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Shepherd’s Pie

12/6/2024

Grace pulled into her driveway and parked. There was a message icon on her phone.

The baking dish and mitts aren’t Mom’s.
I got them for you.
Merry 🎄 Christmas.

She sat and studied it a moment before the chill crept into her car. She got her present for Emma and put it on top of the dish before heading in.

“What’s that?” Her mom looked up from her book.

“I got something for the baby for next Christmas.”

“That’s nice. What’s in the dish?”

“Leo was having a craving for gołąbki, so we did a lunch swap.”

“I wondered where they all went already.”

“I only took four, Mom. I didn’t realize he was going to make enough for the whole neighborhood.”

“Okay, preheat the oven for 350°. I’ll put it in once it’s up to temperature. Call Grammy. She loves Shepherd’s Pie.”

Grace turned the dial and listened for ignition before calling her grandmother. “Hi, Grammy. Are you busy? Mom said you might want in on this Shepherd’s Pie. Okay, see you soon.”

“What did you get for Emma?”

Grace pulled the teething wreath out. “You stick this in the freezer.”

“Yes, dear. They had these when I had you. That’s cute.” She turned it around and set it on the table.

“And this snowman outfit. That will be so cute with this little top hat.”

Her mom smiled. “Awesome blackmail photos for whenever he or she turns into a smart aleck.” She folded it up and handed it back to Grace. “Maslov’s, though. That must have set you back a bit.”

“That’s Leo’s fault.”

“He made you buy stuff at Maslov’s?”

“Well, no, but they were taking forever.”

“Who’s they?”

“Joan had the kids in for Santa photos. MQM and Mary were there, too.”

“Well, dear, Maslov’s Santa is very popular. It’s a wonder you’re not still there waiting for them to get through the line.” She peeked under the tinfoil. “Ooh, fancy schmancy.”

“What?” Grace leaned over to look.

“The potatoes are piped on.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“You know. From a bag, like cake icing.” Mom mimicked the process. “And that’s a really nice baking dish.”

“Good. You can keep it.”

“Grace, what’s the matter with you? I’m not going to steal Mary’s baking dish.”

“It’s not hers. Look.” Grace showed her mom the text message from Leo.

“You’re texting him? Grace, we discussed this.”

“Ah, there’s nothing to discuss.” She snagged her phone back. “Besides, he’s in love with Sarah now.”

“If he’s in love with Sarah, why is he offering to wear edible underpants for you?”

“He was being a weirdo. That’s his idea of funny. Besides, he didn’t meet Sarah until today when she almost face-planted on Santa’s throne.”

“He only met her today? How can he be in love with her?” Mom got up and carried the dish to the stove. “Face-planted? Is she alright?”

“Yeah, it was really scary to watch, but she’s okay.”

“Sarah who?”

“Somebody I met at the hospital.”

“A nurse?” She slid the dish into the stove and studied the mitts.

“I can’t get into it because of HIPAA.”

“If she’s a mental patient, don’t you think Leo ought to know that before she comes after him with a knife or something?”

“Mom, really. I can’t get into it, but she’s not dangerous. Some people just need therapy.”

Her mom slipped her hands into the mitts. They were designed to look like cows with Santa hats. “These are cute. How did he know you like cows?”

“We’ve lived across the street here our whole lives. I’m sure he heard it more than once.”

“Well, still, don’t engage.”

“I don’t need to. He’s all about Sarah now.”

“You sound jealous. Do you really want MQM for a father-in-law?”

She took the mitts from her mom to study them. “No, but he just dropped me like a hot potato. He’s been so flirty since I got home, and then this.”

“So, who needs him if he’s going to flake out on you?”

“I don’t need him. I don’t want him. I was just freaked out by all the signals he was sending.”

“Until he met her. What’s her deal?” Mom returned to the table and took her seat.

“Mom, HIPAA.”

“I don’t mean that. I mean, is she a supermodel or something?”

