“Can we come back in an hour for the dance party?”
The question—coming from pint-sized Evelyn, Oreo ice cream remnants smattered on her face—made me chuckle. After saying sure, I turned to Dave and said, “I expected that question in another ten years.”
We’re in LaGrange, Georgia, staying at the Great Wolf Lodge. Just eighteen minutes west lies the Alabama state line. A post-meal ice cream stop at Scoops in downtown LaGrange gave me a feel for the town’s friendliness—first, from a couple about our age who pointed at Evelyn, then at their own daughter, and said, “Looks like she roped you in too.” Outside the shop, we settled into two large and one small Adirondack chair in the evening warmth, we watched that same family exit and exchange knowing hellos with a passerby.
As I often do in unfamiliar cities, I read its Wikipedia page. First, former Seattle Mariners center fielder Mike Cameron was born here. He was a favorite of mine in the early 2000s. Second, and by far the coolest fact: In 2000, LaGrange was named “Intelligent Community of the Year,” joining the ranks of cities like New York, Singapore, Seoul, Glasgow, and Toronto. It provides free internet to every household.
Back at the hotel, we’ve arrived for the pre-dance party. The supposed 8:30 p.m. start time seems more like a suggestion. It’s 8:00, and the foyer and check-in area are dimmed with green, red, purple, and white strobe lights doing their thing. Evelyn is twirling in her blue sparkly dress donning a princess tiara as she pops bubbles alongside twenty other kids on a massive 40-by-120-foot rug.
Did I mention we spent five, maybe six hours at the water park today? After an extra-large tube ride in an enclosed space, I got weirdly nauseous and had to take a break—sat outside in the sun for a bit, then went back to the room for a shower. I love taking showers in hotel rooms. Something about leaving my soap scum and loose hairs in someone else’s drain makes the experience even sweeter.
I am dedicated to writing, aren’t I? While the other parents stand at the edge of the carpet, bobbing their heads to the beat and cheering on their kids, I’m over in a large leather lobby chair typing.
I’ve already had two check-ins—Evelyn asking when the dance party will be over and why none of the girls are wearing dresses. First, the dance hasn’t even started yet. And second—one girl is wearing a dress, see?
Ooh, the Electric Slide. Now…I might just set this electronic heap of a laptop down and bust a move. If one other adult joins in, I’m in.
I see one. Small movements. Not enough to start a stampede, but maybe…
It’s later and I’m in bed. Noises from the next room are threatening my quiet night. With Evelyn curled up on the fold-out twin, Dave and I have our own double beds. I know we’re married and all, but sometimes a girl just wants her own bed, you know?
I love you, Dave. But tonight, it’ll be from afar.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 