So the invitation to dinner was about getting me to pay.
This was my daughter.
Even a meal came with a calculation behind it.
In the living room, the three of them were already deciding where to eat, where to go afterward.
Lucia's voice carried the loudest:
"A whole month out and about, my skin's gotten so rough. I need a facial later."
Virginia perked up immediately, eager to please:
"Absolutely, Mom. You must be exhausted from all that traveling. We just made fifteen thousand, so after your facial, you and Jeff should go get a nice massage. Treat yourselves."
Then came Jeffrey's gratified voice:
"Ginny, you really are the sensible one. So much more considerate than your mother."
Once the plan was settled, the three of them couldn't wait to leave.
Virginia cracked the door open, leaning halfway in to remind me:
"Mom, Jeff and I are heading out with his mother and the baby. When you're done packing, make sure you lock up."
"Just leave the key under the doormat."
Lucia hollered from the living room:
"And throw out everything you've used!"
I nodded.
"Okay."
And just like that, the three of them swept out the door with the baby, all smiles.