A Family Affair(77)

She put out a fancy platter of cheese, crackers and fruit and poured a little wine for everyone. Just a little. The McNichol family was a walking pharmacy these days. Well, Anna and Bess, anyway.

The table was beautiful, thanks to Bess. It helps to have the person with a touch of OCD prepare the table. Jessie thought if she measured she’d find the exact same distance between flatware and plates at every setting.

For the first time, Blanche would not be with them for Thanksgiving dinner. She was no longer leaving the memory care unit; her legs were weak and bloated, she was often incontinent and could become terribly confused. Anna and the girls planned to visit her on Saturday afternoon.

Jessie put the cheese platter and wine on the coffee table for her family while she put the finishing touches on dinner. She got it all on the table and then made herself that martini and it was as crisp and icy and dirty as if a professional had done it.

“Come to the table, please,” she called. And she put her drink and herself across from her brother and sister.

“Martini?” Michael asked as he took his seat.

“I’ve earned it. Want one?”

“I think I’ll stick with the wine, but thanks.”

There were many exclamations of praise as the dishes were passed around and Jessie glowed in the wake of their appreciation.

“Excellent, Jessie!”

“You are gifted!”

“The best ever.”

It wasn’t until the meal was almost finished that Jessie said, “I never took over the kitchen before. I wish Dad was here.”

“He would have been proud,” Anna said.

“Jess, do you have a new man in your life?” Michael asked.

“No, why?”

“You’ve been in a good mood for, like, weeks!”

Jessie just laughed at him. “No man. However, I am changing up a few things. I should probably tell you. Starting with—I’m getting a dog.”

“We haven’t had a dog in the family since Bruce,” Anna said. Bruce was the dog the kids grew up with and conveniently passed away when Bess was getting ready to go to college. “What kind of dog?”

“The cutest little King Charles spaniel. He’s four years old and needs a home. I’m going to pick him up tomorrow. I’ve been visiting shelters online and in person for the last couple of weeks and I met this very nice volunteer who promised to keep an eye out for a good rescue for me. Well, along comes Wriggly, an adorable little guy. His owner is moving into an extended care home and can no longer take care of him. Her kids and grandkids are not nearby and are too busy for Wriggly and she’s looking for someone who is willing to bring the pup to visit his previous owner sometimes.” She shrugged. “Easy-peasy. I’m happy to do that. I met them and Wriggly liked me. And Mrs. Sinclair hates to part with him but... I’m afraid there’s no other solution.”

“How are you going to manage that with your schedule?” Anna asked.

“First of all, he’s very polite and housebroken, though he hasn’t been alone that much, given his owner is eighty-six. And second, I’ve already checked out a doggy day care in the area. He’s all signed up.” She smiled and her face lit up. “I’m very excited.”

“Will you bring him here?” Anna asked.

“Is that a problem?” Jessie asked. “I’ll look after him. I won’t expect you to take care of him. But I’ll take him to day care when I work. He should have the company of other dogs.”

“Is this what’s put you in such a good mood?” Anna asked. “Taking on a pet?”

“Possibly, but there’s another thing. I’ve started helping out at a free clinic. It’s the Bayside Free Clinic in the northwest end of the city. I stopped in there one day just to ask about the operation and helped deliver a baby.”

“And you never mentioned it?” Anna asked, shock in her voice. “That seems like a momentous event to not even talk about it!”

“I know,” Jessie said. “OB was never my favorite rotation, but when a woman gave birth right in the clinic, I sprang into action, remembered everything and was able to work with the staff. I was so impressed with the doctor and staff in this little storefront clinic that I offered to volunteer. I was waiting to get approval. I had to be fully vetted and accepted. The project is headed by a very serious board of directors.”

“But your practice?”

“Yeah, they’re not paying you at the free clinic, are they?” Michael asked.

“No, but I’m going to work it out with my office to reduce my hours there. Between Mr. Wriggly and the clinic, it should make for a very full schedule. But don’t worry, Mom. You are my absolute priority. I do think you’ll be kicking me to the curb very soon.”

“I’m going back to the courthouse part-time next week. Until Christmas. I can Uber into the city. I’ll still work at home some of the time if I haven’t scared my clerk off with my bloody nose. It’s time for me to move forward.”

“It’s starting to feel almost normal here,” Jessie said. “Except for the empty chair. I do miss him. Some days more than others.”

“I have some news, too,” Michael said. “I visited our sister today. She’s very nice.”