Some things are best done in person she told herself as she looked for her sneakers. She had just finished a conversation with Jim and the news wasn't good for everyone concerned. While he hadn't "really" been hurt during his recent fight the weather had KO'd his plans to fly back right away.

The new plan was to leave on a flight leaving about 24 hours after his original depature time. That would make every moment count. There would be just enough time for Jim to land in Sydney take a puddle jumper to Coffs and then drive to the Glen in time to get ready for the wedding.

This was not a time for phone calls. She would have to break the news to Toni and Richie herself. Which would mean the distinct possibility of running into Toni's mother Gena. Heading out of the Boarding House and towards Toni and Richie's home Ivy considered her track record with Toni's Mom.

Having been friends with Toni for several years Ivy had met Gena Stanley on several occassions. She felt as though Gena had never really approved of her being Toni's friend. One thing she did approve of was Ivy's then boyfriend David Van Ryan. She wondered if Gena Stanley even knew that she was married. Taking a deep breath she knocked on Toni's front door.

Gena Stanley answered the door. She looked much as Ivy had remembered her dressed to perfection.

"Hello Mrs. Stanley. I'm here to see Toni and Richie are they in?"

"Why Ivy, how nice to see you. I'm afraid they are not at home dear."

"Do you expect them back soon? I do need to talk to them."

"Well they are at Richie's office last I knew. Did you want to come in and wait for them?"

Ivy followed Gena Stanley into the kitchen where Gena offered tea. Gena poured them both a cup before sitting at the kitchen table across from Ivy.

"So Toni tells me you've married. How is David these days?"

Ivy stopped stirring her tea and looked at Toni's mother.

"Yes I am married. I have no idea how David is."

Confused Gena Stanley looked at Ivy.

"I left David a while ago. My husband's name is James Braddock."

Gena turned her attention back to her tea. The noise of someone coming in the house ended the uncomfortable silence between them.

Toni came into the kitchen first followed by Richie. Toni was visibly surprised to see her mother and Ivy sitting together at the kitchen table.

"Ivy what's up have you heard from Jim?" Richie asked to break the obvious the tension.

Rising from her chair Ivy looked at Toni and Richie.

"He did call." she picked up her half full tea cup and took it to the sink and rinsed it out.

Looking back over her shoulder at her friends she weighed her next words carefully.

"Jim's flight back was cancelled due to weather. He has another flight booked but he won't be back until the day of your wedding." Ivy held her breath as she waited for a reaction.