“Off you go, Rudy,” Evelyn Forrester tapped the chihuahua’s rump and endured his clear annoyance as he jumped down to the rag rug under the rocking chair, “And you can stop with the pitiful act too, mister,” she grunted as she stood up slowly, frowning as her arthritic knee throbbed. She sat her knitting down on the chair and shuffled over to have a look out the window, “Let’s see what’s going on this morning, shall we?”

She stood there for several minutes, disappointed that nothing was moving outside, until finally she spotted Bob Jones coming out of his ugly brown house two doors up and off to the right. She lifted a disapproving brow; he was late to work again. That was the second time this week. What was wrong with young people these days?

A blue SUV came up the street and pulled into the driveway directly across from Evelyn’s house. Evie Barkley slid out of the front and gingerly walked around the vehicle. She opened the back door and reached in. A few moments later, she stood up, her six-month-old baby girl, Baylee, or Carlee, or something like that, in her arms. She started up the path towards the house, walking slowly and tentatively, which piqued Evelyn’s interest.

“Must have worked out too hard.” Evelyn muttered, as she let the curtain drop back into place.

The Barkley’s were what Evelyn called ‘health nuts.’ They had moved into the Torres’ house after Emanuel Torres had passed away nearly three years earlier. When they had first moved in, of course Evelyn had gone over with a plate of her famous sugar cookies and introduced herself. The husband, Jordan, had opened the door. He’d taken one look at the plate of cookies and said, “We don’t allow that crap in our house.” The wife, Evie, had gasped from behind his body builder girth and rushed to add, “We’re careful with our diets, but thank you so much for coming over and welcoming us to the neighborhood.”

From that moment on, Evelyn had kept her distance. That didn’t mean that she didn’t watch them, though. Oh, she watched them. It was one of her favorite past times.

Rudy barked and pranced on his little deer legs until Evelyn slid her feet into her new outdoor slippers, “All right, all right, I’ll take you outside so shut your yapper.” she walked through the kitchen and opened up the door that led into her small back yard.

Rudy ran off to do his business while Evelyn stood on her patio. The morning sun was inviting, so she lifted her face to it for a few minutes.

“Do you have your sunscreen on, Ms. Evelyn?”

Evelyn dropped her face and turned to look at her neighbor, Mason Vanderwall. He and his partner, Stellan Olson, were some of her very favorite people, but, alas, also nosy.

“I need my vitamin D, Mason.” she growled, as Rudy ran up to the fence and made jumping movements until Mason reached over the fence and lifted him up into his arms.

“How was work?” Evelyn softened and meandered over to the fence.

Mason’s lips drooped into a frown, “Rough. Two of them last night, but I think I got them the help they need, so I suppose it was rough but productive.”

Evelyn shook her head sympathetically; Mason worked at a suicide hot line in the evenings, and a food bank every other day. She didn’t know how he kept a smile on his face most of the time, but he did, “And, Stellan, how’s his practice coming along?”

Mason’s face brightened as he tried unsuccessfully to avoid Rudy’s tongue going up his nose, “He’s for sure going to make partner this month, I’m certain of it. So sure, that I’m having people over next weekend to celebrate. You absolutely have to come, and bring that delightful retro salad stuff,” he dropped Rudy into her arms, “What was it called again?”

“Watergate salad.”

“Perfect. Bring that,” he tossed over his shoulder, already heading for his deck, “I’ll see you then, love.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes but inside she was pleased. It felt good to be needed. She’d never married. Never had children. And back in her younger days, she had loved her independence, but lately she’d become aware that she was a touch lonely. She’d been toying with the idea of doing some volunteer work. Perhaps tomorrow she would do some research, she decided, as she and Rudy headed back inside.

*

The following morning, Evelyn woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. She sliced a nice tomato from her garden, made a scrambled egg, and toasted a slice of 7-grain bread, then spread it liberally with butter. A cup of strong coffee finished it off.

Breakfast done, Evelyn got dressed and tossed a nice scarf over her hair so that she wouldn’t have to bother fiddling with her errant curls.

