“Doug and I are helping Johnston tear down that old barn on his parents’ land this week, so I won’t be around much. Not for lunch, anyway,” Grant told Mary over Monday morning coffee.
“Now there’s something that could’ve benefited from a good tornado.”
“Got that right. At least it gives us something to do and keeps me out of your hair.”
“Did I say I was having an issue with my hair?”
Standing, he brushed a kiss across her lips. “I know a few things without being told.” He refilled his mug.
“Hey, take the rest of that in a Thermos if you want. Might be chilly out there.”
“Good idea.”
When he began opening cupboards as if he had no idea where she’d kept that sort of thing forever, Mary got up from the table and handed him a small, insulated jug.
“Love you.”
“Love you, too. Bye.” As soon as Grant closed the garage door, Mary turned back to the coffee pot and refilled the canister, knowing she’d need more. Eight hours of sleep apparently hadn’t cleared her head or cured the stiffness in her lower back. Next thing on her shopping list might be a new mattress.
But it was her to-do list that begged for her immediate attention. She reached for the file folder she’d left on the kitchen island.
Normally, she loved that moment when she was in the house alone, and all was quiet, and she could start planning her day. Today was too quiet. Probably had something to do with Sara being gone, starting her new life – that had taken a dramatic new direction.
What Mary had to look forward to was several phone calls, a couple she didn’t want to make. It took all the energy she had to open the folder – and not go back to bed.
Mary toyed with the pen in her hand. She wished she could’ve gone with Sara to help her get a feel for Dallas, help her get her feet on the ground. Friends could only do so much. They’d be busy with their own lives. Mary considered calling her sister-in-law to get some ideas, but Sara hadn’t minced words when she told Mary not to try and manage her move. Or her life.
Mary jumped when her phone pealed.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mary, this is Wendy. From On Track.”
All right, then. Might as well get this out of the way. “Good morning, Wendy,” Mary said in the cheeriest voice she could muster.
“You’ve probably heard by now that we didn’t get the turnout we were hoping for.”
“Yes. I did.” The whole county had probably heard about it by now.
“I’m wondering if you’d like to choose some other dates. Maybe wait a few weeks until people have had time to realize they need some professional help. We’d be glad to hold onto–”
Absolutely not. She was done with that project. And her give-a-damn was at an all-time low. “Oh, thank you, Wendy, but I’m afraid I’ve spent all the time I can give on the seminars. I’m so sorry it didn’t work out.”
“It’s really a shame. Such a missed opportunity for the community.”
“It is, but we can’t force it down their throats. Please send me the bill for the remainder of the expenses. I’ll get it taken care of right away. Do you think you could get a refund on the giveaway items you bought?”
“I’ll look into it. There may be a restocking fee that doesn’t make it worthwhile. If that’s the case, shall I ship them to you?”
Sure, because she’d need them hanging around to remind her of– Enough! She shook her head, trying to clear the negative thoughts. What was done, was done. If nothing else, she could give them as prizes at the library opening or some other event. They wouldn’t go to waste.
“That’d be great, Wendy. Thanks, again, for all your efforts. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”
Mary ended the call, took a couple of sips of coffee, then punched in Jane’s number. Maybe while their husbands were laboring, they could have a leisurely lunch – and she could put to rest the niggling question about Jane’s support. Surely if Jane had accidentally slipped and mentioned Mary’s involvement in the career workshop, she’d fess up.
She heard the heavy sigh before she heard Jane’s voice. “Hey, Mare.”
Mary’s response died in her throat. Why the sigh? Was that directed at her or had Jane been talking to someone else as she answered the call?
“Hello?” Jane asked. “You called? Mary, are you butt-dialing–”
She came-to. “Hey. I’m here. Sorry, I was, uh, distracted.”
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“Thought we could play ladies-of-leisure and grab lunch today since we don’t have to feed the guys. You free?”
“Oh, sorry, Mare. I can’t. I’ve got a dental appointment and some errands to run.”
“That sounds like a jolly good time.”
“Doesn’t it, though? Just how I like to spend my days off.”
Mary chuckled. “I’m sure. Hey, I’ll let you get to it, but I have a quick question. Did Corey make it to the workshop on Saturday?”
“He did. He said it was great, that the people running it were really sharp and–”
“Did he tell you how many people were – or weren’t – there?”
Another deep sigh.
“Yeah, I’m afraid so. It’s too bad.”
“I just can’t figure it out. Do you think people didn’t go because Grant and I sponsored it? No one was supposed to know that, but Regina Daniels somehow got wind of it. Is she on some kind of bashing campaign?”
“I don’t know, Mare. She didn’t hear it from me. I’m really trying to stay out of the fray, you know?”
Mary chewed on that for a moment, relieved that Jane hadn’t given her away, but thinking that staying out of the fray didn’t sound like trumpeting support, either. Then again, she could hardly blame Jane for her feelings. Being caught in the middle was stressful, and Doug’s layoff was enough to deal with.
