AND LOVE CHAP 147
New Year
ON THE ISLAND
For the New Year's Eve party at Jamie and Eddie's, Malina pulled out 1 appetizer from each of her new cookbooks. She had to be careful; the more exotic ingredients were mostly not in stock in their kitchen, or weren't even available at the grocery stores she regularly shopped at. She also had to be careful to not make too many things that needed refrigeration; her fridge space was limited. Next year she will put a 2nd fridge on Santa's list. One she won't have to share. Ugh!
The French cookbook had the more exotic recipes, BUT they would be wasted on this crew. Maybe not all.
Danny and Linda were both working, as was Paula. Joe, Jack and Sean Reagan came out on the LIRR, accompanied by the Bay Ridge 'old folk'.
Frank and Kelly brought champagne, Jack and Erin other beverages – none alcoholic as agreed.
Party games were a riot. Twister was done in 2 sessions; age divided. The kids collapsed in laughter watching the 'old folks' try this. The consensus was that this was a game for the young (and agile).
Monopoly was avoided – too competitive a crowd. Though some would have liked to see Eddie, Erin, Annie and Kelly play. Betting would have been intense. Claws retracted please! (Anyone want to write that one?) They all did want to part as friends after the party was over.
Patrick and AJ barely made it up until the stroke of midnight! After the champagne, and kissing your girl, Josh and Gregg were elected to carry the boys to bed.
The last guest left at 01:45. The clean-up crew had long ago wilted. Clean-up was postponed until halftime of the 1st football game. Unless the ladies couldn't stand the mess. They couldn't.
Snacks today were leftovers, and a bag of Doritos passed at you from the kitchen. Caught by the QB. Everyone agreed that a hangover free New Year's Day was very nice. A repeat was in order.
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FLASHBACK – THE WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS
STUDENT DRIVER
Gregg had agreed to teach Cassie how to drive. This was a slow week at the dealerships, so he left Jimmy in charge and dedicated some time to this. He had done this before; he even had a STUDENT DRIVER sign for the back window of the car. He chose a Porsche Carrera loaner (Yes, a Porsche loaner! Only certain customers got this car!) for her to learn in. Ulterior motive? You bet.
Eddie had picked up a NY Driver's manual a couple of weeks ago; Cassie had been studying diligently.
Gregg appeared at breakfast time Monday morning. He waltzed into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Mal from behind. "Hey good lookin'? What ya got cookin'?"
She giggled, "Hi uncle Gregg. French toast."
"Enough for me too?"
"Well, get me 3 more eggs and 4 slices of white bread, and I'll see what I can do."
He did, so did she.
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AFTER BREAKFAST
"Cassie, girl. I brought 2 sample drivers tests. After you're ready, meet me in the office and we will go to work."
In the office he found a lap desk for her to use. They sat on the love seat as Jamie and Eddie were working in there too (listening, with interest). Gregg gave her one of the tests and she carefully answered the questions.
After he graded her answers, he explained her errors. Then she filled out the 2nd sample test. She passed the 2nd time.
"Way to go girl!" He was proud of his pupil. "Let's go get your driver's permit – and do some driving!"
"Today?" She trembled.
"Today. Time's a wasting."
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, and shrug. They trust Gregg.
At the DMV Cassie shows her St Bridget ID and is handed a test and pencil. She glances at her uncle; he smiles and gives her a thumbs up. She goes to a carrel, sits and fills out the test. She recognizes some questions, which relaxes her. She knows she will get them correct, at least. After she finishes, she takes the test back up to the window.
"Have a seat while I grade your test, Miss."
She goes to sit beside Gregg. He takes her hand and gently squeezes. "Good job, Cass."
"You don't-
"Cassandra Reagan please."
She returns to the window.
"Congratulations Cassandra. Sign here, and step over to the photographer."
'Oh, god no.' she hadn't dressed or made-up for a picture!
SNAP
"What?"
"Done, have a seat, Miss."
Dazed, she shuffles over to sit by Gregg. He is holding his head in his hands, shaking with laughter.
She elbows him, hard. "You didn't warn me!"
"Have you ever seen a-
"Cassandra Reagan."
She steps back up to the window, is handed her permit, and walks back to Gregg. She looks at her picture. She couldn't look worse if she tried! Now she understands why everybody griped about their DL picture. She vowed to be ready next time. Right.
"Now what?"
"Now you drive."
"What?"
