The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 61 - Baking Day

"I'm up," Greg told his alarm clock sleepily as it buzzed to wake him at five fifteen the next morning.

Susan managed to open one eyelid as she felt Greg sit up, peering at the time. "Five-fifteen?" she said in disbelief. "Why are you getting up so early?"

"I have to be at the studio for meetings at seven, Susan. I'm meeting with one of the art directors who's currently working on another movie. He should be free by the end of February, but for now, this is the only time he has to give us," Greg said.

"Okay," Susan moaned and she started to get up too.

"You go back to sleep," Greg said firmly.

"No. I promised I'd go grocery shopping at the crack of dawn with Mom, so maybe this way I'll actually be ready on time," Susan said.

"What time does she want to leave?" Greg asked.

"Six. She found out Safeway opens at six, so she wants to be there," Susan said with a yawn.

Greg headed to the shower while Susan gathered her things. They traded places, and Greg was just finishing breakfast by the time Susan joined him in the kitchen.

"Bye," Greg said kissing her cheek. "Have a good day with your mother and the girls, and don't work too hard."

I'll try not to," Susan promised. "Good bye, Greg. Good luck with your meeting."

"Thank you." Greg started to turn then hesitated. "Susan, are you shopping for your Christmas dinner today?"

"I think so, why?" Susan asked.

"About the ham," Greg began.

"We've decided not to have it," Susan said. "I was thinking of maybe turkey or some sort of beef roast. I've been looking for a good recipe."

"Why not have the ham?" Greg suggested. "I know it's traditional in your family."

"Yes I know, but I've made it a practice not to bring pork into our kitchen here at home," Susan told him.

Greg arched his brow. "We do not keep a kosher kitchen."

"No, I know we don't, and that's not what I'm trying to do. But it does seem that out of respect for you, I shouldn't have it here," Susan said. "It's not like I think you'll be tempted to eat it. I know you wouldn't," she hastened to add. "It's just that ... I don't know, I might accidentally contaminate some of the foods you do eat without meaning to, I suppose."

"Even though you do eat it when we go out," Greg said.

"That's different. It's somebody else's kitchen," Susan said.

"Yes. It comes from the same kitchen as whatever dish I am having whenever we go out, with even less control over possible cross contamination than we would have here," Greg reminded her. "I appreciate the thought. Really I do, but it isn't necessary. I can simply keep my food separate on that day so that you and your family can enjoy the holiday meal that's important to you."

Susan frowned. "You really don't object to it being in the house?"

"Not at all," Greg assured her.

Susan nodded vaguely. "I still don't feel right cooking it ... but what if I got a precooked spiral ham? Those are always good. I wouldn't have to cook it in our kitchen, but I could serve it on Christmas Day as part of our meal to our guests," she suggested.

"Would you also have some?" Greg asked curiously.

"Probably. I wonder if it's too late to get one?" Susan mused, mostly to herself.