Rudy was prancing around her feet. She poured him some kibble and when he had turned his attention to eating, she hurried to the front door, feeling bad that she couldn’t take him with her.

She still drove. Still had her driver’s license. She had to go down to the driver’s license bureau every three years to renew the damn thing, but she had no intention of giving it up any time soon. She slid into the front seat of her 2005 Impala, started it, and backed out of the driveway, planning to first head to the library, and then, if she still felt up to it after that, the grade school and the hospital.

*

Evelyn had a smile on her face as she drove home. She had an appointment to read to some preschoolers tomorrow, and every Wednesday after, for as long as she desired. It was sort of exciting. And then she spotted Evie walking with the baby on her hip, and several bags of groceries hanging off her arm.

“Well, heaven’s sake,” Evelyn muttered, “I suppose that’s more exercise than driving, but geez,” she checked her rearview and didn’t see any cars behind her, so she moved over towards the curb and rolled down her window, calling out, “Can I offer you a ride, neighbor?”

Evie turned around, looking as frazzled as one would expect her to look, all things considered. Her face fell even further when she saw Evelyn, “Ah, uh, hi, Evelyn,” she attempted a nonchalant smile, “No, we were, uh… we were just out for some fresh air and I thought, might as well pick up some groceries. Kill two birds with one stone, right?”

Evelyn was aware that she probably looked dubious, but she nodded in agreement, nonetheless, “Sure. Sure. Still, you’re several blocks away from home. I don’t mind giving you a lift.”

“No, no we’re perfectly fine, but thanks anyway.” Evie started walking away.

“Fine. Suit yourself.” Evelyn mumbled to herself as she rolled up the window, checked her mirrors and pulled away from the curb back out onto the street. Young people these days, she thought, as she drove off, leaving the young woman and her little girl in her rearview mirror.

*

“Evelyn, my love, this is just delightful,” Stellan blew a kiss at her from across the dining table, “And of course I didn’t forget you, love of my life,” he blew another kiss at Mason, “Thank you for a truly amazing dinner with my nearest and dearest.”

Mason’s cheeks were pink from the free-flowing wine and the attentions of everyone around the table, “Oh, stop! You’re the truly amazing one, Stellan, and we all know it.” he cooed.

Evelyn was feeling a little warm as she lifted her glass of wine and took another long drink. She used to handle her liquor better than this, she mused. But the company was lovely, and the food had been delicious, and who was she not to partake?

Eventually the party moved out into the backyard. The men had strung lights across the deck and filled wooden troughs with ice and beverages. As Stellan hurried to light the firepit, Evelyn wandered over to a chair near the edge of the deck and took a seat. She wasn’t used to staying up past 8:00 p.m. these days.

Mason noticed and peeled himself away from a group of friends, “How are you holding up, Ms. Evelyn? Do you need me to get you some water?”

“No, don’t make a fuss now,” she waved her hands at him, “Go on and spend time with your friends and leave this old woman to rest.”

Mason sighed, “If you insist,” he started to move away and then stopped, “Oh, I meant to tell you, I saw the strangest thing yesterday morning. You know I go in super early on Friday mornings? Anyway, so there I am, it’s what… 4:40 a.m., getting ready to back out of the driveway, and I happen to notice Evie from across the street, and she’s doing jumping jacks in her driveway! I mean, who even does that?” he leaned in closer and added, “I was about to get out of the car and ask her when her husband came out of the house and they looked like they were getting into it, so I decided against it and went on my way, but” he shook his shoulders melodramatically, “something odd is going on over there, let me tell you.”

A gray eyebrow shot up as Evelyn considered his words. Odd, indeed. She opened her mouth, preparing to tell him about the other day, but decided against it. Perhaps it was time to go have a nice, neighborly chat with Evie?

*

Evelyn moved the fork rapidly over the apple granola cookies, drizzling them with melted peanut butter. Finished, she sat the utensil down and picked up one of the treats, “No one can say I’m not trying,” she muttered, as she took a bite. She chewed, surprise etching her face. It wasn’t half bad, actually.

She glanced at the clock on the microwave. She’d have to hurry if she wanted to get over there for a chat before Evie left to pick up her oldest.

