And nobody would use the house without asking me first.
“Of course,” Jennifer said.
Gregory nodded.
Douglas said, “Makes sense.”
Brenda was quiet.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.”
“Brenda.”
She smiled faintly.
“I was about to say we always ask.”
We all looked at her.
She sighed.
“No. We don’t.”
That made everyone laugh, including her.
“I’m learning,” she said.
“So am I.”
Then I told them something else.
“I’m taking a trip next spring.”
Gregory stared.
“Where?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Brenda looked almost alarmed.
“By yourself?”
“Maybe.”
“For how long?”
“I don’t know.”
“Who will—”
She stopped.
I waited.
She laughed at herself.
“Never mind.”
“What were you going to ask?”
“Who will host Easter.”
Jennifer leaned back.
“We can.”
Brenda looked at her.
“You hate hosting.”
“I hate hosting twenty people.”
“There are twelve of us.”
“Then I moderately dislike hosting.”
Douglas raised a hand.
