Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Abbey, all smiles, continued, "You know, Norris and his wife have that huge mansion, right? We could easily fit all the relatives there! It's got multiple floors, lavish decorations, central heating, you name it even sleeping on the floor wouldn't feel too shabby there!"

"And it's not just about fitting a dozen or so people; we could squeeze in even more! Plus, the back door of their Riverside Mansion is just a stone's throw away from the hotel where the reception is being held. It's perfect; we'd even save on transportation!"

The more Abbey chewed on it, the more she dug the idea, nodding like crazy to herself.

She seemed to forget that her place was in the same neighborhood and would have been just as suitable.

Finally, Norris found his chance to chime in.

He'd tried to get a word in edgewise a few times before, either getting cut off or interrupted just as he was about to speak-

"I was actually thinking the same thing. Since my older brothers aren't available, I talked it over with Madge, and we decided to host the relatives at our place."

It was just for three days, after all.

Once Grandma laid down the law, and with Abbey being slippery as an eel, Madge, though reluctant, had no choice but to agree.

It wasn't that she looked down on country folks; she was just in the middle of brainstorming her new book. She had already discussed the outline with Stoner and was currently fine-tuning it. She was used to a quiet working environment, so the inconvenience was palpable.

But it wasn't like she couldn't manage. Madge assured, "Mom, don't worry. We'll take good care of the relatives and friends."

...

As Madge drove, she said,

"...The relatives from back home are already settled in at our place. Your dad's tied up playing host and couldn't spare the time, so I came to pick you up."

Roseanne nodded, "Mom, I hardly ever see you drive, but you're pretty good at it."

She hadn't yet realized the gravity of the situation.

Madge lifted her chin, "Of course! I pick things up fast!"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

...

Riverside Mansion.

"Norris, this place is yours?! My goodness, talk about living large!"

The elderly woman speaking was all wrinkles and white hair, looking to be about Joie's age, but in terms of family hierarchy, Norris would have to call her "Great-Aunt."

"Wow! Is that a lamp? And is it wrapped in feathers? Must be plucked from a big goose, right? Odd, but oddly fascinating! Where the switch? I want to turn it Huhat's just a regular lamp after all? And here I thought the feathers would make it brighter!"

Norris was already breaking a sweat: "The... The feathers are just for decoration, don't really do anything..."

"Why decorate it with feathers if they don't do anything?"

"

"I

"Ah! Look at this vase... Seems pretty nice. I remember your grandpa's place used to have

l

calendars, vases, and such, but none as nice as this. Must've cost a pretty penny, huh?"

Great-Aunt Martha's teeth were all gone, making her speech a bit airy, but it didn't stop her from poking around and giving her two cents on everything she saw.

"Come here, Wade, there's snacks! Weren't you just saying you were hungry? Help yourself; with Norris living in such a big place, he surely won't mind spending a bit on

snacks" She turned and ret

for her grandson before giving

Norris a beaming smile, "Right, my boy?"

"Absolutely, make yourselves at home."

Martha was used to country living, and arriving two days early at the host's house for the banquet meant summoning the whole clan.

After all, with room and board covered and a chance to enjoy city luxuries, who would refuse?

Maddox had struck gold a few years back, starting his own business and raking in the cash. He'd moved his parents to the city to take care of them.

And Irving, the second son, wasn't doing too badly either, with a secure job at the electric company and a marriage to the boss' daughter.