“Rudy, go lay down,” she picked up the container of cookies and shooed him away, “Go on. Go get in your bed. Mama’ll be back soon.”

By the time she got across the street, after having had to chase Rudy back in the house, Evelyn felt sure that the container of treats must be looking a right mess, but it was all in how you presented them, wasn’t it, she thought, as she tapped on the door and waited.

The door swung open. Evie’s face was flushed, her hair sticking to her damp skin. She looked dismayed to find Evelyn standing there, but she quickly covered it by smiling brightly, “Evelyn! Hello. What a surprise. I must look a sight. I was just finishing up a workout.”

Evelyn presented the container like she was offering Evie the finest Belgium chocolate, “For you, my dear. Apple granola cookies with peanut butter drizzle. They’re healthy, at least according to the cookbook.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that, Evelyn.” Evie said, as Evelyn pushed the container closer.

“Sure, I did,” Evelyn insisted, “Say, do you mind if I stay for a visit? Just for a bit, of course.”

A disgruntled expression was working its way across Evie’s face. Knowing what that meant, Evelyn shoved past her, determined to see this neighborly chat through.

“Actually, I was just on my way out the door. I have to pick Santi up after school.”

Evelyn’s eyes swept through the house. It was immaculate. Not a stray coffee cup forgotten on the side table, or a toy left on the living room rug, or, for that matter, even a book draped over the arm of the couch. How in the world did this woman manage that? And with two kids? She whirled around, “Mason Vanderwall was just telling me that he saw you out doing jumping jacks at 4:00 a.m. in the morning. Is that true?”

Evie looked taken aback, “Well, uh, I mean… I didn’t think it was quite that early.”

A quick snort came, unbidden, from Evelyn’s throat, “I hardly think you need to be worrying about jumping jacks, dear. You’re far too thin as it is.”

“Well, I’m just so busy with the kids that I try to fit in exercise when I can.” she offered.

There was an underlying current flowing somewhere just below the surface of their conversation. Evelyn had tapped into it almost immediately, but she wasn’t sure where to take it. Finally, she said, “My raspberries are just about ready for picking. Why don’t you and the little ones come over later this week and help me. You can take some off my hands.”

“Oh, that’s very kind of you, but…”

“No buts,” Evelyn quickly said, “I insist. You can’t leave me with all those darn berries that I’ll never eat, can you?”

With a sigh, Evie shrugged, “Okay, I suppose we could come by. Would Thursday be fine?”

“That’ll work, dear,” Evelyn walked to the door, “Now I’ll let you get off to pick up, Sam, from school.”

“It’s Santi,” Evie piped up, “Short for Santiago.”

“Sure, dear. I’ll try to remember.”

Evelyn crossed the street. Rudy jumped on her legs as soon as she opened the door and stepped inside, “Get down, you wild animal,” she admonished him as she went to close the door. Across the way, Evie had put her daughter into one of those sling things and was walking right past the SUV parked in the driveway. Evelyn shook her head in wonder when she noticed, “Whatever is wrong with that woman?” she asked Rudy, as he pranced around her feet and barked to be picked up.

*

Thursday afternoon, Evelyn busied herself with spot cleaning, which, if she were being honest, generally meant that if it looked a bit untidy she would spend a few moments wiping it, or sweeping it, or even picking it up and moving it somewhere you couldn’t see it. It worked a charm. She stepped back and declared, “Not bad, Rudy,” he yipped and danced in a circle, “And look, I’ll even leave your little lion toy laying right there in the middle of the rug.”

Rudy suddenly dissolved into a barking fit as he raced for the front door, letting Evelyn know that her guests had arrived before they had even had a chance to knock on the door. She felt a little giddy as she moved to open it. She hadn’t had guests in a long while. She paused and smoothed her house dress down her front and gave a final pat to her hair, before opening the door with a welcoming smile.

“Oohh, look at the little doggie, Mommy,” Evie’s little boy cried, his eyes huge in his small face, “He’s so little. Why is he so little?”

“Little but mighty,” Evie began.

“Mighty loud,” Evelyn stepped aside and ushered them inside, “Rudy, stop that infernal yapping this instant or it’s the bedroom for you.”

