Page 115 of Someone to Remember
“What’s so funny?” Brad asks as I attempt to climb into his huge black pickup truck.
He extends a hand to help me in.
“I was thinking about how I was forced to share my older sister with my younger sister and how she was mine first.”
“That sounds like my family. We all wanted a piece ofmy oldest sister, Carla, and she used to tell us there was plenty to go around.”
“Sounds like us. Sam and I would tug-o-war for Tracy, and she was so patient with us. She still is. She’s our go-to person for all the things.”
“I love that you have that kind of support from her.”
“And Sam. It’s a different kind of support from her, but it’s just as important.”
“I love how you refer to the first lady as Sam.”
“What else should I call her?”
“I don’t know. It’s just funny.”
“She’s my sister, and not for nothing, but she’d hate for us to add to the hoopla that surrounds her and Nick.”
“The president.”
“My brother-in-law.”
He laughs. “It’s insane.”
“How do you think we feel? We had Thanksgiving at the White House yesterday.”
“That’s so cool.”
“It’s become kind of routine to us in the last year, as strange as that may sound. We’re there so often that it’s just Sam and Nick’s house.”
“The most famous house in the world.”
“How did the drop-off go with the kids?”
“It was fine. They’re excited to have Grandma and Grandpa’s full attention for a couple of days. And my in-laws have lots of plans for them. They had a whole agenda written down.”
“They’ll have a great time.”
“I feel bad that I’m absolutely elated for a couple of kid-free days.”
“Don’t feel bad. I’d worry about you if you weren’t excited to have the break.”
“When you’re all they have, you shouldn’t be glad to be rid of them for a minute.”
“You’re not all they have, and any single parent will tell you to enjoy every minute of every break you get.”
“Thank you for absolving me of my guilt.”
“Can you do the same for me? Ella had a sad daddy moment after her nap that had me feeling guilty about going out.”
“Ouch. Did you think about canceling?”
“For a second. Or two.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.”
