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presumably sleeping in.  Her head was pounding, so she fixed herself a mug of hot tea, and went to start her work day.   What I wouldn’t give for a spa day right about now.  
    ***
    Hours later, Yvette went to the YMCA to pick up Lacey early so she’d have more time to get ready for the show.  Lacey had to wear a tall red and white striped hat with fur around the base, and a red leotard, tights, and a candy cane patterned skirt.  Yvette joked that she looked like one of the Who’s in Whoville.  Lacey got home, showered, and put on her costume.  Yvette rolled her hair in hot curlers so she would have a tumble of curls.  Unable to eat, Lacey merely sat and watched a movie with her brother on her lap.
    While Yvette got dressed, she tried to call Christopher a few times, but it went straight to voicemail.  
    “ Chris,” she said, after getting the beep again.  “Where are you?  I’ve been trying to call you and your phone isn’t on.  It’s getting late.  Your parents are going to meet us at the Y, and then come over here afterwards.  If you’re with them, call me so we won’t wait for you.”
    She hung up and went to get Robin dressed.  She tried not to let her annoyance at her husband show in front of her son.
    “ Daddy?”
    “ He’s coming, sweetie.  Let’s get you all dressed, okay?”  She dressed him in black jean overalls, a red turtleneck with penguins and a Christmas cap with jingle bells that he insisted on wearing.  
    “ Look how handsome you are,” Adelaide said when Yvette brought Robin downstairs.  “You and your mommy look very nice.”
    Yvette glanced over her red sweater dress and black knee-length boots.  She’d also used hot curlers and her hair rested on her shoulders in soft curls.  She glanced at the clock on the microwave.  “We’re out of time.  Are you coming, Aunt Addie?”
    “ No dear, I think I’ll stay home and rest this neck of mine.”
    “ If Chris calls, or comes home—”
    “ I’ll tell him to head straight there.”
    She hugged her aunt.  “Thanks.”
    “ It’ll be okay, honey.  He wouldn’t miss his daughter’s play for anything.”
    “ Not if he knows what’s good for him,” Yvette said, with feeling.
    She tugged on her coat, got Robin into his, and said goodbye to her aunt.  Lacey was already headed to the car.
    Once they were settled in their seats, she tried Christopher’s phone one more time.  She was about to hang up when he answered.
    “ Chris,” she exclaimed.  “I’ve been trying to reach you.  Where are you?”
    “ I’m sorry, sweetheart.  I’m stuck in traffic, but I’m on my way.”
    “ Why are you stuck in traffic?  You were supposed to leave hours ago.  Even your parents have arrived.  I don’t understand.  What caused such a delay?”
    “ I had a meeting with one of the contractors that ran a little late, but I promise that I’ll make it.”
    “ You’d better, Christopher Darcy.”
    She hung up and tried her best to compose herself.  She was so angry at Christopher she was shaking.   What could be more important today than Lacey’s performance?  It had been planned for weeks, and all of a sudden something comes up at work?  
    She would deal with that later.  It would not do well to show up for Lacey’s big night upset.  This was her daughter’s first lead role, and their family would be present to celebrate her accomplishments with her.  If Christopher didn’t show up…Yvette couldn’t even finish that sentence.   He would show up .  She told herself repeatedly.  He would.
    When they arrived, Yvette parked and went in amidst the throng of other parents and attendees while Lacey went down the hall to join the other campers.  She spotted Christopher’s parents and headed their way.
    “ Gamma,” Robin said loudly when he saw Margaret.  “Pop Pop.”
    “ Hey there, sweet pea,” Margaret gushed.  She picked him up and hugged him.
    “ Grandma’s missed her little man.”
    Not to