Rudy, smart dog that he was, immediately took to Santi like nobody’s business, and the boy reciprocated, dropping down to the floor as Rudy jumped on him, covering him in excited licks.

“All bark and no bite with that one,” Evelyn smiled, “Come on into the kitchen,” she said to Evie, as she led her and the baby into the next room, “I’ve made us some iced tea. Hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all,” Evie said, as she took the proffered glass, “But you didn’t have to go to all the trouble.”

“No trouble,” Evelyn took a seat at the kitchen table, hoping to show by example, “I always switch to iced tea when it’s hot out.”

“Well, it’s certainly that,” Evie said, agreeably, as she shifted the baby girl in her arms, “It must be close to a hundred degrees out today.”

“Ninety-nine and some change,” Evelyn pulled her brows up, “Here, why don’t I take Baylee…”

“Carolee,” Evie corrected her, “Carolee Corinne Barkley.”

“Well, she’s certainly adorable,” Evelyn tapped the table nervously. She was trying to decide how best to broach what was most likely going to be a touchy subject. Finally, because it was in her nature to do so, she blurted out, “You, though, my dear, look positively frazzled. I don’t know what makes you think that you need to keep an immaculate house and exercise till you’re barely able to stand upright, but I’m here to tell you that you’ll most certainly be more content if you’re not trying to chase perfection.” There. She’d said it. Maybe not the way she should have said it, but at least it was out there, in all of its honest imperfectness.

Evelyn darted a quick glance at Evie, whose face was registering the very essence of restrained shock.

A tiny smidge of regret made Evelyn feel warm in the face; she hadn’t meant to cause Evie discomfort. She reached out and placed a hand on Evie’s shoulder, “I’m sorry, my dear, I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. I’m afraid living alone all these years has made me forget social graces…”

“Oh, no. No, that’s okay,” Evie rushed to make sure that Evelyn didn’t feel bad, showing exactly how social graces were meant to work, “I didn’t take offense,” she suddenly handed Carolee over, surprising Evelyn, and then sank down into the chair with an air of defeat about her. She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips, “I guess it must seem that way to you, but honestly, I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m just trying to stay on top of everything and most of the time I feel like I’m failing.”

“Failing?” Evelyn nearly screeched. She then remembered the little girl in her arms and adjusted her tone when she added, “Whatever gives you that idea?”

“Have you seen the house interiors on the Gram? It’s insane how gorgeous they are. And the fitness influencers with their perfect abs and butts and arms. And don’t even get me started on all the mom groups that are loaded with advice on how to be a better parent. I mean, it’s kind of hard to compare yourself and not think you’re failing, right?”

Evelyn frowned. She had no idea what this Gram was that Evie mentioned, or, for that matter, what the heck an influencer was. And a mom group? What was a mom group? Perhaps she was behind the times, she mused.

Carolee reached for the glass of tea, bringing Evelyn back to the situation at hand. She quickly grabbed the glass and placed it out of reach before dropping a flurry of kisses on the little girl’s head. Carolee giggled and it was easily the sweetest sound that Evelyn had ever heard.

“I think she likes you.” Evie finally reached for her tea and took a satisfyingly long gulp, “Wow, this is pretty good.” she said, right before she slammed the rest of the drink back.

“It does hit the spot,” Evelyn smiled, pleased as punch that the young woman seemed to be loosening up. She leaned forward and asked, “And your husband, he’s not the one expecting you to be perfect, is he?”

Evie crossed her arms over her chest in a way that told Evelyn that she was feeling vulnerable, “Pfft,” Evie rolled her eyes, “He tries to tell me he doesn’t care, but let’s be clear,” her voice had a sudden sharp edge to it, “If I suddenly stopped exercising, and let the housework go, and didn’t always take responsibility for the kids, meaning he’d have to take over and not have time to meal prep and go to the gym, he’d be out of here in a heartbeat.”

Evelyn’s arms clutched the baby tighter, “Really?” she asked.

“Really.” Evie answered, firmly.

