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She laughed. “Yup, that was me on TV. We did it on a whim a few days ago. Never thought they’d use it! I blame Kait and her connections.
“So! Steakhouses. How about Hy’s or Barberian’s? I’ve never been, but Randall’s a fan and has always raved about them. They’re downtown, close to most hotels.
“As for Saturday, I can’t meet. I’m waitressing all weekend. Mama’s gotta earn to keep her frogs in freeze-dried crickets. You could stop in for pancakes and let me know what next week looks like? Or call my machine later if you’re bored. Have a great Wednesday. Buh-bye!” BEEP!
* * *
Friday, October 23, 1992
Leafs record: 4 wins, 3 losses, 1 tie (in overtime)
BEEP! “Hi, it’s Oliver and it’s half ten Friday morning. Thanks for the recommendations the other day. I took our guests to Hy’s and they loved it. Funnily enough, we bumped into Randall there. We got talking and his colleagues gave us free World Series tickets for last night’s game. The Milwaukee bunch felt right at home but were high-fiving when the Jays lost. Strange.
“Regarding pancakes this weekend, I’ll try my best to…ah! Our CEO of philanthropic support just popped around the doorjamb. He’s waving and—yeah, wants to talk. I’ll ring you later. Bye bye.” BEEP!
BEEP! “Hey Ollie. Checking in during lunch. Today’s a professional activity day, so our students have the day off and we’re the ones learning.
“Sounds like you had fun at the ball game. I should warn you—the Jays could win the World Series tomorrow night, and if they do, it’ll be bonkers busy downtown. Like it’ll-take-you-half-an-hour-to-walk-one-block busy. I love crowds, but even I will be heading straight home after tomorrow’s Leafs game.
“Can’t wait to see you at breakfast this weekend. Ask for me when you arrive and they’ll seat you in my section. I’ll sneak ya some extra home fries and bacon. Till then, don’t work too hard. Oh, and Let’s go Blue Jays!” BEEP!
SEVENTEEN
GEORGIE
Three days later, Monday, October 26, 1992
Leafs record: 5 wins, 3 losses, 1 tie (in overtime)
“You WHAT?” Eden bellowed as Georgie, sat beside her in a student’s desk, pivoted toward the colourful music video playing on the wheeled-in television at the front of the classroom.
Shit. I knew I should’ve waited till after school. Bracing herself, Georgie bit into her chicken salad pita and stared at Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon lip-syncing “Is There Something I Should Know?” to the camera.
“You drop the biggest Georgie bombshell of our friendship and then resume eating like it’s nothing?” Eden scowled over her smoked turkey sandwich. “I”—her classroom door flew open—“can’t believe it!”
Brian barged in, his gaze despondent. “You can’t? Imagine how I feel!” Ignoring a pouty John Taylor on the TV screen, he lunged behind Eden’s empty desk and yanked the plug from the wall, killing Duran Duran.
Georgie gulped down her mouthful. “Hey!” Her face pinched. “We’re watching that.”
“Not anymore you’re not.” Brian wrapped the power cord around a hook on the cart. “The Jays’ World Series parade is this afternoon, and I, of all people, can’t miss it!” He pulled the wheeled tower of audio-visual equipment toward the door.
Georgie gestured at the travelling VCR. “You’ll have to remove my tape first.”
With a scoff, Brian stopped and hit the eject button. The machine obliged, sticking out the videocassette like a snarky tongue.
“Why are you even here?” asked Eden. “I would’ve expected you to pull a sickie.”
Dammit, E! Georgie deflated.
A smile crept across Brian’s face as he checked his watch. “Good call, Shuster! If I leave now, I’ll arrive just in time.” He abandoned the TV cart and headed toward the door. “Don’t miss me too much, ladies,” he whispered with a wink.
Barf. Georgie curled her lip. “Goodbye, prep period. I’ll be the one they ask to cover his class.”
Eden lowered her sandwich. “Oh, shit. Didn’t think of that.”
“It’s fine.” Georgie slid out of the desk and walked toward the television cart. “As much as I despise him, I understand his angst.” She pulled her videocassette free from the VCR. “If the Leafs held a Cup parade on a school day, I’d pull a sickie, too.”
“And get written up,” said Eden.