“She’s alright, I guess. Sort of average, but she’s got flaming red hair and freckles. Crazy freckles.” Grace opened the fridge and got the apple cider.

“There’s got to be something more to him switching up than some freckles.”

She grabbed a mug from the cabinet. “Who cares? At least now, maybe he’ll leave me alone.”

“Yes, that would be for the best.” She looked up. “Hi, Mama.”

“Hello, dear. Where did we get Shepherd’s Pie?” Grammy tugged her gloves off and stuffed them in her coat pockets.

“Leo traded me for some gołąbki.” Grace poured a mugful of cider. “Would you like some?”

“Yes, dear. Thank you. It smells wonderful.” She unzipped her coat and draped it over the back of a chair.

“It does. Doesn’t it?” Mom said. “You should see it, Mama. He piped the potatoes on, row by row.”

Grammy smiled as Grace handed her a mug of cider. “Fancy schmancy. Who went to Maslov’s?”

“Leo wanted me to meet him there to exchange lunches because Joan was there with the kids.” Grace put the cider away.

“Santa pictures?”

“I got this for Emma’s baby while I was waiting for them to get done.” She handed her grandmother the Maslov’s bag.

“Yes, next year Emma and Ronny can take the baby for Santa pictures at Maslov’s.” She peeked into the bag and pulled out the snowman outfit. “That’s adorable.”

“That’s probably what it is.” Grace stamped her foot.

“Did I miss something?” Grammy asked Mom.

“Leo’s in love with the Santa’s helper now.”

“Why? Is she a supermodel or something?”

“No.” Grace slurped her cider and slammed the mug down on the counter. “She’s a cute little elf. She’s adorable.”

“Well, good riddance then.” Grammy folded the snowman outfit and slid it back into the bag before pulling the teething wreath out. “Sensible choice.”

“I know. I know.” Grace crossed her arms and tapped her toe on the floor. “It’s just so sudden. Don’t you think?”

“I think he must be terribly desperate.” Grammy said, sipping her cider.

“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.” Grace planted her fists on her hips. “You think he was flirting with me all week for nothing?”

“To be honest, dear…”

“You know what? Don’t bother finishing that thought.” Grace stormed out of the kitchen and dashed up to her bedroom. ‘Well, this is another fine mess you’ve gotten me into, Leo.’

Dr. Hu’s questions echoed in her mind as she cried into her pillow. ‘Where is my heart and where is his?’

She perched her chin on her crossed arms as she looked out through the frost-tinged windows at the Murray house across the way. Leo’s car pulled up to the curved sidewalk.

Grace got up on her elbows to see what he was doing. He got out of the car and stormed into the house. ‘What’s he mad about? I’m the one who got dumped.’

There was a knock at her door. “Grace, the food’s ready. It smells pretty good. Why don’t you come down and have some?”

“In a minute, Mom.” She stared at the Murray’s house, wondering what had Leo in such a mood. ‘Why would he fall for Sarah? He doesn’t even know her.’

She lingered a bit longer, but her stomach was beginning to grumble. She rolled over to get out of bed when she noticed something. ‘Now what’s he doing?’ She gasped. ‘He’s coming over?’ She dashed down the stairs and opened the front door. “Leo?”

He was poised to knock on her forehead. “Wow, sorry. I rinsed this out for you.”

She took the plastic container. “Did you enjoy it?”

“Not yet. I put them on a dish in the microwave and washed this out to bring over. Did you enjoy yours?”

“We put it in the oven as soon as I got back. It just got done. It smells really good, though.”

He nodded and turned to go.

“Leo.”

He stopped.

“I’m sorry.”

He walked back to his house without turning around. She lingered in the doorway, watching him disappear inside.

“Grace, you’re letting all the heat out. Are you going to pay the oil bill?”

She bounced her forehead on the doorjamb a few times before closing the door. “Sorry.”

“Well, come in here and have some of this.” Her mom pulled out a chair for her. “It smells amazing. Let’s try it.”

