Clarion - 15. Chapter 15

We all moved to the table, Cody opened the aluminum package of vegetables and place the ribs on the platter we used previously. We paused and then started to pass the food around. As expected the plates weren’t large enough to hold all the food. I quickly went into the kitchen and got some salad plates.

You know how you can tell if the food is good, no one talks while they eat. I thought I’d have some fun, “Andy have you shown your friends your new bike?”

“He doesn’t have time, he spends all of his time here at your place. I bet he even has a bedroom.”

“Jeff, you spend time here as well. Should I find a room for you so you can have a bedroom as well?”

Both boys faces flushed, “Alan, stop teasing the boys,” Cody to the defense. I just smiled and winked at the boys.

Dinner was excellent. “Alan, where did you get the ribs? They were delicious.”

Before I had a chance to answer, “That’s because I cooked them Brian.”

We chuckled, “I bought half of a steer from a friend of Noah Haas. I wanted to make sure if we got snowed in, I had plenty of food.”

“Where do you store it? I’m sure your refrigerator freezer isn’t big enough.”

“Andy, didn’t you show your mom the pantry?”

“Oh, I forgot. After we eat mom, I’ll show you where we store the extra food.”

I caught the ‘we’ and so did Cody. We looked at each other and smiled.

Half way through I served the chilled wine. I even poured some for Jeff, Andy and Nancy Jean. Of course, they only got a half glass. Sitting back I raised my glass, “Here’s to good friends”

Andy being the clown, “Here, here”

When everyone was finished eating, I began to clear the table. As I started to gather the plates and utensils, Andy came from the kitchen with my large roaster. He began to put the plates, utensils and glasses into the roaster. Jeff and Nancy Jean helped so I just relaxed.

“Andy, just set that on the counter and later tonight Cody will run the dish washer.” We all looked at Cody. He made a face then broke out laughing. He knew I’d pitch in as well.

“Well, would you like to have your dessert now or wait a few minutes?” Andy wanted it right now but the consensus was to wait a few minutes. “Jeff, why don’t you show Nancy Jean around the house; I bet she’ll like the view from the balcony.”

Jeff is a smart guy, he knew I just set him up for some alone time with Nancy Jean. Taking her hand, he led her into the house and began to show her around. I listen carefully and heard the sliding door in the bedroom being opened. Ah young love, I was happy for Jeff.

Andy went in to turn the coffee maker on and brought out the desserts. “Andy, we‘ll need dessert plates, forks and spoons and a knife to cut the dessert. You can bring coffee cups for those of us who want coffee and you, Jeff and Nancy Jean can get what you want to drink.”

Andy came over and whispered in my ear, “Can we have ice cream as well?”

“Sure, you know where it is. Bring spoons as well.”

Very loudly, “Is everyone ready for dessert?” I heard the sliding door open and within minutes Jeff and Nancy Jean were sitting at the table.

“You may have blackberry pie, chocolate cake with walnuts, or a piece of each. Cody, can you dish out the ice cream for those who want it? I have a feeling that our temporary staff is out of commission.”

I wanted to try the chocolate cake with walnuts, I never made this before. As it turned out it was very good. The boys cleaned off the table, putting the uneaten food away. As if Andy was reading my mind, he brought out a fresh pot of coffee. “Cody, we may have to promote our temporary staff to permanent staff.”

Andy had a big grin. We sat and chatted through two additional pots of coffee. We talked about fishing, hunting and boat racing on the Clarion River. We talked about the festivals, church and bingo at the fire department. Without realizing it, we heard the clock strike 12. Brian and Mary thanked us for a good time. Jeff had to take Nancy Jean home, so Cody drove Mary, Brian and Andy home. I started to clean the kitchen and stacking the dishwasher. About a half hour later, Cody returned with Andy.

“Are you staying the week-end Andy?”

“Yes, if you don’t mind. My mom and dad said it was ok.”

“You’re always welcome to stay here as long as you have your mom and dad’s approval. Do you want another piece of pie or cake before you go to bed?”

“May I have a little of each with ice cream?” Cody chuckled.

I took the ice cream out and handed Andy a dinner plate. You can help yourself. Remember, what you take you must eat all of it.”

I turned back to finishing stacking the dish washer; I could see Andy in the window over the sink. He cut a normal size piece of pie and a 4 inch slice of cake. Two large scoops of ice cream and he was ready. I’m always amazed how a growing boy could eat. They seemed to be always hungry. I poured him a glass of milk, Cody and I had the last of the wine and we sat and watch Andy go to it.

Between bites, “May I ask you a question?” We nodded our heads yes.

“When I was showing Mom and Dad around, there's a door next to your bedroom. I didn’t open it but what is behind that door?”

“There is another bedroom there. Why didn’t you open the door?”

“I was never in that room so I didn’t know if I could enter.”

“Tomorrow you can check it out ok. As soon as you finish your snack, we should go to bed. It has been a long day.”

By the time we finished our coffee, Andy had polished off his snack. I made sure he had a clean towel in his bathroom, reminding him to brush good since he had eaten a lot of desserts.

I was ready for bed and I think Cody was also. We showered, brush our teeth and headed for bed. I snuggled into Cody and was asleep within a few minutes.