*

“So, I had a little visit with Evie the other day.” Evelyn handed Rudy over the fence to Mason. Off and on spatters of rain had cooled the air down considerably, drawing her and her neighbor outdoors to enjoy the brief respite from the heat.

“Oh, do tell me more.” Mason said, with a conspiratorial wink.

“Apparently this thing called the Gram, and mom groups are what makes her feel that she has to be perfect.”

Mason immediately began nodding, “That doesn’t surprise me. Social media can be a minefield these days, especially for young women.”

“But isn’t social media up to you,” Evelyn reached down and yanked a weed that she’d suddenly spotted. She raised back up, “Why don’t these women just stop going to these places on the internet if they don’t bring joy to their lives?”

Rudy started flailing his thin little legs, “Fine, down you go you little rascal,” Mason said, as he put him down on the lawn, “But no pooping. You can save that for your yard,” he turned back to Evelyn, “Ms. Evelyn, you don’t even know the half of it, trust me. Social media is, is… well, it’s hard to explain. It’s full of perfection, or, to put it better, what seems like perfection. Everyone, especially influencers …”

“There’s that word again.” Evelyn quipped.

“What? Influencers?” Mason frowned, “Let’s just say that if you are on social media, then you are also influenced by a stream of people that seem to be perfect. It doesn’t take long to start to feel that if you exercise like this, or wear this, or decorate your house like this, then you can finally achieve the perfect life that other people seem to have. Trust me, it’s a battle that everyone seems to fight these days. But, like I said, it seems to hit certain demographics more than others.”

“Shame,” Evelyn sighed, “Such a shame. Evie’s a wonderful person. I don’t know why she doesn’t see that. You don’t suppose her husband is contributing to making her feel inadequate, too?”

“Tell you what, Ms. Evelyn, how about I go have a friendly chat with him and see if I can get a read on him. You never know, maybe he’s the culprit.”

“Good, and keep me informed.”

“Will do,” Mason turned around and called for Rudy, who came running. Mason picked him up and put him in Evelyn’s arms, “Just give me a week or so.”

*

Evelyn closed the book and looked at the rapt faces of the children arranged in a semi-circle around her feet, “What a wonderful story. Did you like it?” she asked them, as her eyes found Evie, sitting on a bench in the back with Carolee on her lap.

When the children had left with their parents, Evelyn got up and wandered over to Evie, “Mind if I take a seat with you?” she asked.

Evie smiled and patted the empty space beside her, “Not at all. It certainly seems like you’re quite popular with the preschool crowd, Evelyn.”

Evelyn groaned a bit as she settled in beside Evie. She blew a raspberry at Carolee and smiled when the little girl smiled shyly back at her.

“It does seem that way. My audience grows with each reading,” Evelyn said, agreeably, “So, how’s things going with you?”

Evie shrugged, “Fine. Fine. I honestly don’t know why I stopped in. I bought some paint to redo my kitchen table and chairs and, I don’t know, I was driving by the library and I spotted your car in the lot and thought what the heck, maybe I’ll just drop in and say hi.”

Evelyn beamed as Carolee grew fussy. On a whim she reached her hands out and was shocked when the little one eagerly reached for her, too.

“Carolee, do you want to go to Evelyn?” Evie asked, equally surprised.

“Come here, darlin’,” Evelyn took her and started bouncing her on her knee, which sent Carolee into a fit of giggles, “Oh, the sound of that is like music to these old ears.” she admitted.

“She’s taken to you, that’s for sure.” Evie yawned and Evelyn took note of the dark smudges beneath her eyes.

“Is she sleeping good?” she asked.

Evie snorted, “I wish. She seems to think the middle of the night is playtime.”

“Surely, Jordan could get up at least every other time, huhm?”

“Oh no, no I would never ask him to do that,” Evie said, quickly, “He has to get up to go to work.”

“And what you do, dear? Taking care of this little one and seeing that your son gets off to school, as well as taking care of all the housework and cooking, and laundry I would imagine, what is all of that if it isn’t work, too?”

Evie’s expression was one of uncertainty, like she’d never heard the idea that what she did each and every day could actually qualify as ‘work.’

“You should ask him and see what he says,” Evelyn suggested, “You never know, maybe he’d enjoy being more involved with the children.”

