“
Oooo, I love attics.” Ashley gave a little squirm of anticipation. “Maybe your grandpa has some old trunks up there, do you think? Like attics in the movies? With clothes and old hats and those dressmaker dummies?”
Roo drew on her cigarette. “You’re looking for dummies? Don’t tempt me, Ash.”
“Well, as tempting as it is to continue this fascinating and stimulating discussion”--Parker grimaced--“I’ve got to get home.” Standing, he pulled Ashley up with him. “I guess we’ll see y’all later?”
As the others got to their feet, Ashley gave Miranda a tight hug. “We’re coming tonight. You know, to the wake.”
Miranda, once more, was touched. “Look, you guys, I appreciate it--really. But you don’t have to. It’s going to be so depressing.”
“We’re coming,” Roo said.
“Yeah, Roo likes depressing,” Parker insisted. “She’ll feel right at home.”
“Parker, that’s so rude,” Ashley scolded him. “This isn’t anything to joke about.”
“Right. Sorry.”
The last to leave, Gage paused on the top step to look back at her. “We’ll be there.
”
”