Letting her glasses slide further down her nose with the tilt of her head, Alice Hammer squints her eyes and intently focuses on the numbers displayed in front of her. “Ahhhhh”, letting out a sign of relief, Alice Hammer exhales “I think that is a 7 and not a 1”.
“What are you talking about?” asks Jennings wandering into the kitchen holding a large iced glass of sweet tea topped with pieces of peaches, strawberries, and oranges. “I think it’s time to order some new glasses If you do not want to have reflection surgery to correct your vision.”
“I’m doing just fine” curtly remarks Alice Hammer squinting again at the mechanism in front of her and confidently pushing the box highlighted in bright blue lettering of ‘Enter’.
“You just put the butter in for seven minutes instead of one. Were you hoping to melt it or make it into bisqueware?” inquires Jennings not entirely sure of her friend’s intent.
“What? Are you sure?” asks Alice Hammer removing her glasses and nearly touching the panel “Oh, I guess you’re right.”
“Why didn’t you just use the voice command, it’s so much easier?” curiously asks Jennings cutting up diagonal pieces of lemon on the chopping board in front of her.
“I had to turn off the sound mechanism. I was singing “I-2-3-4 My Heart’s on Fire, just say it one more time” the other day and the InstaOven picked up my voice and charcoaled my shepherd’s pie.” explains Alice Hammer still a little disappointed in her culinary results.
“How many times did you sing the song?” doubtfully inquires Jennings knowing her friend’s enthusiasm and obsession with songs that she likes.
“Only nine or ten times or so” remarks Alice Hammer starting to hum the song out loud again and moving to the beat in her head.
“Ehhh … I think we should wait on the singing and dancing while we cook, we don’t want to hurt ourselves” remarks Jennings as Alice Hammer attempts rather eclectic and peculiar steps in front of her.
As if on cue, Alice Hammer twirls and moves her shoulders to an imaginary rhythmic beat and with all seriousness starts pushing her hands towards the heavens, tossing her head back, pointing her fingers at Jennings and starts to sing familiar lyrics in a painful tone as she dramatically snaps her head with an invisible mic in her hand.
“I never knew, how could it be true, when my days had been so blue, that I would only think of you” sings Alice Hammer in her best celebrity impression framing her face taking dancing steps towards the refrigerator to check her reflection of fame and admiration.
From across the counter, Jennings watches in puzzled amusement, “Why are you dancing in front of the refrigerator?”
“It’s my fans, they can’t get enough of me!” responds Alice Hammer mimicking in an Elvis voice about his fandom then clapping her hands and landing in a dramatic pose.
Jennings shakes her head and returns to slicing the lemons for their afternoon tea. “Alice Hammer, you never reached your full potential. The world does not know what it has missed out on.”
“So, what are we making for Raiden and Isla tonight?” asks Jennings completing her assigned task.
“I forgot to tell you, Isla called and isn’t coming something about having a previous appointment with her sister, I think. It will just be Raiden and Adele tonight. I called Mr. Woodhouse who said he would like to come but he is going with my Fred to the Men’s Fellowship club tonight instead” explains Alice Hammer excited that her Fred has promised to spend another day with her on a picnic for just the two of them.
“I think they are painting the nursery tonight which has needed to be done for years” agrees Jennings “I can’t wait for all the babies to arrive in a few months. I wish Raiden would find someone who wanted a family. I think Isla is more concerned about keeping her figure, collecting boyfriend trophies, and having money for shopping than raising a family.”
“You never know, things could change” offers Alice Hammer trying to be optimistic but also feeling as if Jennings’ perception might be more accurate to truth than not.
A chime rings through the kitchen as the LED display on the kitchen countertop announces that a guest has arrived. The door glides open as Adele enters carrying a small basket on her arm.
“What did you bring? You really didn’t have to” explains Jennings taking the wicker basket from her and smiling to greet Adele.
“It’s nothing. I made some cookies this afternoon that I thought might be good for a snack later on or even sometime later this week if you would like”, offers Adele knowing how much Alice Hammer likes to try different kinds of cookies.
