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and candy-stripe-eyed, but
the grandfather who opens
the door is one I’ve never, ever
seen before. “Wow. I didn’t
know you even owned a suit.”
A genuine grin creeps cheekbone
to cheekbone, and his eyes—
clear as a cold-water creek—fill
with delight. Dug it out of mothballs.
Today is a special occasion.
Thought Cora might appreciate
you and me dressing to the nines.
Go put on something real pretty.
It’s an order. But a gentle one.
THE WHOLE THING
Is so unexpected, I’m halfway
changed into a plum-colored silk
blouse when my fingers start to
tingle and my breath stutters short.
Wait. Why now? Nothing’s wrong
except … Except for this sudden
feeling like the world just flipped
upside down. South Pole on top.
Santa’s lair at the butt end. I close
my eyes, sip in air through clenching
teeth. What is going on with me?
It’s just one dinner at the home of total
strangers. One stupid holiday meal,
Grandfather and me putting on the dog
to impress … who? One Thanksgiving,
