Chapter 47

“Y’know, for someone who claims he doesn’t lie well, you did a pretty good job.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I lifted the lid of the tin.

“That wasn’t meant as a compliment.”

“I know.” I grinned at him, and then looked at the cookies. “I’m willing to bet these are Chips Ahoy.”

Dad groaned. “I wouldn’t be surprised. Marian Wilson and an oven are distant acquaintances. Before you meet Jimmy tomorrow, would you mind stopping at the store and picking up something for her? We’ll have to get her a gift in return.”

“Not a problem, Dad. We could have given her the cannolis.”

“Unfortunately, there were none left.”

“Yeah. What do you think? A box of Russell Stover?”

“Sounds good. I’ll give you the money for it.”

“No, I’ve got this one. But you can bring it to her.”

“All right. As the dad, I’ll do this.”

* * * *

And so the next morning I stopped at the local Walgreens and found a big box of Russell Stover chocolates that was on clearance.