“You really think so?”

“Well, I can’t see what it could hurt to at least ask,” Evelyn said, as she reached over and pulled Good Night Moon from a nearby library cart, “In the meantime, why don’t you take a few minutes to yourself. Maybe get one of those fancy coffee drinks everyone seems to like. I’ll be here reading to Carolee. Go on, we’ll be just fine.”

Half an hour later, Evie came back looking refreshed. She smiled when she spotted Carolee fast asleep in Evelyn’s arms.

“Here, let me take her.” she insisted, as she slid down on the bench beside them.

“I think that was just what the doctor ordered,” Evelyn gently placed the baby in her mom’s arms, “You look much happier, dear. And I didn’t mind at all. You know, if you ever need to take a break for whatever reason, I’m just across the street, dear.”

Evie glanced shyly down at her feet, “Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that, Evelyn.” she rushed to say.

“You can, and you should.”

“All right, I’ll think on it,” Evie stood up, “Thank you, Evelyn, for everything. I do appreciate it. I can’t remember the last time I had a coffee without having to tend to one of the kiddos.”

“You’re very welcome, dear, and don’t forget my offer.” Evelyn watched the young woman leave and she thought what a lovely afternoon it had been, and then she remembered that Rudy was probably at that very minute tearing up one of her slippers because she was late getting home and that got her up and moving lickety-split.

*

“Stop fussing and spill the beans.” Evelyn shooed Mason’s offer of another pour of tea and nodded curtly at the Eames replica chair across the coffee table.

“Fine, but you could at least pretend to appreciate my hosting skills, Ms. Evelyn.” he placed the tea pot on the table and took a seat, pouting a little, which she chose to ignore.

“Tell me, how did it go with Jordan?” she prompted, as Rudy whined at her feet.

“Well, it went.” Mason procrastinated, still a bit miffed at being rushed.

Evelyn sighed inwardly, knowing full well what was required if she were to get the information that she desperately desired, “Maybe I do want one of those English cookies you made.”

Mason jumped up, “Changed your mind, did you?” he grinned, “I knew you couldn’t resist some of my famous Scottish shortbread.”

He disappeared in a whirl into the kitchen while Evelyn reached down and picked up Rudy and deposited him on her lap, aware that her actions would draw an evil glare from Mason when he returned. It did, but she made such a fuss over the shortbread that he promptly forgot and preened beneath her praise of the cookie’s delightfully buttery taste and melt in the mouth texture. Worked a charm, it did.

“Now then, do tell, how did the meeting with Jordan go?” she asked, as she dunked her shortbread in her tea, hoping that it was the proper thing to do.

“So, I took the tactic of pretending to be interested in his workout routine, if you can believe that,” Mason tilted his head down and looked at her through his lashes, “Not surprisingly, he was happy to fill me in on all the gory details. After we talked far too long about all that exercise gobble-de-goop, I finally asked him how important it was for his wife to be fit, and his answer shocked me…”

“What did he say?” Evelyn leaned forward, all ears.

Mason leaned forward, copying her, “He said that he thought she was too intense with it and that he wished she would relax a little.”

“Ohhh.” Evelyn leaned back and took it in.

Mason nodded enthusiastically, “And that’s when I said, well, have you told her that?”

“And what did he say?” she prompted.

“He said that he had, over and over. And that’s when I said, and I have to say that I was a bit worried about how it was going to be received, but I said, “Maybe she doesn’t think you really mean it when you’re all ripped like that.”

Evelyn’s sharp intake of air was quickly followed by, “Oh my. You didn’t really say that did you?”

“Of course, I did,” Mason winked rakishly, “And then I told him that I happened to have a lot of women friends and, while they always mentioned that they wished their husbands or boyfriends would really listen to them and take more initiative around the house and with the kids, none of them mentioned that they wished their husbands or boyfriends would work out more.”

“So true.” Evelyn confirmed.

“Right? And I think I hit a nerve, because he got all quiet after that, so we’ll see.”

“I suppose we will. You don’t think we’re meddling too much, do you?”

“Probably.”

