“We got Tom and Natalie together,” said Scarlett, “and so Gabi’s job is finished.”
“Are you going to go undercover in every situation where people need Gabi’s assistance?” asked Uncle Alec.
“Who knows?” said Gran, darting a glance at her friend. “We haven’t discussed it yet, but it was definitely an interesting experience.”
“Yeah, I feel invigorated,” Scarlett agreed.
“It’s nice to be needed, especially at our age,” said Gran.
“Oh, if you’re looking for a job, you can always work for me,” said Charlene. “My secretary is always complaining I give her too much to do. So you could give her a hand.”
“Or you could work for me,” said Marge. “There’s always work at the library.”
“No, thanks,” said Gran. “Like I said, Tex needs me. And I’m sure pretty soon another interesting letter will come in for Gabi, and then Scarlett and I can work our magic once more. We’re getting pretty good at this stuff, aren’t we, honey?”
“Absolutely,” said Scarlett. “And I like this a lot better than the neighborhood watch business.” She touched her face. “A girl needs her beauty sleep, and the watch was cutting into my sleep.”
“Same here,” said Gran, as she yawned and stretched.
“Well, I’m glad to hear it,” said Uncle Alec, who had never been a big fan of the neighborhood watch. “Police business should be handled by trained professionals only, not by amateurs like you,” he admonished his mother and her friend.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” said Gran. She darted a glance at her son-in-law and lowered her voice. “So is everything all right with you guys?”
Marge nodded.“Absolutely,” she said. “In fact things have never been better.”
“Good to know,” said Gran, settling back. “Looks like all’s well that ends well.”
And as we watched from our perch on the porch, we saw how Charlene held up her copy ofGlimmer, then handed it to Uncle Alec. A silent communication passed between the couple, and moments later Charlene excused herself and removed herself from the select company, soon followed by Uncle Alec.
Marge picked up the magazine and checked the article Charlene had been reading.“15 More Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life,” she read, then darted a keen look in her husband’s direction.
I closed my eyes for just a few moments, but when I opened them again, Marge and Tex were gone, and Odelia was reading that same article. She handed it to Chase, who grinned and whispered,“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” And before I knew it, they were heading through the opening in the hedge, hand in hand like a couple of lovebirds, and skedaddled!
“Where did all the humans go?” asked Harriet, who had noticed the same phenomenon.
“Uncle Alec and Charlene are in those bushes over there,” said Dooley, who had kept his eyes peeled. “Marge and Tex went into the house. And Odelia and Chase went home.”
The only ones left were Gran and Scarlett. And Grace, of course, who was studying a flower, and ripping off its petals, possibly playing a game of‘He loves me, he loves me not.’
Gran and Scarlett shared a look of satisfaction.“That article you wrote is a big hit,” Gran said, picking up the magazine.
“Of course it is,” said Scarlett. “I could write a dozen articles like that.”
“You know? I think I could get used to this.”
“What?”
“Well, spreading sweetness and light, you know.”
“Me too. I like making people happy. It makes me feel good inside.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. I say from now on we focus on the business of spreading joy and happiness in the world.”
“Hear, hear.”
“Who else can we make happy?”
They both thought for a moment.
“Marcie and Ted from next door?” Scarlett suggested.
“They seem happy enough,” said Gran sadly.
“Kurt Mayfield?” Scarlett said, referring to Odelia and Chase’s neighbor.
“Nobody likes a lost cause,” Gran grumbled.
Then I happened to catch Gran’s eye, and I could see her eyes widen as an idea struck that buzzing brain of hers.
“No,” I said immediately. “No way.”
“Shanille is single,” said Gran, perking up.
“Please leave me alone,” I said.
“And so are dozens of other nice girls.”
“Absolutely not!” I cried, hopping down from the porch.
“Maybe Max is gay,” Scarlett said. “Or maybe he likes dogs.”
“I’m not gay, and I don’t like dogs!” I yelled, starting to panic.
“Why don’t you let us set you up on a nice date, mh?” said Gran.
“I don’t want a date!” I cried, looking for a way out of this nightmare.
“I like dates, Max,” said Dooley. “They’re sweet and contain lots of fiber.”
“Come with me, Dooley,” I said urgently, as I started removing myself from the scene. “If you know what’s good for you, you will come with me right now! And whatever you do, don’t look into their eyes!”
“Max! Dooley!” Gran yelled. “Come back here! Let us spice up your life! It’s what we do!”