"Well, after your late night with Marv last nightโ"
Fear suddenly gripped Lauren in her bowels.
With a grin, George said, "He said you and he had a nice long talk last night. But no, you didn't oversleep. The others have all left for school, and I'm about to, also. Just wanted to let you know."
"Oh, okay." Lauren was suddenly relieved.
But George still seemed uneasy. "Uh, well, make yourself at home and, uh, please respect our privacy."
Now, Lauren easily read between the lines. "George, I wouldn't disrespect your kindness and hospitality by snooping around. That
is
what we're taking about, isn't it?"
Looking even more uncomfortable, he said, "I was asked to mention that."
"I understand. Don't worry."
"There's a house key on the kitchen counter if you decide you want to go somewhere."
"Thanks."
Lauren remained in bed for several minutes since she had been abruptly awakened. When she finally set feet on the floor, after a quick visit to the bathroom, she went downstairs without dressing, assuming no one was home, and to make certain no one was, to get a cup of coffee.
Had George not said what he did, it might or might not have occurred to Lauren to look around, but there was really nothing such activity would produce that she was interested in knowing, so there was no need to. It also occurred to her that there might be security cameras, although none were obvious.
Back upstairs, she went through her morning routine, this morning even applying make-up, a button shirt and short jean skirt. George saying she might want to go somewhere put an idea in her mind to drive around the city, maybe even grab lunch somewhere, after doing her laundry.
Clothes washed, dried, folded and ironed a few hours later, Lauren hopped in her car. She made sure to log their address into her iPhone in case she got lost. She passed all three schools to see where George, Nancy and Josh worked, then had lunch at a fast food chicken place. Beyond that, there was nothing remarkable about the town. It was a quaint, out-of-the-way place for people who wanted a quiet life.
In the afternoon, Lauren flipped through the channels on TV. She'd have to remember to ask tonight what they wanted for dinner tomorrow so she could have it ready when they all returned home.
Late in the afternoon, Lizzie and Marv came home with big grins on their faces.
When she saw them, Lauren asked, "You guys rob a bank or something?"
Their smiles quickly changed to frowns of incomprehension.
"You two look so happy," Lauren explained, "like if something good just happened."
"Well, I guess in a manner of speaking it is something good," Lizzie agreed.
Marv picked it up. "It's Monday nightโ"
"Well, that certainly
is
something to be excited about!" Lauren joked.
After polite chuckles, Lizzie explained, "The school board meets on Mondays. Mom, George and Josh usually attend. We have the house all to ourselves for a few hours!"
Fairly certain she knew what that meant, Lauren messed with them some more. "So, we have to cook for ourselves?"
"Fuck
no," Marv said excitedly. "We send out for
pizza!"
"Mmmm. I haven't had good pizza since leaving New York," Lauren told them.
"Well, this is just one of the pizza chains," Lizzie informed her. "So, don't get too excited."
"Better than none," Lauren remarked with a smirk of mock enthusiasm.
"What do you like on your pizza?"
"Whatever you guys normally get will be fine."
Lizzie pulled out her cell, called and ordered. "So, what did you do all day?"
Lauren gave her a brief play by play description of her activities while Lizzie opened a bottle of red wine. She poured herself and Lauren each a glass.
They discussed Lizzie and Marv's college and the possibility that Lauren could finish her education there. It was suggested Lauren accompany them on Wednesday to check it out. She agreed.
By then, the pizza arrived, and they all sat at the breakfast table to eat. It wasn't as bad as Lauren had anticipated, but she restricted herself to just a couple of pieces.
"So, did you two have fun last night?"
Marv suddenly looked guilty. Lauren was coming to expect this kind of familiarity amongst these siblings, so the question didn't really come as a surprise.
"I'm sure Marv gave you a play by play description," Lauren pointed out.
Looking embarrassed for being called out, Lizzie admitted, "Uh, well, yeah, he did. I'm almost jealous he said you were so good. I was just wondering how it was for you."
"It was good.
He
was good."
"Does it bother you that my brothers and I talk about this?" Lizzie wanted to know.
Lauren shrugged. "You did tell me up front that the three of you were open with each other. So, I guess if I don't want any of you to know what I'm doing I shouldn't do it."
"I'm sorry," Lizzie offered. "It's just how we are." She grinned. "But I won't lie. I wish I could have seen it."
"You mean, you weren't standing outside the door?"
Her "no" was hesitant, creating doubt in Lauren's mind.