“I just came from Jessica’s and her mom made minestrone for us and I had a little bit.”

“That’s nice, but still, let’s eat.” Bette tossed her wet napkin in the trash and walked over to the fridge to see what Sonya made them. “We don’t want Sonya thinking that we don’t appreciate her food, right.”

“Right. I know.”

“Why do I bother? Why do I bother? Ms. Porter why do I bother?” Bette imitated Sonya and Sonya’s Latin accent and Angelica laughed next to her mother as they fell into their evening routine. They could easily imagine their housekeeper/cook/nanny and general caretaker being really upset if her food for this evening was still untouched tomorrow.

Bette opened each container, peeked in then passed each to Angelica to put into the microwave if needed.  As the chicken and pasta heated they set the table together and Angelica waited until her mother was seated and Bette’s back was turned to her before she got a pitcher of cranberry juice and two glasses from the cupboard.

She set one glass in front of Bette.

“Thanks.” Bette looked at Angelica pouring her juice. She watched Angelica, yet it was not until they were both seated and ready to eat when it finally dawned on her and she realized that Angelica has been using only one hand to help all along as her left hand had stayed firmly behind her back.

“Angel?”

“Yeah?”

Angelica tried for an innocent look. But not at all deterred by the big eyes and the goofy grin, Bette pulled her chair in and cast a questionable look at her daughter.

“What are you hiding?”

“Hiding?”  Angelica held up her empty right hand.

“Ha ha ha funny young lady. In your left hand. What’s behind your back?”

“My left hand?” Angelica switched the paper in hands behind her back.

“Smarty pants.”

“What Momma?” Angelica’s grin got even bigger.

“Okay. Two can play this game. Leave your right hand here on the table.”

“Ahhh, okay.” Angelica laughed as she rested her right hand next to her dinner plate.

Bette reached over and gripped the hand in place. “Now bring your left hand around.”

Angelica laughed as she slowly brought her paper around.