Several months after our wedding, I was sitting on the couch when my phone rang.
Daniel’s name appeared on the screen.
I answered.
“Whatever you did, I’m not helping you hide a body.”
There was a pause.
Then Daniel burst out laughing.
“You still use that line?”
“It remains an effective screening process.”
“Good. I need a favor.”
I looked toward the kitchen.
Karen was standing at the counter, reading a recipe and shaking her head at the instructions.
“What kind of favor?”
“Mom’s car won’t start.”
I sat upright.
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope. She’s downtown, and I’m stuck at work. Can you pick her up?”
I looked at Karen.
She had heard enough to understand.
She raised an eyebrow and smiled.
I returned to the phone.
“Daniel, you do realize this is how the entire mess started?”
“I do.”
“And you’re deliberately recreating the circumstances?”
“I’m trying to honor tradition.”
