a few minutes early and pick Megan up on the way? I told her we’d give her a ride.” “I wish you wouldn’t make promises like that without asking me first,” I said more sharply than I intended. Gabby frowned at me. “Gee, Mom. What’s the big deal? It’s practically on the way.” She hurriedly wolfed down her dinner. I pushed my plate away, intending to heat up something when I got back. I needed time to breathe. As I stood, Anthony asked, “What’s wrong?” “I’ll eat when I get back. I don’t want to swallow dinner whole.” He narrowed his eyes at Gabby, pointing with his fork. “You shouldn’t expect your mother to run you around everywhere when she’s worked all day.” “It’s okay, Anthony. It’s play practice, and I promised I’d take her. I thought I’d be home earlier, but your cousin…” I stopped, not wanting to put my frustrations on my husband. It wasn’t his fault. He never wanted me to go to work in the first place. “Gabby, I’m ready when you are.” “Just have to brush my teeth. I’ll be right back,” she said, running from the kitchen. “You spoil the kids, Jan. You shouldn’t be expected to haul them around everywhere. Where’s Michael, anyway?” Anthony asked as he pushed rice onto his fork with an egg roll. “He’s out with friends.” I bit my tongue to avoid asking why he didn’t offer to take Gabby to her practice. Gabby--her nickname was no accident--kept up a running monologue about her day at school and about the play while I drove the six blocks to pick up Megan and then back across town to the high school. Gabby’s a good kid. She keeps up her grades and belongs to the drama club. This is a small sacrifice to support her efforts. “What time will you be finished?” I asked as the girls jumped out of the car. “Around nine. Should I call when we’re done?” “Yes, and don’t go anywhere else. I’ll pick you both up right here. If I don’t hear from you by nine-fifteen, know that I’ll come looking.” Gabby rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay. I’ll call. Thanks, Mom.” I chose the long route home, taking advantage of the quiet. As I came
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The Joy Ride * October 2011