“Why do you want to know?” Mom asked. “You don’t talk to your grandparents when you’re there.”

            “I talk. I like driving in the car late at night, and stopping for a hamburger. Can’t we go this weekend?”

            “Your father has to work Saturday morning,” she said. “But that reminds me, we’re going to the Kaufman’s in the afternoon. You’re invited, too, you know,” she told Johnny. “They have children your age.”

            “The Kaufman’s?” Dad said surprised. “Oh, no!” Now he was mad. “I told Percy I would be at the factory all day!”

            “But Henry, you knew about Ari Kaufman’s wedding, how could you?”

            “I forgot, Dolly. That’s all.”

            “But, Henry...”

            “Dolly, please. I’m sorry, okay? Percy asked me to work and I forgot. I didn’t think, that’s all.” Dad was re-organizing his food on his plate, clinking his fork. “Did you buy anything?”

            “Well,” she said, getting up. “I thought of going to Macy’s and getting one of those gifts they picked out.” She glanced in Johnny’s direction. “Would you like to come to Macy’s with me?”

            “No thanks. Why don’t Grandma and Grandpa ever come over here? I don’t want to go to the Kaufman’s, either.”

            “Nobody’s forcing you to go.”