“I don’t think we have time for homemade.” I grabbed the towel I’d left on the counter and wrapped it around myself.

“But it’s Saturday!” she protested.

Tell me about it, I thought. “I know. But your mom’s taking us to see paintings today.”

Beth slid up onto the counter and watched me wrap another towel around my hair. “Do they have cows in them?”

I laughed. “Some of them do.”

“Well then I guess we can go. If I can have waffles first.”

“Eggos.” I insisted on the compromise. “Go get dressed and get them out of the freezer, okay?”

“Okay.” She hopped down and opened the door, headed toward her room.

I hesitated, watching her go, and then looked the other way at the closed door of her parents’ room. There was no sound from inside. I stood there, wondering if I should knock?

My decision was made for me when the door flew open and Ronnie came out, pulling her robe around her.

“You scared me!”

“Sorry,” she apologized. Her eyes were red and I knew she’d been crying. “Is Beth up?”

I nodded. “Did TJ go to work?”

“For a little while.” She sighed. “I’m going to take a shower. Can you get her ready? We’re going to meet TJ at the Met at noon.”

“Sure.” I stood there, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say.

Congratulations? Are you okay? What? Beth saved me from saying anything, bursting out of her room wearing jeans and an iCarly t-shirt.

“Time for Eggos!” she exclaimed. “Mommy! Knock-knock!” Ronnie groaned, shaking her head. “Oh no, it is way too early for knock-knock jokes. Ask Janie.”

“Moo!” I said, sticking out my tongue and steering Beth toward the stairs. “Let’s go rustle up some syrup and butter.”

When I looked back, Ronnie had gone into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

* * * *

R U COMING 2NITE?