A Brotherly Visit

Richie had taken Mike to Sydney they were going to watch the Rabbitoh’s play. Toni opted to stay home and give them some time together to do guy things. She’d been to the sidewalk sale and came in with her bags kicking off her shoes as she went down the hall. Toni was thinking coffee and some of the lemon cake she’d bought at Lucy’s. After putting the pot to drip she went and checked her email answered a few and was leaning back in her desk chair when she heard the car drive up. Not expecting anyone she went to the window. She didn’t recognize the car but the occupant she did. Running to the front door she opened it before he knocked.

"Gerry…how good to see you come in.’

"I hope this is not a bad time?" he kissed her on both cheeks.

"Not at all I’ve nothing to do but drink coffee and eat cake will you join me?"

"Yes I would like that," Gerry followed her down the hall to the kitchen.

"Just pick a place we aren’t doing fancy today," Toni pulled out cups and plates and served up the coffee and lemon cake.

"I’m glad you’ve come…any particular reason?"

"Well…I wanted to talk with you…become more um acquainted," he smiled

"I should apologize for my behavior at dinner last week. I got angry with Dad."

"I think you are too hard on him Toni…I missed nothing growing up you know. Where is Richie?"

"He’s gone to Sydney with Mike, his son…I thought you and Dad were going to the game."

"He had plans for this evening so I come here…I think I like it here with my sister."

Toni smiled, "that’s sweet Gerry…can you stay for dinner…something simple?"

"With cake?" he asked?

"Oh well this was going to be my dinner…we’ll just have dessert first. You are due to go back soon aren’t you?

"I will have to go back but maybe not for long. I called my superior and there is a good chance I will get a posting here in Australia."

"Oh I hope so Gerry…that would be neat." Finishing her cake she pushed her plate back

"This is very good did you make it?" He asked

"Oh no once Lucy’s bakery opened I gave up I can’t top what she does. Tell me where do you live in Paris are you still at home?"

"At home no I have a small apartment."

"Would you keep it if you came here?"

"Yes…I never know where I will be sent so it’s good to have a…ah…base home."

Toni smiled at his struggle for translation. "You think in French don’t you?"

Gerry laughed, "I do…it’s my language."

Toni shook her head, "it seems so strange…but never mind now that I’ve met you I’m really glad to have another brother. So what do you do when you aren’t translating?"

"I go out with friends…I don’t know what do I do…I read ah listen to music…I play guitar and piano…do you play?"

"Piano I took lessons for years but you see I don’t have one…I don’t know why that is," Toni frowned, "I haven’t played since I left home. What kind of music do you like?"

"Most all music…classic…popular songs and you I know you have your work and your husband and you cook what else?"

"I garden and speaking of cooking…it’s pasta and whatever I can find to throw in it and a salad will that be okay?"

"You don’t have to cook Toni."

"You’re right I don’t," she had almost forgotten, "we’ll go out Andy’s At The Glen is opening tonight and I really wanted to be there."

Andy’s…Gerry looked at her quietly for a moment, "our father will be there he has…ah..a friend."

Toni’s eyes widened, "a friend…okay…I wouldn’t miss it for the world, get your jacket on, I’m looking for my shoes."