to the bathroom she used to share with Sandra, she makes it a point to walk past Cheryl's room. A large purple hat is perched on her head while she's having her post-viper attack tea party, Fletcher sacked out on her bed after all that exercise.
In addition to gazing at her ass in the mirror trying to determine if it has grown so large to be deemed giant-sized, she glances around and reminisces. It wasn't all that long ago that this was her bathroom, too, but it seems different. Gone are the hair products and fake tattoos that she used to wear, replaced with hair bands, bubble gum flavored toothpaste, and for some strange reason, an unopened can of beans in the shower. She glances at the time and realizes her father will arrive with Larissa soon, so she leaves the bathroom, notifies Cheryl that their father will be there any minute, then walks back to the sofa, sitting next to Sandra.
"My ass isn't giant."
"You sure about that?" she replies without looking up from her magazine.
Laura decides to counter with a distraction. "It would have been awfully nice to invite Jeff to our dinner tonight. Maybe you should give him a call."
"Shut up."
"Were you thinking about that photo of him all night? He was kind of sweaty and muscular, really cute dimples. I know you like that type. Do you ever think about kissing him?"
"I said shut up."
"So you have thought about it. He could wrap those strong arms around you, brush his lips against yours, then slip his tongue-"
"You still have another week with me babysitting you, sis," Sandra warns in an ominous tone. "If you don't cut this out, I'm gonna tell Bill you ate pizza last night. All that sodium isn't good for your blood pressure now, is it?"
"It was one night."
"One night too many. And then the popcorn, too. So much sodium. He'll get so mad he might spank your giant ass. But you'd probably like that, wouldn't you?"
Laura lets her mind wander to a few bedroom memories that keep her warm at night while Bill's away.
"Oh, my Gods, you actually do that?" Sandra giggles, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Tell me about it!"
"You have so much to learn, little sis. I bet Jeff could teach you. You should call him later."
"Or you could just tell me all about it. Isn't that what big sisters are for?"
"I'll tell you a few things tonight, but you have to call Jeff first."
"How about a text? Calling's too personal. And if he's on a date, that's just awkward."
"I'll think about it. Sounds like they're here," Laura says when she hears the keys in the front door.
"Oh, no, don't get up," Larissa says to Laura who's pushing herself up off the sofa. "I haven't seen you in a while," she states, eyeing her baby bump. "How soon are you due?"
"About another six weeks," Laura replies. "It's good to see you again."
"Hi, Sandra, how are you," Larissa asks, her eyes twinkling with a huge smile on her face. "How is your artwork coming along?"
"I'm good, and it's coming along just fine," Sandra replies, turning to help her sister off the sofa.
Cheryl comes barreling out of her bedroom, running straight toward her father and Larissa, stopping just a foot in front of her, standing straight at attention and throwing her a salute.
"And you must be Cheryl," she says, extending her arm to shake Cheryl's hand.
When Cheryl doesn't respond, Dave murmurs, "Try a salute."
"Okay," she says, doing her best at a salute. "You're sure a cute little soldier."
"I'm a viper pilot ma'am. Lieutenant Cheryl reporting for duty. I've secured the perimeter, Admiral Roslin. Those cylon bastards won't come anywhere near us tonight."
"Oh, that's a relief. Thank you for keeping us safe, Lieutenant Cheryl," Larissa giggles.
"It's my duty ma'am."
"Yeah, and your other duty is to change out of your viper uniform so you don't get lasagna all over it, alright kiddo?" Dave says as he picks her up and gives her a hug and a tickle, causing her to giggle. She presses her forehead against his trying to stare him down, but after she blinks first, she knows she has lost the game.
"You always win, daddy!"
"That's because I'm the Admiral! Now, go change and wash your hands. The food should be ready soon." He swats her bum as she jogs away toward her bedroom.
"And now you've met Cheryl," he says looking at Larissa, who is smiling and relieved. "Let me show you around before we eat. Sandra, have you set the table yet?"
"I'm on it. The timer says we have ten minutes. Stay here, big butt," she says as she taps Laura on the shoulder.
"Gods, Sandra, that's not nice," she complains as her sister skips away toward the kitchen.
"Oh, don't worry about it, I'm sure the weight will come right off after you have the baby," Larissa assures her.
"You're probably right," Laura replies, glaring at her father's girlfriend as she passes by. "Sandra, I'll help you fill the water glasses."
By the time they sit down to eat, Laura has shared her thoughts on Larissa's rude comment with Sandra, who agrees with her. As they pass Dave their plates for a slice of lasagna, Cheryl winds up with the largest piece which suits her just fine, but when he goes to fill Larissa's plate, she says she'll only take a sliver.
"I can't be puffy for the camera," is her reasoning, instead taking a good amount of salad. Sandra glances at Laura from the corner of her eye, who happens to be glancing back at her. They are definitely on the same page in their observations of this woman.
"Sandra, have you painted anything new lately?" Larissa asks between tiny bites of plain lettuce.
"No, I don't paint. I like to sketch."
"You should really try painting, though. Just think how you could brighten up the décor in here with some colorful paintings!"
"Maybe I will someday," Sandra says, trying to remain diplomatic.
"You know what you should do in here, David? If you painted these walls a light shade of blue, then replaced your old curtains with some modern wooden blinds, it would really update things. And then if you paint your cabinets white and replace the countertops with granite, just think how bright this space could be!"
"Those are mommy's curtains," Cheryl says, frowning at Larissa.
"Hmm? I'm sorry?"
"Our mom picked those curtains out herself. She really liked them," Laura informs her.
