#fenixtj

And Salma sneaks her book back out, though one eye on the kittens.

"Oh, kittens!"

Jessica nods to the ladies and goes to see if Dagmar is still around.

...............

"I swear, I can't eat another bite..."

"I was just trying to keep the nocker safe on the trod..."

"Are you sure? you have not even had second dessert, and you made the little ones so happy" Rosalita says

"And I do owe you" Maria nods "So much"

"You would have found the kitten..."

"Maybe, or maybe we would have drowned.." Maria says "I never forgive myself." /Rosa pats hre friends hand "Surely there is more we can do? Does your mama cook?"

And Jessica comes in

"She can cook." confirming quietly.

"Oh, Tove? Tove is a wonderful cook..."

Brow-furrow. "You are boggans, do you know any tricks for helping a baby not cry at night?"

"You have a baby in your house?" The women's eyes light up, and they guide JEssica to a seat

Jessica mutters.

"CJ, yeah. He's two weeks old."

A meal to match Dagmar's begins, but it is slower htan usual as the two boggan ladies are distracted by talk of CJ "What time is the baby crying?" "Does she check the diapers? they ask several detailed questions as if helping a baby was a science as well as an art

Dag answers as best she can.

OH, and there are pictures!

They coo and fuss over the pictures, and Jessica stares at the large lunch before her

She knows she has to start, so she does take a few bites as she cranes over to see pictures.

Okay. that is one cute kid.

Dagmar is happy to share!

With a lot of hair for a baby

"So see, this is your new cousin..."

A soft smile on her lips as she looks and chews. "CJ."

"My son was as bald as a stone" Rosa says "I like to joke he went into the world like his grandpapa went out"

Maria whispers soemthing to Rosa. And Rosa goes "Oh, si, of course!"

"Clint James. But I like CJ better."

"He's really... he's just wonderful. And tiny."

Maria says "pardon... Dame Dagmar.. I think I can repay my debt to you...AND help your family. Can you stay for an hour?"

"I... yes?"

"Gracious" And Maria looks to Jessica "Freeholder, please forgive. I need to make a quick trip to Skyhook."

"Of course, Maria."

She eats a little more.

And off Maria rushes

Blink.

"Do you ever just feel... managed?"

"Kerri and Ann Marie do that to me, too."

"Yes."

"On the other hand, they're very good at what they do. Both my staff here and Kerri and Anne Marie."

"Maannnaged" Rosailta says "What a thing to say. Don't forget, Countesss, other Troubadours will be arriving and Tonto has a performance for the childlings at 5.. I think a puppet show. You do not have to attend but it is his first performance for the childlings officially"

Jessica nods obediently. "Should I drop by though? I don't want to pull the focus away from them and what they have planned."

"Is your choice. Perhaps you introduce the show...then go to another task? They will understand. Very busy"

"I don't want to be too busy for them.... but yes."

"YOu're a good guardian of the children... and your intentions are good. You ARE working for them a lot. I know. You think we don't notice the girls love Tonto juust a bit more? And you go with him?"

"Connor was saying he visited here..."

"Connor? The little dog pooka?"

"Thank you, Rosalita."