never again

Brendan noticed her smile and he couldn’t help but smile back at her. “Hey. Good, I was hoping that you would be.” He started to pull the food out and place it onto the table. “Same. Danny’s was busy but I made time to speak with Arthur. He’s willing to help but Emma needs to go and see him.”

Josie nodded as she listened. “Really?” That was good but she was still so concerned about all of it. “I just wish that woman would go away.”

“Well I’m glad to hear that. I’m also glad that despite everything going on, everyone is doing fine. I can’t imagine what your family is going through right now.” 

“She’s…” Arthur smiled a bit. Even with their complicated relationship, he did love his wife. Her actions just sometimes drove him to need something else. He needed affection that she just sometimes didn’t give him between all the work she invented for herself. “She’s okay, really. Eccentric as usual.” 

Josie wondered suddenly if she should tell Brendan about the Arthur thing soon but that wasn’t fully her secret to tell, was it? Ugh. She smiled lightly, nodding a bit as she glanced down into her coffee cup. “I can imagine...”

She nodded, “I couldn’t agree with you more, I’m just wondering now if maybe whoever this -A is planning something big. Maybe that is why they haven’t done anything.” Michelle told her with a shrug, “ How is Emma doing? And the twins?” 

“Of course, can’t always say no to good company.” 

“Great!”

She gave her friend a bright smile, “ That’s great. I’m glad that you had a wonderful holiday. It’s nice to be able to celebrate something instead of hearing bad news.” 

“Hey I’m not stopping you. I may just have one more after this and then head home.” 

“Sounds like a good plan to me. Want some company?”

“Yes I agree, just things got busy. At least we’ll be able to make up for time though.” She told her before nodding, “ Of course, spent it with my family. Did you?”

Arthur smiled gently and nodded. “-better…” He repeated the word, reaching up to scratch his cheek. “–better is a start anyway.” 

“Yeah... it really is.” Josie nodded. “So, uh... how has Linda been doing?”

She took a sip of her cup and looked at her friend, “ Honestly. I’m so glad we’re doing this. It just feels like forever since the last time we actually hung out.” 

“Ain’t that the truth. I really should start remembering to get some coffee before starting the day, but I’ve been so tired lately from work it just slips out of my mind.” She told her with a chuckle. 

Arthur laughed a bit and nodded. “Babies are quite precious…” He could agree with that. He didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with his granddaughter. He made a mental note that perhaps he should swing by Eric and Imogen’s. If Linda wasn’t around, he might not be completely barred from Brooklyn. “How is Emma?” 

Josie nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah...” She really was glad they were here, all things considered. “She’s... doing okay, I think. Better, anyway. Yeah.”

“Mhm, so do I. I’m seriously considering on getting my number changed so that they don’t call anymore..” She told her before taking the cup. “ Thank you, seriously a lifesaver.” 

“Coffee sounds great actually. And yes, it was just some morons who were trying to sell me things.” 

“God, I hate those people.” She shook her head, moving to fix up some coffees. “Here you go.”

Arthur smiled softly and shrugged his shoulders. “Are you doing anything interesting lately?”

“Other than things at the shop, no... but I have been spending a lot of time with my new little grandchildren and ugh, I’ve missed babies.” She couldn’t help but gush with a little laugh.