​     "Kids," Gramps said as he headed out the door. "I'm having lunch with Anne."

​     His daughter, Abby, shot him a look that asked, trouble?

     He shrugged. "You going to be here when I get back?" he asked.

     Abby's turn to shrug. "I was thinking of heading into town for a few things," she said.

     "Mom!" This from Alison. She'd been down the hall in her own bedroom, but she still heard what her mother had just said. "You've got to take me with you."

     "Well, I'm..."

     "No, you need to take me with you. My car's been in the shop all week, remember? They just called. They're done. All I've got to do now is go pick it up."

     "I'm out of here," Gramps said. "I'll see you when you all get back." And, with that, he was out the door.

     "Mom!" Cathy came out of the kitchen. "How long do you plan to be gone?"

     "I don't know. As long as it takes, I guess."

     "Were you thinking of stopping somewhere to have lunch?"

     "Maybe. Probably. I'm sure I'll get hungry somewhere along the line."

     "Because I have to be back here by one. Josh is supposed to meet me."

     "You could always give him a call."

     "I'll follow you in the Volvo. That way, if I need to leave, I can just leave."

     "Mom!" Skip came out of the bathroom zipping up his fly. "If we're going to lunch, let's go to Freeburgers! They've got these new burgers. They're called Quads. Four patties, Mom! As much cheese as meat, that's what I heard. Quads!"

​     "So, you're coming too?" Abby asked. Inwardly, she felt pleased. It'd been awhile since all four members of her family had been together doing the same thing.

​     This could very well turn out to be the most enjoyable afternoon we've had in quite awhile, Abby thought as she grabbed the car keys.

​END OF CHAPTER TWO

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