Grace slid into her chair and placed the little plasticware container on the table. She looked at the enormous baking dish and the rows of mashed potato peaks.

“Oh, Grace. This is what you gave him?” Grammy picked up the container.

Tears streamed down her face. “He just asked for some gołąbki. We were doing a lunch exchange. I didn’t expect all this.”

Mom arched an eyebrow and scooped a serving out for Grace. “Tell us how it is.”

The sight of it tortured her. The raft of meticulously piped potato tips sat askew on a mound of meat, vegetables and gravy. The aroma was rich and decadent. Her hand shook as she dug into it. ‘Oh. My. God.’

They could tell from her expression that it was time to dig in. Mom scooped some out for Grammy and herself.

“This is lamb.” Grammy said. “He marinated this lamb in red wine. You don’t see this often.”

“It’s usually just beef stew with mashed potatoes on top.” Mom said. “Ooh, there’s asparagus in here.”

“I need to blow my nose.” Grace got up and left the kitchen. She grabbed a tissue on her way to the door.

Leo, I’m so sorry about what I said.

She went through a few tissues, waiting for a response.

Don’t worry about it.

‘He hates me. He literally hates me.’ She wiped away a flood of tears.

It tastes amazing.
Grammy thinks there’s marinated lamb?

She waited an eternity as she curled up in the armchair.

She has a very discerning palate.
I marinated it overnight in Merlot.
I hoped you’d appreciate the effort.

She expended a handful of tissues as she pondered a reply.

I do.
It’s incredible.
I wish I could make it up to you.

Grace rocked nervously in the armchair, waiting.

Seriously
Don’t worry about it.
Wouldn’t say no to more golabki.

‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ She jumped up off the chair and dashed into the kitchen. “I have to go get some cabbage!”

“What?” Mom was still chowing down on the sumptuous casserole.

“He wants more gołąbki! I can apologize to him. I can make gołąbki as good as this to make it up to him.”

“What do you have to apologize for? You gave him four, and he gave you all this. It’s not your fault he went overboard.”

“No, you don’t understand. When I was at Maslov’s, I accused him of making a can of beef stew with instant potatoes on top. Then he gave me this.”

“Okay, that was kind of ugly.” Grammy said. “I’ll come to the store with you. We can repay him properly for this. I have a recipe.”

“Thank you, Grammy.”

“Well, get a baking dish that he can keep while you’re at it.” Mom said, dabbing at the gravy with a slice of bread. “It’s past time you learned how to cook anyhow.”

Grace waved on her way to get her coat. “Come on, Grammy.” She dashed out to the car and started it. ‘Maybe we should take her car.’

Grammy climbed into the passenger seat. “Normally, I would tell you to marry a man who can cook like that immediately…”

“That ship has sailed and sunk.” She reversed out of the driveway and headed down the road. “Look, it was never going to happen, anyway.”

“That’s true. You have your schooling to complete.”

“Exactly.”

“So, what is the purpose of this exercise?”

“Just what I said. I was really mean to him and I want to apologize.”

“Because you were jealous of this other girl?”

“Probably so.”

“Shouldn’t a psychiatrist be more…”

“Detached? Objective?”

“Something like that.” Grammy looked at the route they were taking. “Isn’t the grocer’s the other way?”

“I want to see if I can catch Sarah before her shift ends.”

“So you can beat her up for stealing your boyfriend?”

Grace pulled up to the stop sign and put it in park so she could have a good laugh. “No, I’m not mad at Sarah. He’s interested in her and she might want to get to know him.”

“You look better laughing than crying. I’m glad you’re feeling better about things.”

She put it back into drive and moved on. “You’re right. I should have been more detached. I think I was caught up in the moment or something.”

“He’s a handsome young man. He has manners and that Shepherd’s Pie.”

“Yeah, I’m going to get in trouble with Father Tom tomorrow.”

“What for?”

“I just got home from school and two weeks in a row of impure thoughts? I’ll be serving penance until Monday.”