Page 45 of Waiting for Gilbert

Gilbert: *Typing bubbles appear and disappear.*

Gilbert: Can’t join you this week. Want to ride together? I can drop you off at least. No sense taking two cars into town.

Cordelia: We can have a driving lesson in the daylight when you’re not bleeding everywhere??

Cordelia: Yaasss. Come out at 11:30.

Gilbert: Will do.

Cordelia: ALSO!! Oh my word. As weird as this shower is, I have one and you don’t. What do you have to say for yourself? You have permission to use this one.

Gilbert: Can you smell me from there? Through the thermal shirt and coveralls?

Cordelia: Weirdo.

Gilbert: Appreciate the offer, but Aunt J has a fantastic bathroom. I’ll make use of it.

Cordelia: Like, every day?

Gilbert: It’s motivation to keep trucking. I finished installing the water heater last night. Bathroom tile begins tmw. Should have a working shower in 4 days.

Cordelia: My thumbs are tired. Can I come over? I’m all sad and lonely. Have the scouts returned? Is it safe to traverse from my camp to yours?

Gilbert: I’ll make you hold drywall.

Cordelia: Still?

Gilbert: Drywall is like that and every hour I care less. Must. Get. It. Done.

Cordelia: Be right there.

Gilbert: BYOC

Cordelia: Understood.

Gilbert: It feels wrong not to be in church, but rolling in 45 minutes late? How do you feel about sharing communion with me?

Cordelia: I’ll bring pie crust!

Gilbert: I have grape soda.

Cordelia: See you in a sec.

19

CORDELIA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20

THE FONTANE SISTERS—NUTTIN’ FOR CHRISTMAS

“Eww!” I yell around a mouthful of popcorn.

My fuzzy blue-slippered feet are propped on the coffee table in Diana’s living room and two-year-old Lisa snuggles in my lap. It’s late, and I’ve been here for hours. Buddy the Elf stuffs his mouth with previously chewed gum from New York’s streets.

Lisa claps her hands.

“No, baby. We say, ‘Boo!’ No eating gum off the street.”

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