Evelyn shrugged, “I think I’d like another cookie, and another cup of tea.”

*

“Maybe you’ll be happier over there in the shade.” Evelyn muttered, as she dug a spider wort up. She’d been working in the front yard for an hour, but the sun was directly behind her now and the curls at the back of her neck were damp, and her knees were screaming from all the kneeling. She suddenly heard a young, excited voice getting closer and she turned to see Evie, her hand gripping Santi’s hand, while her other arm gripped Carolee against her hip as she crossed the street.

Evelyn jumped up or would have if she could have… it was probably more like an elephant heaving itself out of quicksand, she supposed, and turned to welcome them with a smile.

Santi dropped his mother’s hand and raced over to her. He gave her a quick hug and asked, “Ms. Evelyn, where’s Rudy? Can I play with Rudy?”

“Can I play with Rudy please?” Evie prompted him.

“Can I play with Rudy please?” Santi cried, “Please, please, please?”

“Of course, you may,” Evelyn told him, as she waited for Evie to catch up, “Shall we go inside? I made a fresh batch of lemonade just this morning.”

She ushered them in and as Santi made a dash for Rudy, Evie surprisingly sat a diaper bag down on the floor and placed Carolee in her arms, “Actually, Evelyn, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind watching the kids for a little bit? Not too long, of course, but Jordan wanted to take me out for an early dinner, and I remembered you saying that you wouldn’t mind?”

“Oh,” Evelyn was stunned but tried to hide it, “Oh sure. I certainly did say that I would help out. What a wonderful idea to go have dinner with your husband without the children, dear.”

Beaming, Evie dropped a kiss on her daughter’s cheek, “He said that we need to have a meaningful talk and he suggested that we not look at our phones the whole time. Of course, I’ll still have mine on just in case there’s an emergency. Oh, and we were at the zoo all day, so they’re probably tired.”

“Sure. Okay,” Evelyn shooed her to the door, “Off you go. I’ve got to go see what Santi and Rudy are up to because I don’t hear them anymore. Don’t worry about a thing, dear. I’ve got your number on my fridge.”

After she finally got Evie out the door, Evelyn rushed through the house, a babbling, Carolee, in her arms, half expecting to find Santi sticking a fork in a light socket. She looked in the kitchen, the bathroom, her sewing room, and finally rounded the corner to her bedroom, her heart pounding so hard she thought she might need to take another pill, only to discover Santi and Rudy curled up on her bed, fast asleep.

“I’ll be darned. Would you look at that, Carolee,” she looked down at the baby, “They’re all tuckered out and out of our hair. Let’s go see what I can find in the kitchen for you. I bet I have some cooked carrots in the fridge. You like carrots?”

Carolee blew a raspberry and giggled.

*

A few hours later, Evie arrived to find Evelyn in the kitchen making cookies with Carolee sitting square in the middle of the counter blocked in by stacks of bowls, and Santi covered in powdered sugar.

“Looks like I missed most of the fun.” she quipped.

The oven beeped, “Not if the fun is in the eating,” Evelyn grabbed an oven mitt and pulled out a tray of snickerdoodles as the smell of warm butter and cinnamon sugar wafted through the kitchen, “I made extra so you can take some home with you.”

Evelyn snuck a peek at Evie, expecting to see a look of discomfort on her face at the mention of the forbidden sweets going into her home, but she was just smiling warmly and, most importantly, agreeably.

“I take it that you had a lovely time?” Evelyn queried.

“We did. It’s been a while since we’ve been out just the two of us. I don’t know how to thank you, Evelyn.”

“Off you go, sir, and don’t give Rudy a bite, no matter how much he begs,” Evelyn said, as she handed Santi a cookie and watched as he ran off to find the dog. She turned to Evie, “No need to thank me, dear. I have had entirely too much fun today,” and then added, “What matters is that you and Jordan spent some time together alone.”

“Dinner was fantastic, truly. I hadn’t realized just how hard it is to have a good conversation when you are always having to tend to the children. And guess what? Jordan and I have decided to take a three-month sabbatical from social media. Isn’t that crazy? I wasn’t sure I wanted to, but I figured why not? We could try it for three months. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a good thing.”

