What bothers her is that he doesn’t care. Doesn’t appreciate what she does for him

Well-check visits were one of those things that made Deena feel like a good mother. Responsible, on top of things, just plain normal.

The wait time was another story. Their appointment was at three, but at 4:15 she was still sitting in that crowded waiting room watching Mitzvah Boulevard for the fifth time in a row, and they still weren’t next.

Deena checked her emails and Instagram yet again, as she’d been doing every two minutes since they’d arrived. Not because she was expecting any specific message, just because she was going out of her mind from restlessness.

This time, a new DM blinked.

Not a_shy_bone: I’ve been on the fence between Touring Together and another tour, and now that you’re going, I made my decision. I love your stuff!!! Can’t wait to meet you!!!!!

A smile crept over Deena’s face.

This was the third person signing up as a result of her post. The third that she knew about, at least. A day before someone had DMed her — a mother of three kids.

How come I didn’t see this advertised? Is this the real thing or some heimish gefilte fish/chrayonnaise caterer?

Deena had definitely been behind that sale.

And Ruthie, she thought grimly.

Not_a_shy_bone had a question. She had a kid with celiac, would this tour accommodate his diet?

I’ll find out for you, Deena replied.

She was happy to have an excuse to call. She was curious to know if any other people had signed up using her promo code. She couldn’t ask straight out — that was too forward. Now the question would come as a by-the-way.

She stepped out to the hallway and dialed Mr. Hersko. Her call went straight to voice mail.

Oh, well.