“Boys, you know Ms. Phillips.”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah.”
“She’s going to be your math and science teacher next year.”
“We said we know her.”
“For real, dad. Such an idiot.”
“Boys, don’t call your father-”
“Shut up lady. We heard about you. Know this: We got three months before you get to tell us what to do. Until then? Suck eggs.”
“Yeah- hey, Phil, wanna go jump on the headstones?”
“Boys-”
“Yeah! Last time there was a dog skull on one!”
“Race you to grand dad’s!”
“You’re on!”
“The boys…the boys love their…grandfather.”
“I’m sure they do, Mr. Tudeschi. And I’ll whip them into shape- don’t worry. Seen much worse over the years. Well, we’re almost done setting up, except for whatever the boys have planned, so…”
“Oh. Right. They said they’d bring it by later.”
“Well just make sure they do. I know Jimmy Schmidt- for one- is really looking forward to it. Isn’t that right, Carol?”
“What?”
“I said isn’t that right, Carol?”
“Isn’t what right?”
“I know they’re all looking forward to it, Ms. Phillips. I trust the boys- they never forget. Like their mother.”
“Well that’s wonderful. Do you just want to start helping with the name tags, then? WIll Cheryl be by? This seems like a job for her”
“Don’t know if…don’t know if Cheryl will be by. Vickie was…angry at her.”
“Well. That’s just…too bad. I hope they make up- mothers and daughters can be so…hard on each other. How about you? Want to pitch in?
“Sure.”
“Great, so here’s your marker, and, oh here come the Sloanes. Hi Michael, hi Diane!”
“Hi Maggie!”
“MIssed you at service last week.”
“Oh, yeah, we went on a trip to Devil’s Peak and met with the…congregation up there…the service was to die for.”
“That’s fantastic Michael- Diane are you all right?”
“She’s just a little…uh…chokey today- are those the name tags?”
“Oh, they sure are-”
“Arthur.”
“Michael.”
“How’s the wife?”
“She’s…good.”
“Good to hear. Thanks, Maggie. Well, when does this party start?”
“We’re planning on kicking off the auction about nine, so…”
“Great…Diane and I are going to go out and pay our respects to…her…mother…so…”
“Oh, she died?”
“….yes. And we don’t get over here much, so…”
“Diane would you like some water?”
“NO! No, she’s fine. We’ll just…go.”
“You’re sure, Arthur? Well then, just be sure you’re back in time.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Oh look, here’s Vern. HI Vern!”
“Give me my tag.”
“Hi Vern.”
“Gag it, Arthur.”
“Of course.”
“Horseshoes are at 11. Ring toss at 2. The boys can’t play. It’s for adults only.”
“Now Vern-”
“It’s…it’s ok Maggie. I’m sure Phil and Barry are fine…”
“Well if you’re sure, Arthur-”
“Doesn’t matter if he’s sure. I’m sure. Tell people. Bye.”
“So…Arthur…how’s Vickie?”
“She’s-”
“Dad! Dad! Come look!”
“I guess I better…go. You have this?”
“Oh of course, Art. Today’s a day for family. Go see your boys- don’t worry about a thing!”
“Ok. Coming boys!”
“Just be back at nine for the auction! And remind the boys to set up!”