Evelyn’s smile reached from ear to ear, “Why, I think that’s a wonderful idea. I have a feeling you’re going to love it.”

“I hope so.”

“You’ll see.” Evelyn grabbed a container and started putting the cookies into it, already planning a visit to Mason’s to fill him in on the good news.

*

“Oh my, it’s still plenty light out,” Evelyn grumbled when the doorbell rang. She grabbed the giant bowl piled high with candy from the side table while Rudy pranced around her feet, barking like he meant it, “Out of the way, you miserable cur, before you trip me up and I drop this entire bowl on your little head.”

The doorbell rang again as she opened the door. She screeched in delight upon seeing Santi, dressed as a lion, with a tan, yarn mane and whiskers drawn on his face, and sweet Carolee all done up in a bumble bee costume, with chenille pipe cleaner antennae bopping around on top of her curls.

“Trick or treat.” Santi thrust his pumpkin pail out towards her, eagerly.

“Santi, wait,” Evie pulled his hand back, “Remember? We came for a visit with Ms. Evelyn before we go trick or treating.”

“Oh, here for a visit? How lovely,” Evelyn stepped aside and allowed them to come inside, “I don’t think I’ve ever had such adorable visitors before.”

“You know, I actually made their costumes myself,” Evie said, proudly, as Santi ran to play with Rudy. She put Carolee down on the floor near the couch so that she could stand holding onto it, “And look. I think she’s going to take off walking any minute now.”

“Oh my,” Evelyn clasped her hands in delight, “She sure is getting big fast. And you made the costumes. You did a wonderful job, dear.”

Evie’s face glowed under her praise. She reached out and took Evelyn’s hand, “What I really came over to do was thank you…”

“Thank me? Whatever for?”

“Well, it’s because of you, Evelyn, that got me to thinking that maybe I was spending too much time on social media, and that maybe it was worse for me than I thought.”

“But I thought it was Jordan that suggested…”

“No, no it was. But I decided to agree to it because of you, Evelyn.”

Evelyn heard the passion in Evie’s voice, and noticed for the first time how Evie’s cheeks were glowing with health and happiness. Had she really had a hand in that?

“Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to all of it now that I’ve seen how much better life is without it,” Evie grabbed a candy bar out of the bowl, unwrapped it, and took a big bite. She moaned with pleasure, “These were always my favorites.”

“Mine, too,” Evelyn held the bowl out, “Take a few more, dear. I’ve still got plenty.” Evelyn was marveling at the fact that Evie was eating candy and allowing herself to enjoy it. Only months ago, the thought would have been unheard of.

Evie sorted through the mix and pocketed a few more of the caramel nut candy bars and then said, “Oh, that reminds me, Jordan and I were planning on taking the kids on that Christmas train. You know the one I’m talking about? The one that serves hot chocolate and cake, and has Santa Claus come visit the children?”

“Yes, I’ve seen the ad on television. They would love that.”

“We’d like you to come with us, if you’d like. Our treat. I know the kids would love having you there, and so would we. I mean, after all, you’re kind of like their bonus grandma.”

Evelyn felt her heart lurch in her chest. Bonus grandma, Evie had called her. She’d long given up on that idea, but here it was, a gift from the universe, just handed to her like a wrapped package. Absolute joy was percolating through her, making her smile until it hurt. All she could manage was a nod.

“So, you’ll go?” Evie moved to wrap her arms around her, “That’s great. We’re going to have such an amazing time.”

Suddenly, Carolee let go of the couch and took three quick steps until she bumped into their legs and plopped to the ground.

Evelyn reached down and swooped her up into her arms, raining kisses on her sweet face, grateful that it helped hide the tears that were threatening to spill over. Apparently, she had a family now. They had chosen her.

A yapping Rudy came running by, quickly followed by Santi, who paused briefly to swipe a package of sour candy gummies out of the bowl. Carolee saw it and started crying for candy of her own, and none of it bothered Evelyn one bit. She’d never planned on being a grandma, but here she was, chosen, and she decided right then and there that she was going to choose it back, and enjoy every last bit of it because they needed her, and she needed them.

*