Page 108 of Lone Star Longing
“We’re having a co-ed shower,” Hailey said. “We need something besides finger sandwiches. What’s easy? A brisket? Two briskets?”
“Now you’re getting into money,” Marianne said. “Have you priced a brisket lately?”
“Okay, so, what then? Casseroles? I guess we can have a variety of casserole. Each of us make two?” Sofia said.
Poppy wrinkled her nose. “I want the finger sandwiches. Maybe we can do subs for the guys? Does Mrs. Lopez carry sub rolls? You think she can order some for us? Get some deli meat, go to town. It won’t be cheap, but it won’t cost as much as a brisket and it will be filling. And easier than everyone bringing two casseroles.”
They agreed with Poppy’s suggestion, and then went on to the guest list. Sofia said she should invite her patients, but Lacey shook her head.
“I’m not going to ask them for anything. They’re my clients.”
“They probably are as invested as we are.”
“Doesn't matter. Please don't put them on the list. Beck may bring his mom, but that’s the only one, okay?”
“And you need to register somewhere so we can put that on the invitation.”
“I don't even know what to put.”
“Well, I know you’re going to need two of everything,” Poppy laughed.
“A double stroller, two car seats, two high chairs,” Marianne listed. “Diapers. Diapers. Diapers. All sizes.”
Lacey wrote down the ideas in her notebook as the others called out the ideas.
“God, I can’t ask people to buy these things for me,” she said as she looked up the items on her phone. “They’re so expensive.”
“Well, maybe some can go together on an item,” Poppy said. “Like we can all go in and get you a car seat or something.”
“You’re already doing too much.”
Marianne reached across the table and covered her hand. “Honey. People will do it because they love you. Let them. Don’t worry about it so much. If they don't want to, they won’t. This is their choice. You don't have to feel guilty. Okay?”
Lacey nodded, but she was going to feel guilty anyway.
“I’ll call my mom, but send her an invitation anyway,” she said, and gave Ginny the addresses for her family members.
*****
“MOM, I WANTED TO LETyou know they’re having a shower for me,” Lacey said, calling her mother as soon as she got home from the meeting. “It’ll be two weeks from Sunday, and I was wondering if y’all could come.”
“A Sunday? Why a Sunday?”
“It’s just what we decided would be best for everyone,” Lacey said. “Do you think you might be able to make it?”
“Hmm.” Her mom delayed. “The calendar doesn't have anything marked down, but I need to check with Andrew first.”
“Of course,” Lacey said, knowing her mother didn't make any decisions without consulting her husband.
“Who’s throwing you the shower?”
“Poppy, Ginny, Sofia, our other friend Hailey, and Dad’s girlfriend Marianne.”
“Dad’s girlfriend?”
Better she know now that figure it out when she got here. “Yes, they’ve been dating a few months. She’s a retired schoolteacher.”
“I don't remember anyone named Marianne.”
