Rina got up and kissed Ida on the cheek, noticing that it was all the old lady could do to not wipe it off. “You don’t have cooties, and even if you did, I’m sure they’d be wonderful cooties. You should also inform Blossom that you baked all the pies, including chocolate pecan, which you told me was Blossom’s favorite.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet.” Blossom gave a heave of her chest. “Thank you, Ida.”

“You’re welcome.”

Blossom was the favored daughter-in-law. She was the only one in the family who went to church with Ida. Her status didn’t amount to much, though, because Ida was still as tough on her as the rest of them. To Rina, she said, “Did you have a nice trip?”

“It was lovely, thank you.”

Blossom said, “I’ve always wanted to visit the Holy Land.”

“Since when?” Ida piped up.

“Well, Rina makes it sound so erotic.”

“Exotic,” Ida corrected her.

“Yes, of course.” She pinkened. “Oops.”

Rina smiled. “It’s a great place. When Peter finishes with our place, we’d love to host you.”

“That would be lovely.”

Rina looked at Peter, and Blossom looked at Randy. The brothers were eating heartily but had yet to speak. Rina kicked Peter under the table. He said, “Sure, be great to have you there.”

“I’m too old,” Ida said.

“Is it of interest to you?” Rina asked her. “To visit Jerusalem.”

“Probably not the spots that you’d want to see—”

“Mom, that’s not nice,” Randy said.

“It’s okay,” Rina told her brother-in-law. “Ida, I’ve been to Bethlehem and Nazareth several times. I’ve also walked the Via Dolorosa and been to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I’d love to take you there.”

Ida was quiet. “I’m in one of my testy moods.”

“Who can tell the difference?” Randy said. Blossom kicked him under the table. He said, “It’s true.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so testy if someone would visit me more.”

Randy said, “And I’ve said to you many times that I would visit you more if you lived closer.”

“I’m not selling my house and living with a bunch of old people.”

“We could find you a lovely condo,” Blossom said.

“I like my house.”

“Then don’t complain that we don’t visit you,” Randy said.

“Can we all just enjoy a lovely dinner?” Peter said.

“Said the man who comes once a year,” Ida snapped.

Peter was about to respond, but Rina put her hand on his leg. “Ida, sweetheart, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Her lower lip trembled. “Just a little testy.”

Rina said, “What is it?” No answer. “How’s your health, Ida?”

She bit her lip and nodded. “Fine.”

Everyone started to talk, but Rina held up her hand. “Please, honey. What’s going on?”

Ida said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”