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My Kid, the Lawyer Wannabe
An Excerpt
By Elizabeth Pantley
She opened with a question. "Mom! What are we having for dinner?"
"Well, hello to you, too, honey," Judy said with a chuckle, leaning over to press a kiss on Jennifer's cheek. "We're having fish."
"What kind?" asked Jennifer, chin raised in suspicion.
"Cod," warily answered Judy. She knew the prosecution would begin straightaway.
Jennifer peered down her nose into the pan. "And how are you making it?" she inquired.
"I'm baking it. With lemon and seasoning," Judy replied, trying to sound nonchalant about her gourmet cooking skills.
"But Mom," Jennifer's voice reflected the grimace on her face. "You know I HATE it that way! ... Don't you?"
Judy had to admit: The kid was good. But Judy held her own, patiently explaining that it was the family's favorite. To which Jennifer responded, "But why can't you just bread a few pieces for me?"
"Because," Judy began, "it takes too much time and effort for the one small piece you'll manage to eat." Motion denied.
"Well, it can't be that difficult!" wailed Jennifer. "Why don't you just."
"Jennifer! Stop with the fish already!" Judy interrupted. "It's garbage day. Please collect the trash and take it out while I'm making dinner."
"Why do I have to do it every time?" huffed Jennifer.
"It's your job," Judy countered over her objections.
"But it's been my job forever," pleaded Jennifer. "I don't see why Jason can't do it."
Judy calmly listed Jason's jobs and explained that he, too, had responsibilities.