« Yes! We’ll arrive Friday afternoon. Make sure you get plenty of those little sausages. The kids devour them! Oh, and that potato salad? Sarah hasn’t stopped talking about it! Don’t forget the ribs, hon. Juicy, like last time! »
The line went dead. I stared at the phone, feeling something shift inside me like a tectonic plate finding its new position.
« She’s coming for the Fourth, » I announced to Bryan that evening.
He looked up from his laptop, already sensing trouble. « That’s… nice? »
« With everyone. The whole weekend. »
« Oh?!? » He set down his laptop. « Are you okay with that? »
Was I okay with spending another $300 on groceries while being criticized for my hosting skills? Was I okay with having my home turned upside down by people who treated it like a free vacation rental?
« I’m fine! » I said, my smile steady as a plan clicked into place. « Absolutely fine. »
Friday afternoon arrived with the subtlety of a marching band.
Three cars pulled into our driveway, disgorging the familiar cast of characters: Juliette in her oversized sun hat, Sarah and Kate with their arms full of nothing but designer purses, and six children who immediately began treating my lawn like their playground. Or rather, battleground!
