I decided to choose my next words carefully. “I appreciate the information. Thank you.”
Ben came over and jumped up on Jack’s pant leg. He was all doggy smiles and friendliness. Maybe he felt what I didn’t. Jack was reaching out and needed some family backup.
Jack suddenly smiled. “Mitzi and I are thinking about getting a pet. Any advice?”
Stanley hadn’t said a word during the conversation, but he quickly offered some thoughts on the subject. “Gloria and I feellike Ben has added a wonderful element of unconditional love to our lives. Right, Gloria?”
I nodded. “That’s true. He’s like another family member. However, you and Mitzi are very busy. Would you have time for a pet?”
“Mitzi and I will definitely consider the responsibility involved before we make a decision,” Jack said. He took another sip of coffee and stared at me. ”Now, back to Mom’s present state of affairs. Do you think we should visit her and see if she needs anything?”
I smiled. “That’s a great idea.”
A few minutes later, Jack and I were bundled up in our winter coats and walking down the street to Mom’s house. Ben wanted to be included, but I thought it best to leave him with Stanley. I wanted our visit to be as unobtrusive as possible.
While I was admiring a neighbor’s lamppost, decorated with a wide, red velvet ribbon and looking like a candy cane, I wasn’t watching my footing. I nearly tripped over a bit of raised sidewalk. Jack was there instantly, grabbing my arm and keeping me upright.
“Gloria, please be careful,” he ordered in a stern tone.
I could have been upset by his brusque voice, but like Stanley’s dad, I knew my brother’s heart was in the right place.
Once I collected myself, I looked up at my tall, strong brother. “Thanks, Jack, but please don’t tell Stanley about how I almost fell. He’s already extremely nervous about everything.”
Jack stopped and stared back. “Stanley? He’s always the picture of calm.”
“Yes, but he’s never had a pregnant wife before. Were you nervous when Mitzi was pregnant?”
Jack stiffened. “Mitzi said I drove her batty with my over-protective nature. However, after talking to Dad, I felt better. He said that he worried a lot when Mom was pregnant with you.”
“Maybe most men are protective when their wives are expecting a baby,” I said.
“You’re probably right,” Jack agreed.
When we arrived at Mom’s house, we stood on the porch, but we didn’t ring the bell. Jack said we had to prepare ourselves first.
“Jack, I know you’re a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean you can prepare a conversation with our mother.”
“Okay, but do you know what to say to her?” he asked.
“Let’s be honest and let Mom know we’re concerned about her.”
Jack’s brows narrowed at the thought. “Gloria, we tried that approach last year, remember? It didn’t go over well. Mom thought we didn’t trust her to run her own life.”
My brother made a good point, but I didn’t know what to do. So I behaved impulsively and rang the bell. “Let’s just act natural,” I said.
Jack shook his head at me, but he didn’t have a chance to comment. Mom was quick to open her door and stare out at us.
“Hi Mom,” I said, “Jack and I were out for a walk and thought we’d stop in to see our awesome mother.”
Mom let out a heavy breath. “How nice to see you both. Come in out of the cold.”
I didn’t move. “If we came at a bad time—”
Mom’s expression softened. “No, come in. I was kind of expecting you,” she said.
I hurried into the foyer with Jack following close behind me. After Mom took our coats, we all sat down in the living room. I surprised myself when I was able to keep quiet and let someone else do the talking.
Jack smiled his nicest smile. “Mom, you sounded upset when I talked to you this morning.”
