Page 5 of The Twins

Seril stands with a grin, “Vandy! I’m so glad you could make it. Any trouble on the ride over?”

“Uh…no?” I shake her hand, squeaking when she pulls me into a hug.

She uses the hug to whisper, “Don’t be nervous. Give them a chance and I guarantee you’ll love them by the time you leave.”

“I do get to leave, though, right?”

She pulls back with a mischievous smile, “I don’t know, I kind of like you. Maybe we’ll just keep you.” She places a hand on the small of my back and ushers me further into the room. “Vandy Gibbs, please meet the women of the Mishpocheh Consortium.” Don’t know what that means, but I nod along anyway. “My mother-in-law, and the matriarch of the Holofcener family, Esther. My sister-in-law Ruthie. We have aunts and cousins, Sarah, Sophie, Harper, Judith, Gertie, Tovah, Dottie and Dottie’s sisters,” everyone snickers, and I’m still lost, “Becks, Cora, Bailey, and my mom, Suzie.”

“Estrogen Emporium,” I believe Gertie jokes.

“Pussy Partnership.”

“Vagina Ventures.”

“The Snatch Syndicate.”

Seril claps, glaring with her lips twitching at several of the women. “That’s enough of that. Let’s get down to business.” She motions to an empty chair next to her near the head of the table. I sit, unsure where to put my hands, so I sit on them. “Dev, you may begin serving, thank you.”

“With pleasure, Sarai Ima.”

“While our lunch is brought out, Vandy, can you tell everyone about your job?”

I meet Seril’s earnest eyes, and nod. “I’ve been a Registered Nurse for over 10 years now. I have worked in several medical settings and departments; however, my passion is children. About 4 years ago, I had a patient in the PICU, suffering from severe asthma. She was a frequent flyer. After talking with her mom and dad at length, I realized they didn’t know how to help her at home. Not because they were unwilling, just uneducated. Her doctors weren’t forthcoming with assistance, so I offered to come to their home and help them customize it for their daughter and her special needs. Word spread and I would spend my days off helping other families. I was asked about a year and a half ago to head a support group for parents and caregivers of chronically ill children. It’s been a successful and fulfilling endeavor.”

Esther stares at me, a manicured finger tapping on the table. “Are you paid for your services?”

“Sort of.” I hedge, grabbing my glass of ice water and taking a long sip. “I take what people are able and willing to give. Sometimes it’s money, sometimes it’s home cooked meals. I’ve also received a crocheted blanket, a couple homemade pieces of jewelry, and a whole lot of artwork…that decorates my fridge.”

Sarah offers me a smile, “I bet those are your favorite forms of payment.”

“They are,” I agree easily. I don’t do this to get rich, I do it because…I can.

“You are a registered nurse, so obviously you stay up to date with your credentials. Do you have any additional certifications or training?”

Shrugging, I lean back to give the staff room to place my plate in front of me. My mouth waters at the rich scents. “I completed some courses online and familiarized myself with ADA compliance, FMLA, and government assistance.”

“You look at the big picture, they are more than their diagnosis.” Suzie comments softly. I nod emphatically in agreement, happy that she understands. “My Seril does that too.” So much pride in Suzie’s expression as she glances at her daughter, it overwhelms me.

“Vandy.” Seril shifts in her seat, spreading her napkin across her lap. “I have some money, it’s a long story, but I—”

“Your mom had a seizure, had a car accident, TBI, your brother stole all your money, your husband and the Kosher Nostra insisted he pay it all back…with interest.”

Seril glares at Tovah for several long seconds, “So not that long of a story. Tovah, that’s the synopsis, but you left out so much—"

Tovah waves her off with a flick of her hand, “Emotional bullshit, unnecessary to the story.”

Gertie sighs, “Yes, emotions often get in the way of a good story.”

“That’s what I’m saying.” Tovah skips her utensils and grabs the chicken with her hand, taking a big bite of it. I use my napkin to hide my shock and amusement.

“We have a proposition for you, Vandy. Expand your services and clientele, assisting those with chronic illnesses modify their lifestyles, homes, vehicles, etc. to improve the quality of their lives on a sliding pay scale to keep the doors open, so to speak, but our foundation will fund the majority of expenses.” Seril’s intense eye contact is broken when she sets her sights on the shy girl at the other end of the table. “Bailey will oversee day-to-day operations, securing equipment, planning travel, compliance, whatever needs done, so that you may focus on the patients and their families. Esther, Sarah, Gertie, and Judi will handle fundraising and awareness. And Esther will use her connections at the hospitals to reach out to potential clients who might typically fall through the cracks.”

“Seril. What…why…how…why would you put me in charge?!?” Bailey screeches, her face red, the whites of her eyes visible, her eyebrows practically in her hairline.

“Because I want it handled right.”

“Then why would you want me to do it?”

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