On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Rick’s parents tumbled out of their camper van like two people on a mission. The mom and Patty walked toward me and Charlie, as Rick and his dad started hauling covered pans into the house.
Rick’s mother, a wiry little woman with salt and pepper hair, all but rubbed her hands together in glee when Patty admitted she hadn’t started any cooking or baking for the holiday.
“For god’s sake, Mother, I’ve been slaving away at Rick’s. How could I have found time to prepare a gigantic meal?”
Her eyes roamed dully over to her mother as they walked toward me and Charlie.
“Besides, I knew you’d be here and would want to take charge.”
The older woman nodded like a general about to step up. “And who do we have here? Dan and Charlie, I’ll bet.” She stuck out a h
