As he removed Joss’s empty one, he asked her, “Have you decided?” “This one,” Patrick snapped. “The Partridge Family.” The waiter cackled. “Good choice. No one’s done that one in forever.” “No, really, I—” “Her name is Joss,” Patrick informed him. “Joss. Got it. There are three others in front of you, but Lonnie will call your name when you’re up.” “Wait! Really . . .” “Oh, come on,” Patrick teased. “You’ve made your choice, and it’s David Cassidy.” Merry Humbug Christmas.indd 75 7/23/13 1:06 PM 76 Merry Humbug Christmas Joss began gathering her things, an expression of sheer terror commandeering her demeanor, and she stood up from her chair in such a rush that her purse emptied on the tabletop. “Simmer down there, Sparky,” Patrick said on a laugh as he helped her pick up her belongings and stuff them into her purse. “It’s all in fun. You wanted to put thoughts of Christmas behind you, didn’t you? How far can you get from carols than Partridge Family karaoke, huh?”
