Daniel: Come on John David. Let’s put this in the cabana first and then go get your stuff. Then we can swim.

While the boys were upstairs, the Wilkins arrived at the back door. Bette went to welcome them in. This was the first time they had come to dinner.

Barb: Good afternoon… all

Bette hugged Barbara and then Joe. Tina hugged them both.

Tina: Hey Joey. Do you want to take your things to the cabana dressing rooms?  I think Daniel and John David are packing John David up and they are ready to swim.

Joey:  Yeah sure. I would love to go for a swim.

Joe:  You have a nice home here Bette. Lots of space. Great yard.

Bette: Yes, we are enjoying living here. Why don’t you guys come on out to the lanai and let’s get you guys something to drink.

Tina: You guys go on. I ‘ll join you in a moment.

Bette went and got Joe a beer and Barb a glass of white wine and had them sit where the setting sun would not be in their eyes.

Barb:  Well, I see we are going to have our dinner out here? This is such a nice outdoor space.

Bette: Well, there is a few things that I wanted to talk to you guys about. Tina will join us in a moment so, I’ll get started. Let me start with a question. How is the car-pooling arrangement working for you guys?

Barb: It’s working out really well. I do not have to leave quite as early in the mornings as I did and I know that John David is going to be home at a specific time. And on the days Joey doesn’t have after school activities, I can get home in time to prepare dinner. Of course, some days Joe is able to pick him up after school. But it is giving me more time at home. And it is saving me a little money on our fuel bill.

Bette: Well, as you know, next term is Margaret’s last term as principal of the school. She is going to retire. Anyway, I am a little concerned that we are putting too much on to Margaret by asking her to both take and return the boys home from school every day. Margaret has indicated that she is glad to do it but does not have much to do to fill those after school hours that the boys are doing their sports and having their music lessons. Now, my schedule is changing next term. I will have some late afternoon classes on Tuesday and Thursday and night classes on Tuesday, and Thursday nights. So, I will not be available to pick the boys up except in the event of an emergency. Of course, Tina is available as well in the event of emergency. So, I would like to purpose that I provide a car and driver to pick the boys up every afternoon and pick Joey up as well and bring them home after their after-school activities. If they should be able to leave immediately after school, Daniel and John David could ride with Margaret and Joey could ride with you home. That way, both you and Margaret could get home earlier in the day and do whatever you do when you’re home.