#bergen_county

Karel sees the kids going at it, then with a look of sympathy for Piper at what she's about to get on HER side, he adds, "Suffice to say I'm agreeable ,if it will help my kids get hobbies they love."

"As long as they are safe and intact, they can do ride alongs, and I'd say an hourly basis equal to tutoring time, to be hashed out as needed?"

Her eyes are so hopeful. and tired, so, so tired. Her gaze begs him to remember the days when his hellions - er, beloved offspring was young, toddling, and sticking fingers into light sockets.

"And no go on the redcap... sorry but I'm so bad in the kitchen that even Dirk won't eat my cooking."

"Oh shoot, well, I can cook for your kids no problem, nothing fancy.. how old did you say they were?"

"Two and a half..." And she shows him pictures on her phone.

The cutest damn twins you ever did see.

Are they cuter than a dove chick?

coooo ter?

"Aww, adorable. I always wanted twins, but my wife threatened me with a Moob8ter or whatever that device is called and I decided maybe no." He looks at her, "Tell you what, I'm a total stranger to you, but my kids are old enough and big enough to let them run wild. If you like, for the next three hours, I can watch your twins either here at my house, or at your place. Which ever makes you feel safer about a stranger. The first one is on the house. Then if you still want to do this trade, we do it. You look like you need some wilder time."

Spoken like a kindly grump who rememembers his own wilder says.

She looks to Amity, "So, there's really only one issue left." She gives Amity a looooong look.

Having stolen the phone to look. "Oh, they're babies."

"The babiest."

"Mmm?"

"Which is the better name, the Treblemakers or the Clef Hangers? Aca-Fellas was nixwed by the gals, and MY suggestion of Chordially Yours was rejected, we told Etsie that "Pitch, Please" was too cheeky, so we haven't been able to order shirts yet.

"Ooo, those are good ones." Mr. Novak admits. "Hard choice."

"There's also 'Note Worthy, the Notables, and Choir of the Wild, but I had to narrow it down."

"I would never be a Treblemaker."

Egon finds kids younger and cuter than him boring so doesn't look at the phone.

A GRIN at Amity. "Then we'll give it a go. Hey, don't swipe left on that photo gallery, trust me." plucking the phone back.

"Egon how about you come by the Studio later and try out a couple instruments, see what fits?"

"I would LOVE to teach you drums, but I would hate to sell your dad a drum set, even subsidized, only to find out your heart says Trumpet."

"Oo, okay! Thanks!" Egon perks up and looks at his dad. His dad nods.

"Do you know your scales, Amity? Do re mis?"

"She does like musicals," A grin of pride from her father as he tossles his daughter's feather head.

"I know the fa-so-las, but I dunno about that other nonsense." She does hit the three notes as she says them. A pleasant enough voice - nothing special, but on key and sweet.

"You have potential." A smile. "It's up to you how far you want to take it. Part time hobby, full time obsession, or life long dream, it's up to you."

"Some things are better in a flock?"

Piper considers this, then nods, "I'll introduce you, and you can see if you fit, or if we're birds of a feather. Capice?"

She giggles and flicks the tip of her nose with a fingertip - an old 'mafia' sign.

And Mr. Novak smiles Looks like Piper could use a break doing what she loves. I remember when Nes was that young with kids, it was not an easy time for anyone When Piper is ready, he'll set up the timing for the 3 hours free baby sitting sample and test of him.

(And so, through the power of barter, and taking advantage of a possible saint legacy... bargains were struck!- End Scene)