"It's what we came for, correct?"
"Yes, but-
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Gregg has driven a way out on the island. He stops where there is a very wide shoulder and shifts into park. He gets out, closes his door and comes around to her side. He opens her door and waits.
She looks up at him; "Now?"
"Now."
She gets out, and with weak legs goes around and gets into the driver's seat.
"Now Cass, we have 12-15 miles of straight road ahead of us. A few cross roads; 3 stop lights; a good stretch for you to get used to being behind the wheel. Using the accelerator, the brake, the steering wheel. Keep a steady grip on the wheel, don't strangle it. Move slightly from side-to-side; always staying in your lane. The speed limit is 55; you don't have to go that fast, but stay at least 50 after you get comfortable. DO NOT pay any attention to drivers that pass us; and any gestures they may make. Understand?"
She grins, "Yeah."
"Now, let's go."
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After a couple of minutes, he starts a light conversation. It's something a driver needs to know how to handle.
"So, you and Josh – going good?"
"Do we have to talk?"
"Yes. Just talk, do not look at me. It will come easy soon. You and Josh?"
"Great. We really . . . ah-
"You can say it. You love each other. Annie and I can see it. But at your age take it slow."
"Did my parents-
"No, they didn't. But I've been there. I know the temptation, the pressure. My advice? Don't pressure each other. Enjoy life, college, friends. You have a long life ahead of you. If you are right for each other, it will work out. College was the 2nd best time of my life."
"The best?"
"With Annie. Hands down."
"You were together a long time before-
"Marriage, yeah. 5 years."
"Why so long?"
"Now Cass, we are coming up on a stop sign. See it up ahead?"
"Yes."
"We are going to turn left. When the left turn lane appears, move over into it and stop at the light."
"Good. Now when the green arrow appears, turn left and go straight for a while."
Cass navigates the turn nicely. Gregg is pleased.
"Annie and I were well established in our careers. We were deeply in love, there was no doubt where we were headed. There was no rush."
"Then my parents appeared on the scene."
"Yes, they did. What that did was cause us to realize we needed to officially define things. And we did."
"Happy?"
"Bliss!"
"Now Cass, on the right is a large parking lot-
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AT HOME
Cassie enters the house, floating on a cloud.
"Mom! You should have seen the car I got to drive! A Porsche! Not like yours, but all the same. A Porsche! I would die to have one of those. My graduation is coming up, you know. Your daddy gave you one, right? Do you think? I suppose not. Well, I can dream." She floated upstairs.
Jamie came out of the MBR, dressed for work. He is going in to 1-PP as he's on call tonight and plans to work the afternoon and evening. He draws Eddie into a hug, and leans close to her ear. "I hope she dreams big, right?" He whispers.
"Right!" They kiss and part.
'Dream big, my girl'.
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"MOMMY, DADDY! I can't believe it." Mal rushes in, fresh off the school bus, the 2nd Monday of school after the holiday break.
"What, sweetheart?" Her mom opens her arms wide. Mal disappears in a massive hug.
"Beverly is catering the senior prom. And she wants me to help her!"
"What? That's wonderful, sweetie."
"Yes! I need a new chef's hat, please?"
"Ok, I'll see what we can do. When do you start preparing?"
"Right away. I'm so excited," she is off. Galloping up the stairs.
Cassie comes down, somewhat dragging. "Did I hear right? My little – er younger – sister is working the senior prom?" She has hands on hips, a scowl on her face.
"Cass," mom cautions. "Be nice, this is big for her."
"I know, but Josh and me, you know."
"Yes, I do. It's sort of your coming out moment. I don't think Mal being there will affect that one bit. I really don't."
"Yeah, probably not."
"Let me ask you this. Josh may be voted prom king. Are you-
"No, it must be a senior girl. We have talked about this. He wondered what I would think if he was asked to not wear his promise ring-
"Asked by whom?"
"Faculty class sponsors."
"Why?" Eddie is puzzled.
"I don't know. If I were to guess, I'd say that some people want to think of the king and queen as a couple. And if the king wears a promise ring and the queen doesn't, it's obvious they are not."
"Hm . . . so, where did you leave it?"
"I told Josh that I was ok if he needed to take the ring off in that situation."
"Really?"
Laughs. "That's exactly what he said."
"And?"
"Really, I am ok with it."
Mom hugs her oldest daughter, "That's my girl."
"Thanks, mom."
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TBC