“Really? And now you’re in the big city.”
Jen felt her smile spread from ear to ear. “I totally love it!”
Helen looked at her son. “Well, she’s a perfect match in that regard!”
Jen had rarely seen Doug embarrassed before, but now his face turned a deep pink. “Mom! Enough!”
She swallowed her grin as well as her own discomfort and changed the subject.
“C’mon everyone. Let’s start walking toward Maguire’s. A slow walk, so Helen can see everything at the Marketplace.”
Street performers, magicians, acrobats, musicians… Jen was glad of the distractions for Doug’s family, and glad to have allowed enough time to arrive promptly at the restaurant.
Doug opened the front door. “Welcome to our Friday night hangout. Go right on in.”
“Blessed air-conditioning,” said Eddie. “Thank God.”
Jennifer approached the hostess. “We’re here on time!”
“How ya doing, Jennifer?” said the woman. “Your table’s ready and the rest of your party’s already seated.” She leaned closer. “I didn’t say a word about our favorite QB to anyone.”
Jen high-fived her. “Is my favorite emcee here as well?” She scanned the room but couldn’t see him.
“Oh, sure. Tony’s here. We’ve got live music, too.”
“He’s making me work for my supper today!”
The woman shrugged. “That’s life, but we all love it when you show up.” She leaned in again. “You should hear some of the—well I wouldn’t call them singers.”
“Hmm…Doesn’t matter. I guess karaoke is a draw for Maguire’s. Good business decision.”
“That’s for sure. Follow me.”
Mike and Lisa stood as they approached, and Jen elbowed Doug and nodded at her brother-in-law. Mike was, indeed, sporting a baseball cap.
“Incognito?” Jen asked, giving him a kiss on the cheek and then hugging her sister. “You look wonderful, Lis. The best yet since Brianna.”
“Glad to be out and about,” she said, extending her hand to Doug’s mom and dad. “I’m Jen’s sister, Lisa. And this is my husband, Mike.”
Eddie looked from Jen to Lisa. “Sisters, huh? Yah…there’s a resemblance.”
“You can’t fool DNA,” said Doug as they all took their seats.
“And you look familiar,” he said to Mike.
The quarterback shrugged. “Just one of those faces.”
Jen never questioned Mike’s desire to be low-key, especially when with the family, but she appreciated it that day. She suspected his motivation was for her sake. The rest of the introductions were made before Jen saw Tony heading their way. “Oops. He wants payback pretty quickly, it seems.”
“Hi, folks,” he said, “glad you made it.” He homed in on Jen. “Are you ready?
It’s July 4th, so something patriotic to start, hmm? Come on, we’ve got a full house and more coming later.”
“Later? Oh, no, Tony. I’m not staying all night. Besides, you’ve got a live band today, and from what I’m hearing, they sound pretty good.”
He winked. “Only the best for Maguires. But I had to test the waters with you.
Ya’ don’t know until you try.”
“So, right,” said Jen, waving him off. “I’ll see you in a few.” She glanced around the table. “How about we order some drinks first.”
“Only a soda for me,” said Eve, “with caffeine. I’m back on duty at midnight.”
She glanced at her folks. “Sorry. That’s just the way it works.”
Eddie leaned forward, glancing at Mike and Lisa. “She’s a doctor, you know.
Very smart. Works very hard.”
“I’m sure you do,” said Mike, addressing Eve. “Long hours are normal for some of us.”
Eve’s face brightened. “You’re making me feel better. I’m not alone!”
Mike and Doug both smiled. “You can always call me at midnight,” said her brother, “if you want to feel less lonesome. I’m usually at the computer.”
“See, Eddie,” said his wife, “we’re the only ones here who are asleep at midnight!”
Their server approached, took their drink orders and gave Jen a heads-up from Tony. “Band’s on break now, but they’ll be back in five.”
