Free Something Found by Carrie Crafton

The children were fixed small plates first and settled in, Owen sitting happily on his grandfather’s lap, and Leah insisting on sitting in between Collin and Emily.
    “Where’s Robert?” Laura asked, before anyone could actually begin to eat.
    “He’ll be along. There’s no need to hold the meal,” Joni insisted.
    “But daddy,” Leah protested.
    “Your father knew what time we were eating. It’s his own fault he’s late. There’ll be plenty left for him when he gets here.” The explanation was more for everyone else in the room than Leah. Joni started dishing things up leaving no room for discussion and seeing the look on her face everybody followed suit.
    “Any word from Paul?” Kevin asked, before shoving in a mouthful of bread.
    “He’s not sure when he’ll be back to visit,” Joseph said with the closest thing to a troubled look Emily had ever seen on his face.
    “I think he’s got a girl,” Joni added. “He doesn’t seem ready to spend a weekend away from her yet.”
    “Good for him,” Laura’s soft smile and dimples appeared. “This is delicious Joni.”
    “Yes it is,” Emily agreed heartily, but her voice was drowned out by Kevin.
    “As long as he doesn’t forget to study,” Kevin said. “Pass some more potatoes please.”
    “And how’s business going?” Joseph asked.
    “Same as always,” Collin said casually. “Why doesn’t my gravy ever turn out as nice as yours?” He winked at Joni.
    Kevin directed a look of disapproval at his brother. “What do you mean?” Then he turned back to Joseph. “We’re looking into ordering some new items dad. More trendy. People are more willing to try new things these days.”
    “Ah, well. It’s probably for the best that I got out of the business when I did. I wouldn’t know what trendy is.”
    “And how’s Uncle Pat? You’ve been away visiting him a lot lately,” Joni moved to take Owen into her arms so her father could eat his meal.
    “Good. Good,” Joseph said without any elaboration.
    It was all Emily could do to keep up with it all. The food was still in motion being passed around the table and she felt like she was watching a game of tennis as her head swung back and forth trying to keep up with the conversation.
    Before long plates were being cleared and desert was being brought out and Emily still hadn’t gotten a word in herself, except when asked a direct question.
    “I bought an apple tart and ice cream,” Joseph said pointing towards the refrigerator.
    “Sit down Joni. I’ll get it.” Laura was out of her seat.
    Emily cursed herself silently for not thinking to jump up and do it herself. She decided she’d make a point of doing the dishes instead.
    Laura and Kevin left shortly after desert, they’d promised to baby-sit two of Laura’s nieces, and Joseph went in with the kids to watch the movie.
    “It’s meant to put the kids to sleep but I have a feeling he’ll be the first one out.”
    Emily was quick on piling up the dishes and positioning herself at the sink.
    “I’ll get those Emily,” Joni said after lighting up a cigarette. She didn’t smoke as much as Collin, and she never smoked in front of the kids, but she felt she was entitled after all the work of the meal.
    “It’s no problem. Sit down and relax.”
    Collin lit up a cigarette as well, motioning for Joni to stay put. The room fell into a comfortable silence and Emily allowed herself a content smile. It had gone well.
    “So do you think it’ll be long before Kevin pops the question?” Collin asked.
    Joni tapped her cigarette against the ashtray rhythmically. “I’d say he’ll have to come up with something really romantic. Laura wouldn’t have it any other way.”
    “He adores her.”
    “The third one to fall,” Joni said.
    Collin gave her a disapproving look.
    “I know,” she conceded. “She’s a sweetheart. They’re perfect together. And I’d lose out on a babysitter if they ever broke up.”
    “That’s my sister.