When Sam had picked me up, I offered to grab something if he was willing to stop at the store. He said no, the celebration is to spend all day cooking, and then feasting at the end. So they had me helping in the kitchen, lots of chopping things and cleaning dishes as we went. I didn't mind at all, it was a lot of fun and we talked and had a great time. In the back yard, Sam also had a grill going that he kept at low temperature and smoked a chicken and some pork ribs along with corn on the cob. The chicken and ribs had been rubbed down with their own spices the night before, and then we had a couple of dipping sauces that Sam whipped together. While he was out doing that, I was helping Candace to made a couple of loaves of bread. When the bread went in, Candace also put in four large potatoes to cook with them. Then on the stove we had rice pilaf, and artichokes. And while all that was cooking, we were stuffing mushrooms which went in right after the bread came out.
Max had joined us in time to help make cupcakes and frosting for dessert. The cupcakes went in about an hour after we'd started eating, that way they came out and cooled down just enough to eat warm, the frosting melting over them like a glaze. Just a fantastic meal.
I should note that just before Sam picked me up, I had a dizzy spell. Back to the third day after the last one, and oddly enough both happened about the same time of day. Checking the last one I had, it was 11:26, this one was 11:41. Not that it's exactly regular, but I think that's the closest to regular I've ever had. It's weird though, if I'm not having them around noontime, I'm having them just as I'm getting to sleep, or before I'd wake up. Not sure what to make of it, or if I even should.
I avoided the subject of Max until I got to Candace's, and then while Sam was outside I confirmed with her that it was okay for Max to join us. Candace thought it was a great idea, she was always willing to make more friends. She said Sam had advised against having Max over until he could get to know her better, but he left the decision up to her. Both of us think his behavior has been really odd. Like, overprotective or something. Which is just strange considering he'd come to me so readily. He didn't know me that well and he was already inviting me over. Of course, he was inviting me over to calm Candace down. I didn't mention that part to her.
It makes me wonder if he'd ever have invited me in if I hadn't had such an effect on Candace. I asked how he was when I wasn't around, and she said he was fine. He was attentive enough when she'd ask him for things, but she didn't always know what to ask for and he didn't seem to think of those things on his own. He did stop bringing his parents by, though Candace wondered why he'd ever brought them by in the first place. She suspected it was mostly them pressuring him to do so. They used their time here to look down at her and proselytize. If they couldn't make her their perfect daughter in law, they'd drive her away so they could claim the house for themselves. She hadn't ever visited their place, but from Sam's description this house would be a step up for them. It'd be a step up for my parents and I too. I asked if she knew why they had stopped coming, if they were determined to push her out? Candace said the last time they'd come, she met them at the door with her cat. He didn't take too kindly to them at all.
As soon as she brought the cat up, she said "That reminds me." She then walked over to the table and pulled out his favorite chair which he was curled up on. I half expected him to grab for her like he had me, but no, he just looked up after the table was cleared. Then Candace told him they were expecting my friend Max, and he was to remain on his best behavior. If he couldn't do that he needed to stay in the bedroom or go outside till the morning.
He didn't react any more than any other cat, just curled back up into a ball, and Candace pushed the chair back under the table. I didn't see him the rest of the night. It was the weirdest thing. I could almost feel him watching me all night though. When Max went to pull his chair out I about had a heart attack, but he wasn't to be found.
So while we ate Candace showed Max the same regal treatment she had shown the people at the memorial service. Max ate it up, but I was starting to wonder if Candace was putting Max at arms length since I had seen her do it before. Sam was nice enough when he was included, but he kept his mouth shut the whole night otherwise. It actually made me think of how I was acting at the memorial, just quiet and observant. Even his presence was gone. After dinner, Sam cleaned up while we continued to talk, then he served the cupcakes and refreshed everyone's drink. Once our dessert was finished he set about cleaning everything up and insisted that we enjoy our company.
I guess Max was feeling pretty good about everything. She brought up Halloween before dessert was even served. Candace had a lot of questions and said it sounded like a lot of fun. She didn't recognize the story, nor did she remember ever seeing any of the movies, so she wasn't sure what exactly we were planning on doing. Of course, once Max and I heard that we were both insisting on a movie night so she could see the movie at least. That was agreed upon, and since Max and I have plans for next week, we'll watch the movie on Friday night. But Max and I will have to leave early so we can get to the tournament the next day.
Which had lead us into a whole other conversation about the Roller Derby. I had tried to explain it when last I'd talked to Candace about it. But since I was going to be recording the tourney for her I didn't spend a lot of effort on my explanation. Max though, Max like to explain Roller Derby, and she did so in her very animated fashion.
Unfortunately with me having work tomorrow, and Max having school, we both had to go. Max was good enough not to drink, and she took me home. I did make sure to apologize to Sam for not helping with the cleaning, but he said it was fine, he was happy to do it. It did mean though that I didn't get a chance to ask what Candace, and I guess Sam too, thought about Max. They seemed to hit it off well enough, but like I said, Candace was giving Max the regal treatment. So I know Max enjoyed herself, and she said so many times on the way home. But Candace never did commit to joining us for our costume. So I don't know.
And as quiet as Sam was, Max was totally taken with him. She thought he was the hottest thing this side of the sun, and if nothing else she wanted to spend more time with Candace if it meant she got to spend more time around him. I don't know, I've just always associated him with Candace. The first time I'd seen him, he was picking her up off the floor. And with as overprotective as he is of her, I don't think Max'd ever have a chance.
Anyway, I'm home now, tired, stuffed, and content. I have work in the morning though, so I should really get to bed.
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