The Way We Were

The Way We Book Club PT3

The doorbell rang and Pendleton answered it. He directed Mercedes and Quinn to the living room.

The two opened their offerings for book club. Secret came in and cuddled up to Mercedes. "Hi, boy. How are you?"

He woofed.

Quinn clapped her hands and he went to her. "Hi, boy!"

He loved the attention he got from both.

Marcy walked in the room with two serving bowls, Manny behind her with two platters. "Hey, guys!"

"Marcy! Manny." The married Leos chirped. "Is that your Billionaires dip?"

"Oh yeah." Marcy had made two bowls of it because it always went fast. All it was, was a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, different shredded cheese, bacon and green onions and chives.

Manny set down the platters of fresh cut veggies and crackers. "Hola, chicas."

"Hola, Manny." Mercedes and Quinn beamed.

"Where's Karou and Paris?" Mercedes wanted to know.

"Mad that I sent Jude off and have Yuria in the kitchen with me. They're still mad I'm making them sleep in different rooms." Marcy rolled her eyes.

"I think that's very responsible of you." Mercedes was dead serious.

"They're just jealous because Rye and the twins are the cutest kids in the world." Quinn teased.

Marcy went to her and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Big Sis!"

The doorbell rang again.

"It's probably Karen and Mari. Her parents got her a car for her birthday."

"Karen?" Mercedes dipped a celery stick in the dip. "What'd she get?"

"A Cadillac SUV."

"Ooh!"

"It's black with a yellow lightning stripe."

"She loves those colors. Her parents are so nice."

"Yup."

"I want a new car for my birthday!" Quinn sulked.

"Drop hints."

"Hints?"

"Yeah." Marcy looked over as Mari and Karen walked in. "Hey, guys. We're plotting on how to get Quinn a new car for her birthday."

"Who do you want to buy it for you?" Karen sat down. "Hey, Mercy, Quinn, Secret."

Secret woofed and went to Mari, who petted him.

"Hey, guys." Mari sat down.

"Hey!" Mercedes and Quinn chirped.

Quinn continued, "I don't know. Maybe Mikey?"

Mercedes swatted her. "You're going to make our husband buy you a car for your birthday?!"

"Yes." Quinn nodded resolutely.

Karen laughed.

The doorbell rang again.

Marcy shook her head. "Guess what I'm getting Mal for Valentine's Day?"

"Is it a car?!" Quinn hoped not.

Marcy nodded. "Yup!"

"No!"

"Have you been saving your allowance?" Karen asked. "Or are you going to lease it?"

"Neither." Marcy smiled mysteriously.

They waited but she said nothing.

"Marcy, are you going to steal a car?" Mercedes feared.