Member-only story
It began simply enough.
There were 12 of us at the spacious table, gathered for a tasty, albeit unconventional Christmas meal of soup and salad.
My adult son was seated to my immediate left.
Meal completed, compliments and gratitude expressed to the preparer, my son turned to the fellow on my right.
“You want some coffee? I’m going to Starbucks.”
“Do you have to go out? Can’t you make it here?”
My daughter had graciously consented to host Christmas at her house.
Thanksgiving she and her family had the good judgment to be out of the country.
This time there was no such reprieve.
But she likes to entertain and does a nice job of it.
She even invited some close friends to join the family.
“She (girlfriend) likes it a certain way. It’s just easier to get at Starbucks.”
“I’ll take mine black then.”
My son left.
A short time later he was back.
“Sorry,” he said. “They closed at 3. My bad.”
He disappeared again.
Then reappeared with a steaming cup of joe for himself.
