AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, jeez, it’s my mother. Do you mind?”
“Not at all. I’m out the door.” He bent down to kiss her goodbye.
“Mom! What a surprise.”
“Have you talked to Steve?”
“Not today. What’s wrong? Is everyone okay?”
“Yes, yes, everyone’s fine. I need something to do this afternoon, and I was hoping you could use a hand at the rescue.”
Dumbfounded, Kelly was struck speechless for a moment. Finally, she was able to get the words out.
“Of course! We have new pups and are already getting all of the Christmas pets people didn’t want in the first place. You can play with dogs all day if you want. Shall I come to get you?”
“Oh, isn’t it out of your way?”
“Mother, no. I’d love to bring you in. I’m leaving in twenty minutes.”
“I’m at Café Delphine, having breakfast,” she said, winking at Katrina.
“Wow, you must be turning over a new leaf,” Kelly said.
“I’ll tell you about it when I see you.”
Just then, Steve returned, smiling.
“Wow, what a nice morning,” he said. “Don’t forget what I said about the masked ball.”
“Steve, I’m not going, but I appreciate the invitation,” Beverly said. “It’s not something I relish, running into Alfonso and Lola.”
“No, I don’t imagine it would be something you’d look forward to,” Katrina said.
“She’s going,” Steve said. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“I guess that means I have to find a costume.”
“Good for you,” Katrina and Steve chorused.
“What are you going as?” Beverly asked.
“Blanche Dubois,” Katrina answered, “and Alphé is going as Stanley Kowalski.”
Beverly had a hard time staying upright, she was laughing so hard.
“Who are they?” Steve asked, frowning.
“Oh my god, throw those damn gaming magazines away and pick up a book. They’re characters from Tennessee Williams’s playA Streetcar Named Desire. It’s set in New Orleans, and the characters are perfect for a masked ball. No one will be able to guess who you are.”
“You should come as Stella,” Katrina said, and they laughed. “Speaking of New Orleans, I’d better head out. I have to drive in to New Orleans today. Rush hour should be over by now.”
“Yeah, I’d better get back to work, too,” Steve said. “Mom, you busy later?”
“Kelly’s coming to get me in a few. Katrina reminded me of the rescue, and I’m going there to help out this afternoon.”
They hugged goodbye, the first of weekly meetings mother and son and occasionally Katrina would have at the café.
They parted ways just as Kelly pulled up in her pickup truck. She pushed the door open for her mother.