“Lovely! Chocolate Chip is my favorite!” exclaims Alice Hammer taking one from the wrapper and having a taste “Oh, you added little pieces of white chocolate to this one! Thank you!”
As they walk into the dining area, Adele asks “Is there someone else coming tonight?”
“Yes, it slipped my mind to tell you. Isla isn’t able to come tonight, so it will just be Raiden with us.”
At that moment, Adele’s bio-ring on her right hand lights up and a soft bell sound is heard.
“Your bio-health ring just went off, is everything ok?” sincerely asks Jennings noting that many of her friends have similar alerts for their blood pressure status.
“I’m fine” blushes Adele realizing that her blood pressure must have spiked on hearing that Raiden would also be there tonight “The alert goes off at random times by accident”.
“You should probably have the battery checked” offers Jennings wanting to be helpful. “You don’t look like someone who would have blood pressure issues.”
“I’ll keep that in mind” thanks Adele realizing the true reason was not noted.
As they are chatting together in the kitchen, a chime sounds for a second time. Alice Hammer rushes to the front door to greet the special guest tonight.
In the other room, Adele hears Raiden’s voice and looks at her own reflection in the refrigerator to see if her hair is in place.
Just then Raiden enters the kitchen as Adele turns to face him. Raiden’s bio-ring also sends an alert and he immediately clasps his hands over the ring to muffle the alert.
“Everyone’s ring is going off tonight. I wonder if there is a defect in the manufacturing”, considers Alice Hammer out loud to herself but for everyone to hear.
Trying to cover his surprise, Raiden turns to the side “Is that sweet tea? It looks delicious with all the different fruit in it”.
“It is delicious. Do you see this locket I’m wearing?” orders Alice Hammer holding up a necklace only an inch from Raiden’s face.
“Yes it’s quite nice. It smells like you might have something herbal in it” suggests Raiden not too sure why a necklace would have a scent.
“It’s my favorite right now! It’s jasmine, oranges, passion fruit, and green tea. Doesn’t it smell delicious!” excitedly remarks Alice Hammer taken in another bundle of aroma within her jewelry.
“It’s okay. She’s crazy. Last week she was wearing a spiced chai tea bag in her locket”, bluntly explains Jennings rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
“You should try it. The scent makes me happy all day”, chides Alice Hammer defending one of her rather eccentric lifetime exploits that some have mistakenly confused with aging dementia.
Chuckling to himself, Raiden puts his arm around the shoulders of Alice Hammer giving her a slight hug, “I will definitely have to try it sometime.”
As they sit down to dinner together, Raiden sits directly across from Adele and notices how attractive she looks tonight so mild in contrast to what makeup and clothes Isla would have chosen to wear.
“How are you feeling about your new position?” inquires Raiden not wanting to interfere with the supervision of other departments but wanting to ensure that she is provided for and trained well.
“I’m immensely enjoying my time. There are a lot of new things to learn of course, but I seem to be catching on for the most part. I’m enjoying getting more acquainted with the other employees. They are very capable and kind too” states Adele adding “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. It goes beyond my expectations.”
“I’m relieved that the position seems to suit you”, offers Raiden “I’m sure you are a good addition to the staff” but while continually looking at her silently adding to only himself “and to my life as well”.
“Did I miss something? You seemed to stop mid-sentence”, remarks Jennings reaching for a second helping of fried potatoes.
“He was just saying how glad he was that Adele is working with him and that he couldn’t live without her”, explains Alice Hammer with a delighted smirk and chuckle.
“That’s not exactly what I said”, corrects Raiden blushing “although I am glad Adele is now here working for the firm”.
Smiling but suddenly feeling shy Adele adds, “I’m very grateful for the opportunity too.”
“When are you giving up Isla?” bluntly asks Jennings aware of Raiden’s demeanor is more back to his natural self without the presence of Isla “I don’t see her around much anymore and it appears things are cooling between the two of you.”
