Staas smiled at the compliment to his cooking, and couldn't help but laugh at Ira's suggestion. If they charged for cut off words, Staas would have been broke long ago.
Alida opened her mouth, then glanced at her dad (her sunglasses having been removed while watching TV, in order to better see Ernie and Bert) and ended up shaking her head. "It would only be two, but guests and people outside don't have to pay," she said with a dramatic sigh.
"Really, the indignities you must suffer," Staas gently teased her. "Though perhaps it's time we made an exception. Ira, after all, is more family than guest, and if Ori is his sister . . ." He trailed off with a wink at the teenager, threatening her wallet.
Alida immediately perked up. "Then it's two swears, Miss Ori!"
Staas laughed, amused by Alida's bloodthirsty nature when it came to the swear jar. "I said maybe, baby. Let's let her off with a warning this time."