Page 7 of Not So Very Sensible

“What is it?” Liv asked.

She read from the paper. “‘This voucher entitles you to a weekend’s accommodation in a deluxe room at the Hydro Grand Hotel in the Blue Mountains, breakfast included. And an evening meal and entertainment at the Clue-Done-It art deco–inspired murder mystery weekend.’ Oh my goodness!” Ellie glanced at the screen. “Gran, you didn’t have to do this.”

She smiled. “I know.”

“But … it’s too much.”

“Not when other family members might’ve decided to chip in.”

Liv grinned. “Liam wanted you to know how much he appreciated all you did. I know you said you didn’t want to get paid for doing the Hall’s website, but this felt like a little way to say thanks.”

“Little? It’s huge. It’s amazing. I don’t know what to say.”

“How about ‘thanks’?” Liv teased.

“Th–thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Art deco is your favourite style period, right?” Gran asked.

She nodded, as Katie’s glee spilled over.

“I can’t wait to do the murder mystery! I’ve always loved those kinds of things, and now we get the chance to do one ourselves!”

“Oh, it does sound like fun,” Mum said wistfully. “I wonder if there are any tickets left?”

“Mum, no,” Liv said firmly. Mum was always inclined to want to join in. “It’s all sold out, anyway.”

“Oh, that’s such a shame. I do love the Blue Mountains. Maybe your father and I could stay somewhere nearby and—”

“Elizabeth,” Gran said. “This is the girls’ present. Besides, who will look after the teashop if you’re off gallivanting as well?”

“Oh, I’m sure Annabelle wouldn’t mind. She’s such an obliging girl, always willing to help.”

“You don’t want to use up all of her goodwill, though,” Liv warned. “Better save some for when you really need her to help out at the shop.” Like when the whole family was planning to go to Liv’s wedding in England at the end of the year.

Mum sighed. “Very well. I suppose there will be other opportunities to stay at the Hydro Grand.”

“I’m sure there will be,” Liv soothed. Then she smiled at Ellie. “Looks like you two will be having another adventure!”

Ellie smiled. “Bring it on.”

Her spirits lifted. Today might’ve had its challenges, but it had ended on the right note.

Ouch! Ethan clutched his face as the basketball fell to the floor with a thud. Looked like today was ending the way it had started. Painfully.

“Ethan! Man, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

He shook his head, trying to clear the stars from his vision. Poor Zac didn’t need to take on more blame in his life. “Wasn’t your fault,” he assured. “I should’ve paid better attention.”

He staggered to the sidelines, wishing he’d tried harder at sports in school. Wanting to earn the respect of teens and playing poorly wasn’t the way. Still, most of the kids here knew he cared about them, so he hoped that counted for something.

The evening continued with a Bible study and prayers, and he made a point of showing Zac there were no hard feelings, listening as the foster kid talked about his new family. Things that were good, positive. Ethan tried to encourage that as much as possible. The world could be a pretty dark place sometimes. Zac knew that better than most. The fact the boy was allowed to come to youth group felt like a major win in his book.

Parent pick-up saw Ethan fending off more gasps as parents collected their children and the youth reverted to their usual language and manners. Most of them weren’t churchgoers, at least not at this church. So Ethan was kept busy building what connections he could to help people feel comfortable. That he was (a) a lawyer and (b) a “churchie” was enough to put off most people. Except those parents who didn’t mind some free babysitting on a Friday night.

“Looks like you’ll have a nice bruise tomorrow,” Charlene, his youth group coleader said.

“Just how I like to start my weekend.”