"But don't you think they're kind of outdated?" Larissa whispers.
"Let's change the subject," Dave interjects, sensing the ire coming from his daughters. "Cheryl is a very good pyramid player and made the top team two age groups up," he announces.
"That's amazing. I didn't realize they let little girls play pyramid now. Are there enough girls to make a team?"
"I play with boys. The teams have at least three girls on them and the rest are boys," Cheryl says, still glaring at her.
"Aren't you afraid you'll get hurt?"
"It's the boys who should be afraid," Cheryl states, bringing proud smiles to her sisters' faces. "My boyfriend made the top team in his age group, too."
"You have a boyfriend already?"
"Yes, his name is Finn and he's older. But not like daddy is older than you, Finn is just a few years older than me."
Sandra has to look down and bite her lips together to keep from laughing at the dig Cheryl got in about Larissa's age. She doesn't dare look at Laura, knowing if she does, she'll have to excuse herself to go laugh in the bathroom.
"If you're not doing anything Monday after work, we'd like to invite you to watch the first games of Cheryl's league. I could swing by the studio and pick you up," Dave offers.
"That sounds exciting!" she exclaims a little too forcefully. "I'll have to check my calendar and let you know."
"We go out for ice cream afterwards," Cheryl says. "You could come with."
"I'll have to pass on that. I don't eat ice cream."
Cheryl crosses her arms and stares at her father, giving him a disapproving look. Everyone eats in silence for the next few minutes until suddenly Larissa begins to shriek.
"Oh, my Gods, what is that?" she yells, lifting her legs up and looking beneath the table. "Something just rubbed against my legs!"
"It's probably Fletcher," Cheryl says, slipping out her chair and crawling beneath the table. "Come here, kitty, kitty."
Cats have a way of being attracted to people that don't necessarily like them, and Fletcher is no exception. With his paws on the seat of Larissa's chair, he stands on his hind legs, his large belly hanging down, looking curiously at this woman who's desperately trying to move away from him. Cheryl crawls toward him, pulling him into her lap where she sits on the floor next to the chair.
"No, I don't like cats," Larissa says. "One of them scratched me when I was a child and I've never gotten over it. And they're just dirty little creatures."
"He won't hurt you. He's just a fat ball of fur. Try petting him," Cheryl says with a small smile, trying to soothe Larissa's nerves.
"No, please, get rid of him. David, please," she begs. "I don't like them."
What started out as a promising evening has quickly gone down in flames. "Cheryl," he reluctantly begins, "could you please put Fletcher in your room until Larissa leaves? Just for an hour or so, honey."
"Okay, daddy," she mumbles, clearly heartbroken. She slowly trudges toward her room carrying Fletcher, cuddling him along the way.
"I like cats," Sandra says loudly while poking at her food.
"Me, too. Bill and I are thinking about getting one," Laura says.
The sound of their father's warning sigh ends their conversation, and they all sit in silence for a few more minutes. Cheryl never returns to the table, so Sandra offers to check on her, certain her little sister is upset that Fletcher has been banished due to Larissa's irrational fear.
When she returns to the table a few minutes later with a serious look of concern on her face, Dave asks if Cheryl will be joining them again.
"Uh, I'm not sure that you…uh, I don't even know what to say…"
Laura immediately becomes worried, and then she hears it. Dressed in her bear outfit, crawling on all fours, snarling and foaming at the mouth, Cher-bear comes into the dining area with her eyes set on Larissa.
"Oh, no," Dave sighs, standing and moving toward her. "Please excuse me. I need to talk with her." He then picks Cheryl up and carries her to her room.
"I'm about finished here," Laura says taking the last bite of food off her plate. "What about you, Larissa? Can I take your plate?"
"Sure. Do you have dessert?"
"We have lots of ice cream."
"Oh. Then I guess I'm done."
"Yes, it looks that way," Laura agrees through a forced smile.
"I'm done, too. I'll cover daddy's and Cheryl's plates and pop them in the fridge, then we can get this cleaned up and you can be on your way home," Sandra states, not even trying to force a smile.
"Do you need any help?"
"Nope, you've done enough," Sandra replies.
Dave sits on the edge of Cheryl's bed with her. She clings to him with her face buried into his neck, still lightly growling and refusing to speak. "Sweetheart, we've talked about this in family therapy. Please tell me what's going on. I know you're upset. I want to help, but I can't unless you stop growling and use words."
"I don't want to get rid of him, daddy. Don't make me get rid of Fletcher!"
"I would never do that, honey. He's part of our family," he replies, squeezing her a little tighter.
She pulls her face out of his neck to face him, her eyes misty with worry. "But Larissa said to get rid of him and then you made me bring him to my room and I know you're going to do what she said because she's your girlfriend."
"No. We're not getting rid of him. We'll figure something out if Larissa visits again. I promise you he isn't going anywhere."
"She wants to get rid of mommy's curtains."
"That's not going to happen either. I'm happy with our house just the way it is," he smiles, brushing away a tear that threatens to run down her cheek.
"She doesn't like ice cream."
"I know," he sighs. "There's probably nothing I can do about that."
"She's weird because she doesn't eat hardly anything. And she didn't even remember that Sandra doesn't paint."
He suspects Sandra and Laura have these same feelings toward his girlfriend. After their lunch meeting, Sandra never really said anything about her, and the past 40 minutes have been an utter disaster. "Anything else?"
"I heard her say something mean to Laurie and…" Cheryl catches herself before completing her thought. She looks nervously at her father knowing what she's about to say could hurt him.
"What?"
"I don't like her," she whispers.