The Hurricane Sisters Read Free

time because it acts like a monitor and has voice recognition software.”
    “How long are y’all staying?” I asked, not understanding one word he said.
    What was this Glass thing? A new gadget? Gadgets were taking over the world!
    “Just until Sunday morning and then we fly to New York for a few days,” Ivy said, taking a seat. “Does anyone think it’s possible to order a drink? I’m so parched! God, I hate flying commercial!”
    “Just give the keys to the doorman when you leave,” Clayton said.
    Apparently Ivy was staying in Liz and Clayton’s pied-à-terre in Manhattan. But what did Ivy mean, that he was used to private planes now? Had he won the lottery? Was James treating him to the high life? I have heard that some of these Asian families are extremely wealthy. Ivy began to drain the water glass at his place when our waiter reappeared. What was his name? Tony? No, Tyler! Tippecanoe and Tyler Too. Yes, I know that’s from way before my time but Lord, the games I had to play with my memory to make it work.
    “Campari and soda with orange, please,” Ivy said.
    “Just Pellegrino for me, thanks,” James said. “I’m going to wash my hands. Where’s the men’s room?” James removed his eyeglasses and handed them to Ivy. “Show Ashley how they work.”
    “Good thing I’m on the way out,” I said, and everyone ignored me.
    “You can follow me, sir,” our waiter, Tyler Too, said. “And I’ll get those drinks out for y’all right away. Did you choose the wine, sir?”
    “No, I need a few minutes,” Clayton said without looking up.
    As usual, Clayton was reading the wine list too slowly. I was convinced that this annoying habit of his was what drove Liz to vodka.
    James walked away with Tippecanoe.
    Then the first bomb of the night was launched across the bow.
    “Is he just your business partner, son?” Clayton said quietly, without making eye contact.
    “No, he isn’t. He’s my life partner.” Ivy put on the glasses. “Okay,” he said to Ashley, “I bob my head, and see that pink light?”
    “Yeah,” Ashley said.
    “Okay, Glass? Take a picture!”
    There was a little click and somehow the eyeglasses took a picture.
    “I can upload it to my iPad or e-mail it or whatever. I think it’s stupid,” Ivy said.
    “Unless you need them,” Ashley said. “I guess?”
    There was an awkward but brief silence while Liz continued to process Ivy’s response in regard to his relationship with James.
    “Oh my God!” Liz said, gasping.
    “What’s wrong?” I asked.
    She completely disregarded my question and began to bluster until her hair was becoming as disheveled as her face was flushed. We were a family of blushers and blusterers.
    “What is it, Mom?” Ashley asked.
    “Well, how old is he, for one thing?” Liz said. She was now completely red in the face and neck.
    “Fortyish,” Ivy said.
    “Kept man,” Clayton mumbled, half chuckling.
    “Hardly,” Ivy said. “I put in my sixty hours a week. At a minimum. Besides, half the business is mine.”
    “I hope you have that in writing,” the ever-cautious Clayton said.
    “Of course I do. Mother, what’s wrong?”
    “He’s a . . . well, he’s Asian !” Liz said.
    I wondered what the problem was. Skipper looked at me and shrugged his shoulders.
    “So what?” Ashley said. “He’s gorgeous!”
    “Hands off, but thank you,” Ivy said and laughed. “Yes, he’s from the Chen family of Hong Kong and he’s the most wonderful, thoughtful, and generous person I have ever met. Doesn’t that count?”
    “You couldn’t find a nice white Episcopalian man?” Liz said. “Why are you so complicated? Do you expect us to throw you a wedding now?”
    “Um, nooooo,” Ivy said.
    “Get a grip, sister,” I said to Liz, thinking, You don’t have that many friends. “It’s 2012.”
    “Um, Maisie, actually it’s 2013,” Ivy said in a whisper.
    “It is?” I nearly fainted. “Wait! Yes, of course it is! Hold the phone! Does