Stella's lesbian sister Bella is the waitress tonight. Menus are not needed; everyone knows what they serve at the Red Trolley, and if you want to know about the specials you just ask.
Mr. Bloom feels adventurous tonight. "What's the special?"
"Meatloaf." Bella's feet are tired, and she's grumpier than normal, if that is possible.
Mr. Bloom frowns. "What's special about that? Meatloaf's always on the menu."
Bella gives him her best 'don't fuck with me' look. "Ya want it or not?"
"Um, no, I'll take the Maharashtrian Chicken Curry, and an order of Daal."
"We're out of the Maharashtrian Curry, ya want the Pork Vindaloo instead?"
"Um, okay." If you happen to be in Washington County and are fond of Indian cuisine, the Red Trolley Diner is definitely the place to go. In fact, it's the only place to go.
Mrs. Bloom will share Mr. Bloom's Vindaloo and Daal. Mr. and Mrs. Smith order liver and onions. Roderick, Molly, Mary and Margaret all have hamburgers; Catherine will share a hot dog with Mr. Fuzzums.
"So how does it feel to be seventeen?" asks Mrs. Smith of Mary.
Mary, dressed in her 'shy but sexy schoolgirl' outfit, stretches casually. "About like it felt to be sixteen," she giggles.
The food arrives, and everyone tucks in. The pork vindaloo is extremely hot, and there is a bit of commotion as Mr. Bloom grabs for water. Roderick places his hand on Molly's thigh; she doesn't object.
After dinner, they all walk to the Smith's house and take their seats around the dining table. With great drama, Mrs. Smith carries in a beautiful cake with seventeen lit candles, which Mary extinguishes in a single breath. Mrs. Smith slices the cake and everyone partakes except for Mr. Fuzzums, who doesn't care that much for sweets.
Mary opens her presents. There is the customary book of erotic art from Mr. Bloom (signed 'Love, Daddy'). Mary opens at random at holds up one of the pictures:
Roderick is amused. "Looks like Megan, but with smaller breasts."
Mary opens her other presents. The last one, nicely wrapped, is from Roderick. She smiles it him and shakes it. "I wonder what it is..."
Roderick smiles back. "I guess you'll just have to open it to find out."
Mary does so. It's a copy of How To Monetize Your Vagina, the fourth copy Mary has received as a gift this birthday. She feigns pleasure. "How thoughtful, thank you." She opens the inside cover, where Roderick has written a little personal message. Damn, she thinks. Can't return it.
