After watching my mother disappear into the train station, I turned and went home.
When I pushed the door open, my mother-in-law was on the phone, chattering away, all smiles and full of energy.
Dirk glanced at me and said, offhand, "You see your mom off?"
"Yes."
He nodded. "Good. One less freeloader in the house, that's some peace and quiet."
Ha.
A man who'd had everything handed to him for eighteen years, all thanks to my mother, calling the woman who'd broken her back for this family a freeloader?
Truly laughable.
Before I could say anything, Trina hung up, drew herself up like the head of the household, and delivered her announcement from on high.
"Corinne, Dirk and I talked it over. We're having all the relatives over tomorrow for a get-together."
"After all, I spent so many years back home nursing my bad back. I never got much of a chance to see everyone."
"Now that I've finally come to the city for my retirement, we ought to have a proper gathering with the family."
"I've already called every last one of them. They're all coming over for dinner tomorrow."
"Make sure you get the house cleaned up, and cook a big spread to entertain them."
As if worried I might refuse, Dirk chimed in gently right away.
"Corinne, I know work keeps you busy and your time's tight, and cooking for a whole houseful might be too much for you. So I already went ahead and asked your boss to give you the day off."
"Tomorrow I'll take Mom out with the relatives to show them around first, so you'll have plenty of time to get everything ready."
"Mom's back is only just starting to recover. She really can't overexert herself, so I'll have to trouble you with this."
Watching Dirk put on that fake show of reluctant sympathy, I smiled and said, giving nothing away, "It's no trouble."
"I'll be sure to take good care of everyone."
Seeing that I didn't refuse, both Trina and Dirk looked at me the way you'd look at prey that had finally been tamed.
The next morning, at the first gray light of dawn.
Trina was already up, dressing and fixing her hair.
Then, brisk and full of energy, she reminded me:
"Corinne, Dirk and I are off to pick up the relatives. You're on your own here, so remember to clean the place and cook plenty."
"Don't you dare slack off and embarrass the James family."
I nodded obediently.
"Don't worry. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Seeing how meek I was, Dirk and Trina exchanged a smile.
I smiled too.
They were laughing at how stupid I was.
I was laughing at how naive they were.
