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But tonight, a Thursday, Susie’s was only half filled There were a dozen locals at the long bar, the vacant barstools liketeeth in an otherwise broad s of diners in the main room And no drums

I waved at Lorraine and took the short walk down the corridor past the take-outto the back room I was last to arrive at our table

Cindy stood up to lethand aroundme if I was okay

“I need a drink,” I said

“Hear, hear,” said Claire Her hand was in the air, and Lorraine lass for me and a refill on the pitcher of brew

“What’d I irls

Claire said, “I was just talking about my little one”

“Keep talking,” I said Ruby Rose was four, a child with a big personality

“We were at Target,” Claire said “I aht next to , ‘Rosie, Rosie, Rosie!’ I’ the posters on the telephone poles, and I a panic

“Then, there she is I see her one aisle over Rosie has seen a dress she just has to have She has pulled off aaaall her clothes in the middle of the store except for panties that say ‘Momma’s Girl’”

“There’s a big relief,” I said, feeling it Julie is younger than Rosie, but she has shown potential to live up to a frightening public display like that one

Claire went on

“I say, ‘Rosie, no You can’t get naked in public’

“She says, ‘God likes naked kids’ I say, ‘Please, Rosie Put your clothes on, please’

“She says, loud so everyone in the whole store can hear, ‘Mom, how ’”