Book 1, Page 23. Togetherness.
Genie Marks was surprised to hear from Julie. They were the best of friends through grammar school and high school. But as soon as they left for different out-of-state colleges, it was almost as if they'd ceased to exist. The only time they saw one another was when Julie shopped at the Big Pile of Fun, the toy store the Markses opened about ten years ago. Julie loved going there, as much to support a local business against the big national stores as anything.
"What a great idea!" Genie nearly shrieked over the phone. "I'd love to get together with you guys again! And I've never been to Maison Bavette! That's a Spanish tapas restaurant, right?"
"No, it's very French," Julie said. "The chef won't even let you use ketchup there, it's so French."
"Oh!" Genie's voice went low. "Well, I guess you heard that Mario and me separated for awhile. We're back together, trying to make a go. The best thing seems to be for us to work different days and times. He's not here right now. Give me your number."
"I hope we can talk about that," Julie said. "See, Jerry wants to open a restaurant. Don't ask why--it sounds too nutty for me. He has to tell you."
"Why would he want to open a restaurant?" Genie asked. "I thought he loved animals."
"I don't know," Julie said. "I can't decide whether this is something real or his midlife crisis. We'll tell you all about it. At the restaurant."
