The four finished the delicious lunch that Gram had prepared.
“Hey, Josh,” said Ashley. “Why don’t we ride into town and ask Fred about the ring?”
“Sounds good to me, “ said Josh. “I’ll run home and get my bicycle. Meet me at my house in about 15 minutes.”
“O.k.” said Ashley.
“Thank you for the great lunch, Mrs. Waterford,” said Josh as he got up from the table.
“You’re very welcome,” said Gram. “Now get on your way! Kelly and I will do the dishes.” Kelly started to protest and then Gram continued, “We’ll do the dishes before we go to the beach.”
Kelly smiled and yelled, “Yipee!”
After Josh left, Ashley kissed her grandmother on the cheek and said, “Thanks for making lunch, Gram. It was delicious! I’ll help clear the table while Josh walks to his house.”
“O.k., dear,” said Gram. “We can use all the help we can get!”
Ashley took the plates from the table and put them in the sink. Gram washed and rinsed the dishes and Kelly stood ready with the towel to dry them.
“Kel, be careful with those dishes,” said Ashley. “Mom wouldn’t like it if any of them got broken!”
“I know,” said Kelly. “I’ll be very, very careful!” She carried a plate back to the table to dry it.
“You don’t have to be extremely careful,” said Gram with a wink. “These aren’t your mother’s good dishes!”
“Gram!” said Ashley with a huff. “Don’t tell her that!”
“Don’t worry,” said Kelly. “I’m being screamly careful!’
“Silly goose,” said Ashley with a laugh. “The word is extremely!”
“Well, whatever it is,” answered Kelly. “I’m being it!”
“We can finish these dishes,” said Gram to Ashley. “Why don’t you go and meet Josh?”
“O.k.,” said Ashley as she went to her backpack, took out her favorite NY Mets baseball cap and put it on her head. She put her backpack on her back, kissed her grandmother’s cheek again and said, “Have fun on the beach!”
“We will, dear,” said Gram. “I can’t wait to find out if Fred knows anything about that ring!”
“Me, too,” said Ashley. “I’d better be sure that Josh has it in his backpack! I’ll see you later!”
