Annie's Rainbow - Fern Michaels [120]
It was easier to agree than it was to argue with Elmo. She’d never yet won an argument where he was concerned.
Once the group was settled in Elmo’s spacious kitchen, it was agreed, through eye contact, that there would be no discussion of what happened while Daisy was within earshot. Jane and Tom bustled about the kitchen preparing breakfast while Elmo showered. Daisy romped through the house with the three dogs, returning every few minutes to make sure those she loved were safe and secure. Annie sat across the table from Clay.
“For whatever it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“Hey, I’ve never been blown out of bed before. It was an experience. Sometime when things are dull, I’d like to know what’s going on. Maybe I can help,” Clay said.
“If you like, you can drive the Rover back and Jane and I will pick it up at some point. I don’t mean to insult you, but I would like to pay you for your time.”
“It’s okay. Thank you is good. So, do you want me to drive you to the airport to pick up that special present?”
“Good Lord, I almost forgot. I need to be there by ten. We can keep the you know what in the garage until the party. I wonder if the wagon Elmo bought and left in the garden was ruined. Guess we have to stop and get a new one. Toys Us isn’t far from the airport. That’s if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t have anything better to do. I haven’t had this much excitement since the playoffs years ago. You people do lead exciting lives.”
“I’m probably the most boring person in the world, Clay. This is one of those little blips that happens to everyone once in their lives.”
“Some blip.”
Jane turned away from the stove. “Are we still going to the reunion next week, Annie?”
“Damn straight we’re going. I’ve been thinking, Jane. I think I’ll charter a plane so Elmo can go with us. I know he’s just itching to see his old drugstore. I was going to ask him today. You’re still planning on going, right?”
“I’m taking Daisy with me.”
“Sure.”
“She could stay with me. I could have Mandy drive down and pick her up and bring her back Sunday night,” Tom said.
Jane’s voice was sharp when she said, “No, Daisy stays with me.”
“It’s not a problem,” Annie said. “However, there are two schools of thought on that, Jane. Daisy might be better off with Tom.”
“No,” Jane said adamantly. “She belongs with me. She stays with me. We go together.”
Clay wondered if the tall thin woman was talking in some kind of code only Annie understood.
“Okay, it’s settled then. I’ll call and make the reservations this afternoon. By the way, what time is the party? I hope the drugstore hasn’t changed that much. Elmo will be upset if the new owner turned it into one of those shiny chrome, glass, and overlighted stores that stays open twenty-four hours a day.”
“The party is dinner. I’ll have to drive down to the battery to pick up the twins this afternoon. The kids can have their party outside in the yard. It’ll last an hour, and that will be that. Who knows, maybe the twins’ parents won’t want them coming here. Everyone knows about the explosion. Parents are funny about stuff like that. I hope Elmo is up to the trip, Annie. He’s getting more frail by the day.”
“He loved September when all the kids returned to school. I think it was his favorite time of year. This might . . . this might be his last chance to ... you know, see the place where he spent most of his life. It will be his decision, Jane.”
With Daisy at the table, the talk was centered on her birthday, birthday wishes, and a possible pony at some point in the future.
Clay pitched in and helped with the cleanup while Annie got dressed for the ride to the airport.
“I have to bring Jake, Annie. He wigs out if he’s left behind.”
“It’s not a problem. The pup might find it comforting. God, I hope Daisy likes this present. An animal is such a responsibility. Maybe she’s too young.”
“I think you’re worrying needlessly. She was real good with Jake and your own dogs. When she