It was Tuesday morning about ten o'clock when Barb's telephone rang. She put down the armload of dirty towels from the previous weekend's party and answered.
"Hi Barb, it's Katherine. How are you?"
"Oh, hi Katherine. I'm great! I've been doing laundry and picking up the place, so your call is a welcome break."
Katherine chuckled. "Sounds familiar. I wanted to see if you and Ken were going to be available this next weekend. Hank and I are coming your way again and we were both hoping we could spend some time with you again."
"Funny you should call. We were just talking about you guys last Sunday. Ted and Emily were here, and we've added Al and Linda, the neighbors behind us to our parties," Barb replied. "I told them you were due for another visit pretty soon."
"How nice," Katherine replied warily. "You didn't tell the new couple everything did you?"
"Pretty much," Barb giggled in return. "They really fit right in after their first visit and after they had a heart-to-heart talk."
"So, what are they like?" Katherine asked excitedly.
"Well, Linda is a tall blonde...a real blonde, and she's very cute. Al is a big guy and good looking in a brawny kind of way. Oh, and he'll give Hank a run for his money in the equipment department!"
"Really?" Katherine purred. "Sounds like we might enjoy meeting them too. How are Emily and Ted?"
"Just fine," Barb said. "We ended up at their place last Sunday, looking at pictures in their home theater room. That got everybody overheated again," Barb added with a chuckle. "Will you and Hank be free all weekend?"
"Yep, Hank has conferences on Thursday and Friday and we are stuck for dinner Friday night, but then we're available."
"I know," Barb mused, "why don't you and Hank check out of the hotel and come to our house after dinner on Friday. We have plenty of room. We can have a nightcap together and you'll be here for breakfast on Saturday morning."
"Gosh, Barb, that sounds great! I know Hank would like that. Are you sure we wouldn't be imposing on you?"
"Just the opposite. We'll be looking forward to seeing you both again. You will have to help me with preparations for the get-together though. I can use some help."
"You've got a deal, girl," Katherine agreed. I'll ask Hank to make some of his famous Bloody Marias to help us get things rolling. He makes them nice and spicy. We'll bring the tequila! I think we can get away and be at your house by eleven o'clock on Friday."
A few more minutes of girl talk followed before Barb put the phone down and continued her chores. Before the next load of laundry was done, Barb's telephone rang again.
*****
"Hello, Barb, this is Ann, from next door. I was wondering if you might have time this afternoon to come over for a cup of tea...or something."
"Hi Ann. I'm glad you called. We haven't talked in quite a while have we? Is something wrong?"
"No, not really. Nothing like that," Ann stammered. "I just wanted to chat with you about some things and today seemed like a good time to do it."
"Sure, Ann, I'll be through with my chores by lunchtime. How about meeting for tea around two o'clock?"
"That will be fine," Ann replied. "I have to go to the store, but I'll be back before two."
"Are you sure there's nothing wrong, Ann?" Barb quizzed. "You sound like you are concerned about something."
"No, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to talk to you about something is all. See you at two."
Barb sat for a few moments. Ann and Carl lived next door, but they had never become close friends. They always waved when they saw each other, but both Carl and Ann seemed quiet and always busy with their work. It seemed strange that Ann would call and invite her just to chat over tea. Barb shook her head, then went on with her housework. Now she needed to finish up in time for an early 'tea time.'
Barb donned a respectable outfit and fixed her hair and makeup. At two o'clock, she walked next door and rang Ann's doorbell. The long chime was followed by Ann's greeting. Barb stepped inside. She realized that it was only the third time she had been in Ann's home!
"Let's have our tea in the sun room," Ann suggested as she led the way through the spacious den. "I love the sun room."