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CHAPTER FIVEYou know what, Mom?” Abel said later that evening. “Next Sunday I’d like to have company over for dinner.”
“Next Sunday is not a good time,” Mom replied. “I have three scarves to finish, and I won’t have time to go shopping and prepare a dinner for company. Some other time would be better, Abel.”
“That’s okay, Mom,” Abel assured her. “You wouldn’t be involved. I was thinking of buying all the stuff myself and making the dinner. I’d do it all, Mom. You and Dad and Penelope would just need to sit down and eat.”
Mom smiled. “You’re joking, of course,” she said.
“No, Mom, I’m serious,” Abel answered.
“Abel,” Mom told him, “I know you fool around the kitchen sometimes. But you wouldn’t seriously want guests to come and eat something you cooked. I mean, you’re not ready f
