Nutty As a Fruitcake Read Online Free

Nutty As a Fruitcake
Book: Nutty As a Fruitcake Read Online Free
Author: Mary Daheim
Pages:
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night! Now there was a noisy nuisance! We had to call the police at least four times.”
    â€œThat was my family.” Judith realized that her eyes had narrowed and her jaw had set. “I believe you’re referring tothe wedding reception for Auntie Vance and Uncle Vince in 1951.”
    Enid glared at Judith. “Did they get married four times? What about your uncle? The one who put the cherry bomb in the barbecue on Independence Day? Every year, I cringe when July rolls around. His antics are completely unnerving.”
    Judith had stopped wondering about sitting down. Now she only wanted to figure out how she could leave without harsh words. “That was Uncle Cliff,” she said stiffly, recalling the puckishness of Renie’s father. “He’s been dead for twenty years.”
    Enid was obviously startled but quickly regained her aplomb. “I should think so!”
    Judith sighed. “Look, I know you don’t feel up to coming to our meeting tonight. We’re going to discuss outdoor Christmas decorations. I thought it would be nice for all of us in the cul-de-sac to put up some lights or something this year. Would you like to join in?”
    A contemptuous look crossed Enid’s face. “Christmas? What about the Steins? They’re Jewish. Mrs. Swanson is Japanese. I’ve never known the Ericsons to attend any church. And the Porters are Negroes! What does Christmas mean to any of those people?”
    Having forgotten that Enid Goodrich was impossible, Judith surrendered. “Okay, forget it. I won’t impose any longer. Good-bye, Mrs. Goodrich.” Judith gave George an apologetic little smile. “Sorry I bothered you.”
    George’s long face had fallen so far that it looked as if his chin could touch the top button on his worn cardigan. “Yes, well, it’s no bother. Except that…”
    â€œGeorge!” Enid’s sharp voice cut through the slightly stale air. “Get my pain medicine! It’s after four! And put ice in the water this time. It was lukewarm at noon.”
    â€œYes, dear.” George wore his air of resignation like an albatross. Back in the kitchen, he headed straight for the cupboard. Judith glimpsed a vast array of pharmaceutical bottles. “Enid suffers so from her arthritis,” George explained as he peered at the various labels. “Headaches, too. And her stomach gives her fits. It’s so hard to fix food that won’t upset her.”
    â€œThat’s too bad,” Judith said, her usual sympathy at a low ebb. “Thanks, George. I’ll see you later.” She reached for the doorknob.
    â€œUh…” George was running the tap water. “Last year you…ah…brought over some really wonderful little cookies. And candy. I was…um…wondering if…well, Enid can’t eat sweets as a rule, but…er…”
    Taking in the pitiful old face, Judith smiled. “Of course. I usually make spritz cookies and fudge about two weeks before Christmas. My mother does her divinity and penuche about that time, too. We’ll be sure to see that you get some, okay?”
    George returned the smile, his tired gray eyes lighting up behind the thick glasses. “That’s very kind of you, Judith. And your mother, too. Thank you. At year’s end, I still help with the meat packing company’s books. They get so busy, you see. It’s nice to have a little something to nibble on when you’re working into the wee hours. It’s not just an indulgence—it’s good for me, when my ulcers act up.” George glanced away, as if embarrassed by his frailty as well as his industriousness. He probably was unsettled, Judith thought, no doubt because Enid resented any attention being expended on anyone but her. “And…uh…” he went on, nervously looking at Judith once more, “I’m sorry we couldn’t be more…helpful.”
    So
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