Eloise's cell phone rang just as the three of them were about to finish the ice cream. She reached into the sling bag she carried, discovering that the person calling was Maggie -- her sister-in-law.
Shifting the green phone symbol on her screen, Eloise put the phone to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Eloise?" Maggie's voice sounded melodious on the other end. "Is Gabby with you yet?"
Eloise glanced at Gabby. The little girl had finished her vanilla ice cream and was now chatting with Simon. She didn't know what the two were talking about, but it seemed to be an interesting topic.
"We're at the ice cream parlor, Mag," Eloise replied. "I'm taking Gabby for an ice cream. Are you almost home?"
Something was going on in the office. That's why Maggie called, telling Eloise that she needed more help to
