Finally Free

Fifty-Three

"You guys wait here. We don't all need to squeeze in the lobby." I tell the group before walking into the restaurant and up to the Hostess stand.

"Hi welcome to Sanaa, do you have a reservation?" The host asks

"Hi yes, it should be under either Heather Russo or Heather Stewart. The reservation is for 16 people I believe, 6 adults and 10 kids." I say and the host's eyes go wide

"Ah yes, but um, 10 kids?!" the host asks with some panic in his voice

"Well, 10 people under 18. We need 5 kids menus, and um, 4 highchairs if possible" I add and I see the host relax

"We can get that all set for you. Just give us a few minutes to prepare the table."

"If it is not too much of a bother could we possibly have a table in the back, slightly isolated, it is a messy reunion type of meal. If not I completely understand." I ask pointing to the hoard of children waiting behind me and the host looks over my shoulder and just nods knowingly

"That absolutely should not be a problem. Give me a few minutes then I'll be out to walk you all to your table." The host says

"Thanks so much for all your help!" I smile then turn around and motion for Garrett to come in but everyone follows.

"All set?" Justin asks standing awkwardly close to me. Which is even weirder since I am standing in a corner

"Yeah. Kasey knows what she is doing." Garrett says shoving himself in between us. Justin gets all pissy and walks away so now there is a very obvious divide between us "Baby, have you checked your sugar lately?" he asks slipping his arm around my waist. I shake my head and he gives me a glare.

"I'll check it when we get to the table. When is the last time you checked yours? Aren't you supposed to be checking yours more often?"

"I'll check it when we get to the table. But fair warning, Heather is probably going to say something. She never believed that I am diabetic, that allergies exist, and well basically she doesn't believe in modern medicine." Garrett rolls his eyes checking his phone

"Oh, my. Does she at least believe in vaccinations?" I question and he shakes his head no

"Nope. My dad went behind her back and got me vaccinated. As far as we know I am the only one." he mumbles as Heather comes storming up

"Why are y'all standing here? Isn't our table ready? Where is the host?" She asks Garrett opens his mouth to say something but I speak up first

"Because a table for 16 people, takes a while to get ready for us ma'am." I smile

"If we have to wait more than 5 more minutes I am pitching a fit. But why aren't you standing with your siblings and getting to know them? That is the whole point of this trip." Heather asks crossing her arms glaring at us

"There really isn't enough room for so many people standing in the lobby," Garrett tells her as the host walks up. He grabs the menus and goes to speak but Heather cuts him off

"Finally. What is the point of having reservations if we still have to wait?" She asks

"I am so sorry ma'am but your table is now ready. So if you and your party would like to follow me we can go ahead and get you seated." The host says with a fake smile we all follow him to the table

"Thank you so much" I smile at the host as I go to take a seat

"WAIT!" Heather shrieks making me freeze halfway sitting into a seat "I did not tell y'all where y'all were sitting yet. What on God's green earth do you think you are doing?" She asks