CHAPTER 17

 

“I guess it would be pretty terrible to be deaf,” Nancy said. “But at least I wouldn’t have to listen to Nick.”

“You’re right there.” Grandpa finished off his port. “Okay, what about those apple slices I can smell?”

“Oh, they’re cooling now,” Judy said. “I also have a lemon meringue pie Aunt Gloria baked, pumpkin pie from Aunt Dolly, and mincemeat from... I don’t remember. They were all delivered at once.”

“Maybe the person who gave us the mincemeat—yick—also gave us the book?” Nick said.

Jack added, “Yeah mincemeat is a Christmas terror all its own.”

“I like it,” Dan said. “I’ll have vanilla ice cream and whipped cream on mine.”

Judy raised an eyebrow. “Both? I thought you were trying to lose weight?”

“Jesus, Judy, it’s fucking Christmas,” Dan said through gritted teeth.

“Double that order,” Jack quickly added.

“Triple,” from Nick.

“Quadruple,” Grandpa called.

“Enough,” Judy said. “Come help me, Nicky.”

“But—”

“Give the book to Jack or your father and come help me,” she snapped.

“Nick, help your mother!” Dan said and belched.

“Jeez, all right, Dad.”

“That’s a good boy.” She patted him on the head.

“I’m not a dog, Mom.”

“Then stop acting like a little bitch,” Jack said.

“Good one, Jack.” Nancy said.

“What?” Jack said, looking at everyone. He picked up the book from the chair where Nick had left it. “Let’s see... A Time for Reflections. Intriguing title.”