Chapter 77

Tyche got an invite to a wedding.

That’s not right ... I got an invite ... Tyche got a job. Flower-girl. A chance to flounce and make a mess with rose petals? Of course she said yes. It’s not until Spring but little girls and fancy dress. I need a car.

Who? Elizabeth Anne Boleyn.

To whom? The Animal control officer. Maximillian Sanchez.

And that brought up memories ... I have a car. Somewhere in Ludington. A 1966 Volvo 544 ... Sport. So ... I called ... Max.

“Hello, Max.”

“Who is this?”

“Surprise,” I said.

He hung up. I know he pushed the red button and it says ‘END’ but ‘Hung Up’ is traditional ... anyway I called back.

“SM Flintkote here ... Max, if you hang up on me again I won’t let Tyche be your flower-girl.”

Quite loudly in the background, Tyche could be heard to say, “MoM!”

“Sorry, Surprise. Elizabeth gets ... upset ... when women call me.”

“Like that, were you?”

“Umh...”

“That’s a yes. Max ... where’s my Volvo?”

“In our garage ... when are you coming to get it?”

“As soon as I can get there,” I said. “I’ll probably hitch hike.”

“Why don’t you drive? Umh, cancel that.”

Tyche said, “Bat your eyes at Alan. Geez, mom ... what kind of girl are you? I can have him begging to take us.”

“I wonder if it’ll start,” I said.

The door knocked.

“Get that, will you, Tyche.”

“Alan ... I crave a Ludington banana split,” said Tyche.

“Sure...” Alan said.

“Mom, get your coat ... I got us a ride!”

Alan said, “Surprise ... have I just been conned by a four year old?”

“Get used to it ... where are your boys?”

“With the ex ... why?”

“I thought they might like a treat,” I said.

Tyche said, “That reminds me ... what are you doing for my birthday?”

“Treat reminded you of your birthday?” Alan asked.

“Yup ... Treat ... Trick of Treat ... my birthday is October 31, Halloween.”

“You were born on Halloween?”

“I just said so ... didn’t I?” Tyche said. “Wait? You were married?”

“Yes,” Alan said.

“How old are your boys?”

“Seven and six, and they’re muggles,” Alan said. “So ... don’t pick on them.”

“May I pick if picked upon?”

“Feel free,” Alan said.

In the car ... Alan had a nice car besides the Toyota pickup ... Alan asked, “Other than the banana split ... why are we going to Ludington?”

“To pick up my car,” I said. “A 1966 Volvo 544 ... Sport. B18 and dual carbs. Four speed. 40 miles to the gallon.”

“You have a car?”

“Yes Alan.”