Chapter 56

Holiday House was everything Jerry claimed and more. The owner, an older woman named Willa Cool (what a great name for a restaurateur) was at the door welcoming her guests, and seemed to know Jerry immediately. As soon as Willa saw Jennifer she nearly cried, then quickly recovered and showered her with affection, completely ignoring the rest of us.

Jennifer, with her brand new, very best friend, led the way to a large corner table. It had plenty of maneuvering space for the wheelchair, and a college-age busser removed two chairs to make even more room. Very quickly a girl was at our table to take drink orders, and would have gone into a spiel about the specials, signature foods, and other things, had Willa not waived her away and taken over our care directly.

"Jerry, it is good to have you back so soon. Where are all your girlfriends? We never see them unless you bring them in. Is there something you need to tell me about my restaurant?

"Who is this handsome young man? Is he married, divorced, celibate, or gay? Where have you been hiding him? I have at least a dozen eligible young ladies working here to introduce him to, unless you have him in your harem, too." She was having fun at poor Jerry's expense, and he was wisely keeping his mouth shut. Sherrie listened with interest, learning things about her father I don't think she knew. Jerry finally heard enough and told Willa that I was taken, unless she wanted to arm wrestle Sherrie and Jennifer for me. That got all four of them laughing, this time at my expense.

Jennifer took hold of my arm and squeezed to get my attention. "Yes, honey. What can I do for you?"

"Daddy and that woman think you're my boyfriend and Mommy's too. Is that true?"

I was caught between a rock and a weird place. Sherrie was watching me with an amused glint in her eyes, and Jennifer looked at me adoringly while I struggled to come up with the right answer.

"Well," I said softly. "If you think I'm your boyfriend, then I must be your boyfriend, because you're so smart, you could never be wrong, and that means you're always right, which means that I MUST be your boyfriend, right?"

That got Jennifer giggling, left Sherrie with a look that said she'd get back to me about that later, and left Jerry studying his plate with an intensity that said he wasn't getting involved, no matter what. Jennifer tugged on her mother's sleeve and said, "Mommy, I have a boyfriend! Brian is my boyfriend."

Sherrie made a sad face and Jennifer immediately changed her tune. "Mommy, don't be sad. I promise you can be Brian's girlfriend, too!" That seemed to satisfy everyone, including Willa Cool. She took back control of our discussion and finished telling us all about her restaurant.

Once we were properly oriented, Willa personally wheeled Jennifer through the serving line, and talked non-stop about the foods she recommended. Jennifer ate up the compassionate attention. Sherrie tagged along but wasn't consulted beyond perfunctory questions related to special dietary needs, or allergies. Jerry and I exchanged smiles watching Jennifer and Willa interacting.

Dinner was superb. Willa ran a wonderful restaurant and we ate with gusto. Jennifer particularly seemed to have an appetite, which inordinately pleased Sherrie. We lollygagged over dessert, which was in a separate room filled with too many choices to reasonably pick from – so we asked for some of everything, on a platter. We decided to serve ourselves. Our stomachs were filled to overflowing by the time Willa sat down to chat with us before we said goodnight.

After we got Jennifer belted into her seat in the back of my SUV, she said, "Brian, Mommy says you bought her a new car today, and it is the one we went for a ride in, before. And Mommy said you bought Grandpa a car today, too. And Mommy said you bought yourself one, while you were there. Is that true?"

"Why Jennifer, whatever makes you ask such a question? Your mommy always tells you the truth, doesn't she?" We were playing a game and I was determined to be a good sport at it.

"Of course Mommy always tells the truth. Whatever makes you ask?" She was smiling because she knew it was game on.

"Well, my little darling, you little girlfriend of mine, if your mommy always tells you the truth, and she told you I bought her a new car, why would you think to ask me if it was true? I just can't understand where you're coming from. Oh, it's so hard. I just can't understand you women these days." I was hamming it up much to Jennifer's delight.

Giggles were my answer, until Jennifer pulled herself together and said, "I'm telling Mommy. I just CAN'T get a decent answer out of you tonight. What am I going to do with you young man?" She shook her little index finger at me as she demonstrated her displeasure. "We girls have to stick together, or there's no telling what you men will pull next."

Jerry burst out laughing, seeing Jennifer mimicking Sherrie. That got Sherrie laughing, once she got over her surprise. I was laughing on general principles, and because I loved seeing Jennifer laughing. It hit me then, that I hoped her laughter would stay part of my life for a long, long time.

The drive home was uneventful. Jennifer nodded off and I carried her into her bedroom and held her while Sherrie changed her diapers. Jerry had purchased a very nice changing table. It was large enough for me to hold Jennifer up, and give Sherrie room to maneuver around her to get her properly clean and changed.

I needed to get them together for a little while, so I said, "Jerry, you and Sherrie need to give me a few minutes, as soon as Jennifer is settled for the night. I have some interesting things to share, Ok?" Jerry and I waited in the solarium until Sherrie came back, changed for bed, and looking positively wonderful.

"Ok, Brian. What's the news?" She was smiling, so I knew the strident tone was a put on.

"I talked to an old girlfriend this afternoon, who happens to be a physician. We parted as best friends which is THE way to end any relationship, and she was thrilled to get Jennifer an appointment with the world's leading doctor on Jennifer's problem. The doctor's name is Hiram Abrams. He practices in Manhattan, and he is willing to see Jennifer next Thursday, at two p.m.