Page 37 of Emeric

“Has he?” Sylvan asked with a warm smile. “Every year I try to find a new herb to grow, but nothing has caught my eye yet. Do you have any suggestions?”

“What about tulsi?”

“Oh, I haven’t thought about that. I’ll have to do some research. Great idea.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

“What’s up, Mom?” Oleander interjected. “I know you didn’t call to talk about herbs with Sylvan.”

“How could you possibly know that? You’re not in my head. You don’t hear or see what I do.”

“Did you have a question?”

She sighed. “Come over for dinner on Saturday, all of you.”

“Are you celebrating something?” Sylvan asked.

“I don’t know. Am I?”

“Oh, you’re good.” I chuckled. “Very well played.”

“Thank you, Emeric. Can you join us?”

“Tell me what time and I’ll clear my schedule.”

“How does seven work for all of you? Your brother already declined, Ollie.”

“Brother?” I asked.

“Sheldon.”

I nodded.

“I’ll be there, Mom. What about you, Syl? We can pick you up.” Then he hit the mute button on the phone. “You don’t have to go. Don’t let her pressure you.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Oleander hit the button to unmute it.

“I’ll be there,” Sylvan said. “Is there anything I can bring?”

“How about a side dish?” Oleander’s mom suggested. “I’ll let you decide what. Don’t worry about it complementing what we’re making. I still haven’t decided yet.”

“Sounds good.”

I wasn’t sure what I could contribute, but I would think of something. It wouldn’t be food. Maybe a nice plant since they were talking about herbs. I had a feeling flowers would be well received, but not as much as a plant that would grow and thrive.

“I’ll see you all then,” his mom said.

“Bye, Mom.” He ended the call. “Thank you for coming. It’ll be an experience, I can guarantee that. We’ll have to confirm we’re together. If we don’t, she’ll drag it out of me one way or another. She probably already knows.”

“I wonder how long it would take her to ask,” I said curiously. Would she burst with the need to ask us about who we were to each other? It sounded like she enjoyed having fun.

Oleander smiled. “I like the way you think.”

“Your mom is going to joke with us, isn’t she?”

“Absolutely.”