“What about Cody?” Jenny asked, referring to her nephew, Anna and Phillip’s only child. “Is his hair still blue?”
“It’s a rinse, dear. I’ve told you that before.” Her mother took a small bite. “Anna believes it’s only a matter of time before they promote her. Of course, with the promotion will come added responsibilities—”
“Are these new dishes, Mom? They’re lovely.”
“But your sister is more than up for the challenge.”
“Was that a new statue I saw in the hallway?” She poked at a piece of fish with her fork, causing it to flake into small pieces.
“I suppose I should talk to André about a menu for Anna’s promotion. I know nothing is official yet, but it’s best to always be prepared.”
“This is the best tuna I’ve ever had.” Jenny scooped the fish bits into her mouth and made a great show of enjoying them. Actually, it was the best tuna she’d ever had. But considering that the only other kind she’d ever had came out of a can, that wasn’t saying much. She was sure the great André didn’t have the age-old debate of water versus oil-packed when he selected this fish.
“What do you think about a Polynesian theme?”
“For your rest—uh, bistro?”
“Don’t be silly, dear. For Anna’s promotion party. She’s always loved the tropics.”
“Maybe you should wait to see if she gets it.”
“Don’t be silly, dear,” her mother said again. “Of course she’ll be promoted. You know, the other day she sent your father and me several magazine articles that featured her . . .”
With a sigh, Jenny stared at the thin sliver of lemon floating on top of her water. Once her mother boarded the Paul and Anna train, there was no way to get her off. Not for the first time, Jenny reflected that lunch really should come with alcohol.
“And you, dear? How’s your business doing?”
Jenny was about to give her standard, “Fine,” when she remembered her earlier optimism. “We have a charter booked for tomorrow.”
“Oh? A charter?”
The way her mother said it made it sound paltry.
“And we have another booked next week.”
“That’s wonderful, honey. Really.” Her mother set her fork down alongside her plate. “But remember, my offer is always open. There is always a job waiting for you here.”
Jenny was saved from answering by the ringing of a phone. Saved by the bell. Literally. She knew from past luncheons her mother would insist upon answering it. Business first, she’d say. But strangely, this time, her mother didn’t move.
The phone rang again.
“Jennifer, dear. I believe that’s your phone.”
“My phone?” Her water glass clanked against her plate. She reached for her purse and nearly fell out of her chair in her haste. A muffled fourth ring spurred her on even more. Why were cell phones so darn small? Just as the phone rang for a fifth time, she located it and glanced at the number. Zeke. Don’t hang up. Please. Please. Don’t hang up.
“Zeke. Hello.”
“Sorry to bother you at lunch—”
“No. No bother.” She looked to her mother, did a poor job of covering the mouthpiece before saying, “It’s Zeke, from work.”
“Uh. Yeah. Well, some guy stopped by—”
“A customer?”
Her mother leaned in closer.
“He was rather persistent in seeing you, so I sent him on over to the restaurant,” Zeke continued. “I hope that was okay.”
“A client needed to speak to me right away and you sent him over here?” Jenny knew she was reiterating everything Zeke said, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. Finally her hard work was paying off, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. Now her mother could see Jenny as a businesswoman. She felt almost giddy.
“Should be there any moment. Like I said earlier, hope it was okay I sent him over.”
“You did the right thing, Zeke. That’s why I carry the cell phone.” She knew she was laying it on extra thick, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. “And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten our appointment this evening. Five o’clock, right?”
“Huh?”
“Oh, right. Five thirty.”
“Have you gone daft, girl? What appointment? If you’re talking about our weekly canasta game when my Mildred is at bingo—”
“The phone’s ringing? Yes, of course you have to get it. All right then. I’ll talk to you later.” She hit the End button before Zeke could question her bizarre behavior any further. She knew she’d have some explaining to do when she got back, but just one look at her mother’s surprised face was worth all the ribbing she’d get.