Chapter 26
When everyone deemed themselves full and finished eating, the women began the cleanup process. Mounds of dirty dishes needing to be washed lined the countertops, along with leftover food to be packed away. The women chatted as they worked. Contrary to what she'd anticipated when she'd arrived, she found herself thoroughly enjoying the company. The banter and interaction between JoAnn and the daughters-in-law, Carolyn, Susan, and Sandi, was relaxed and comfortable. The women included her in the conversation as if she belonged there. It felt nice, feeling part of a family during the holiday season, or any other time for that matter.
As the women worked, they sipped on some champagne. They'd just about finished cleaning up the kitchen by the time they finished the second bottle. The conversation turned giddy - perhaps the alcohol helped. When the clean-up ceased, they pulled out a deck of cards and started playing Sheepshead.