“We have been dating awhile. Things are what they are,” explains Raiden not wanting to give too much away even though breaking up has been on his mind for quite awhile even before Adele entered his life again.
“How long have you been dating?” curiously asks Adele not sure if she really wants to know or not.
“About four years, Isla is much younger than me so we have only been casually spending time together”, offers Raiden wanting to be clear but also not to dismiss a possible relationship with Adele, “Isla often attends official events with me, but I wouldn’t say we are serious.”
“Not the way Isla talks about you. She already has her bridesmaids chosen”, confirms Alice Hammer remembering hints that have been dropped in recent conversations with Isla “She’s probably put in reservations for your reception, you just not be aware of yet.”
Clearing his throat wishing to move on to a different topic, Raiden adds “I think this is more a discussion between Isla and myself rather than tonight at dinner.”
“I guess your right”, agrees Jennings wanting to put in a good word for Adele whom she has already decided might make an excellent match for her grandson. “Adele, what are your favorite things to do when you are not working?”
“Besides reading, I like to go to the park or nature hikes”, suggests Adele wanting to change the topic as well.
“I love the outdoors!” exclaims Alice Hammer “Fred and I are going on a picnic later this week now that the weather has changed.”
“We just had a BBQ this past week at the state park”, informs Raiden wanting to be included in the conversation “Adele was there as well with her family.”
“Yes, it was nice to run into each other”, shares Adele wondering at the frequency of their random meetings “The hamburgers were delicious. Raiden is an excellent cook.”
“There’s not much to it, just adding the right seasonings and making sure the fire is right”, explains Raiden feeling complimented and appreciative that Adele noticed his personalized effort.
“What are your plans for this weekend?” asks Jennings “I’m sure Adele would like to see Upper Cross Falls sometime soon. It’s quite beautiful, if you don’t mind a hike.”
“What a great idea!” agrees Raiden “Are you available this weekend?”
“Yes, I’d love to!” confirms Adele feeling quite pleased at the opportunity to spend more time with Raiden.
“Oh wait. I forgot. Isla wants to go to this fashion show and I agreed three months ago to be her escort”, returns Raiden very disappointed due to his previous agreement. “Would the following Saturday be all right?”
“You can let me know a later time”, answers Adele feeling slightly hurt that it will not work out and also not wanting to interfere in the middle of a relationship that already exists. “Maybe Isla can come along as well.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not sure Isla would know how to hike in four-inch heels”, bluntly remarks Jennings.
“I think she would be able to” suggests Alice Hammer seriously contemplating the image of Isla’s talents.
“I have your number, I won’t forget. Remember, I’m promising to take you to the Upper Cross Falls at some point soon” confirms Raiden excited at the possibility of spending more time with Adele to catch up.
“Okay, you can let me know whenever you are free. Don’t worry about it if you can’t though, I’ll understand”, offers Adele not wanting to encourage anything until he is permanently free of Isla.
As if on cue, Adele’s bracelet lights up with a call. “Excuse me, it looks like Morena is calling me.”
A few minutes later, Adele returns to the table. “It looks like I need to go. Morena needs a sitter tonight for her spin class. The sitter at the gym wasn’t able to make it tonight and I need to go pick up the boys. The dinner was lovely. Thank you so much! I’ll have to invite you to my place the next time.”
“I’ll walk you to your air-pod”, offers Raiden and moving next to her before she has an opportunity to refuse.
“It’s okay. It’s right outside”, explains Adele grabbing her purse and heading towards the door.
“I’m going too”, explains Raiden waving and blowing a kiss to Jennings and Alice Hammer.
As the door slides behind them, Raiden offers his arm to Adele as they walk down the steps, “It’s raining so it might be a little slippery on the deck.
Adele takes him arm and feels the warmth of his care. “Thank you. It was very nice to unexpectedly see you again.”
“Yes, I enjoyed tonight as well. Don’t forget, I owe you a trip to the Falls!” teases Raiden gently placing a hand over her own holding his arm.
“I won’t.” Adele smiles wishing that things were different between them and that Raiden would have more freedom over his schedule.