“The gal from On Track called and asked if I wanted to choose some new dates and try again, but–”
“Don’t do it,” Jane said, her words short and sharp. “Honestly, Mary, I think you need to stop. Let it go.”
Mary flinched. “I didn’t say–”
“It was a nice gesture, and I’m sorry it wasn’t successful,” Jane continued, her voice more even, but still firm. “But you can’t fix this. It’s out of your control.”
Mary swallowed hard. While the words were different, to her ears they sounded very much like Regina’s telling her to butt out.
And they stung.
Closing her eyes, Mary took some time to collect her thoughts and regroup. “Okay,” she murmured. “I guess there’s nothing more I can do.”
“Look Mare, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but–”
“No. I get it. I’m sorry I brought it up again. You don’t need anything else to deal with.”
“And neither do you,” Jane told her.
“Right. Over and done. I’m shoving this is the bullshit file.” She picked up the black marker on the counter and wrote the sentiment in bold letters on the folder, then shoved it aside.
After ending the call, Mary considered opening the folder that held the agenda for the next City Council meeting and accompanying documents that she needed to read. But it seemed too much like work – too much like dealing with other people’s problems. She pushed it away, too. For the next week and a half, her family would get her undivided attention.
* * *
Claire arrived first. Mary couldn’t contain a grin from the moment Claire stepped out of her car dressed in a soft pistachio green sweater with signature scarf to the instant she was wrapped in her friend’s arms.
“Come in, come in,” Mary told her. “It’s so good to see you. Wow. You look gorgeous. That’s a great color on you.”
They automatically wandered toward the kitchen.
“Thanks. How’s everything going? You about ready to do this?”
“Absolutely. Annie will be here by noon. I figure we can eat a quick lunch then get busy on the bags and favors.”
“Sounds good. How many?”
“Only about twenty-five gift bags, but a hundred-and-fifty table favors. We’ve got every room at the lodge booked.”
Claire threw her hands in the air. “Put me to work.”
“Nah. We can wait for Annie. Let’s talk. What do you want to drink? I’ve got coffee and tea, and every kind of juice.”
“Plain old coffee is fine. I’m a little chilly.”
“Oh, I was afraid it’d turn cold. The girls will freeze in their dresses.”
“As long as it doesn’t sno–”
“Stop,” Mary commanded. “Don’t say it. Don’t even think it. There’s nothing in the forecast, and I want to keep it that way.”
“Right, because you can totally control the weather.”
“Staying positive. Thinking good juju, you know? Feel free to join in.”
Claire reached for the cup of coffee. “Fine. I’ll play along.” She dropped into a chair at the table. “Your house looks perfect, as usual.”
“More thanks to Rita than me,” Mary said. Her longtime housekeeper was a treasure.
“Your style,” Claire countered. “So, what do you hear from Sara?”
Mary screwed up her face. “About as much as I’d hear if I tried whispering at a rock concert. I may have to rent a drone to keep up with that girl.”
“Maybe she doesn’t have a lot to tell yet.”
“Guess we’ll find out soon enough. She should be here around three o’clock.”
“Oh, good. I want to spend some time with her.”
Mary held up a finger. “Just remember, no baby talk. Annie doesn’t know. And you aren’t supposed to know, either so try not to get my ass in trouble, will you?”
“I got it. Speaking of trouble, did you talk to Jane?”
Studying the liquid in her cup, Mary debated whether she wanted to get into this conversation. She’d promised to let it go.
“Mare?” The concern on Claire’s face welcomed a heart-to-heart.
“I did.” Mary blew out her breath. “It wasn’t her. But it’s obvious she’s hearing stuff that I’m not. People are getting ugly and hateful. And–” She broke off, swallowing hard. “And I think a lot of it is directed at me. I don’t get it. Tell me the truth, do people think I’m a rich bitch who wants to run everyone’s life?”
“What?” Claire’s voice pitched as she reached out and squeezed Mary’s arm. “Mary, come on. People love you. Think how many friends you have. Don’t let the noise of a few discontents drown out the sound of good sense. We’ve had so much fun in book club, PTA, the library board, because of teamwork and friendship and camaraderie. Think of everything you do for this town, and–”
“But that’s what I mean. Is it over the top? Do I come off as a control freak? Do people put up with me because I have money while they secretly resent me? I’m telling you, I’m picking up some bad vibes.”
Claire leaned forward. “And I’m telling you that you’re being paranoid. Snap out of it!”
Mary managed a smile. “Maybe I’m losing my mind.”
“Maybe you need a break. Listen, I’ve talked to Susie and Dana and Kent this week, and no one has mentioned anything about the Essex mess. Think about this – in two days you’re going to be surrounded by friends and family, tons of people who love you.”
“I know you’re right. I hope you’re right. But the thought of people boycotting Annie’s wedding the way they did the career workshops is keeping me up at night.”
Claire scoffed. “Girlfriend, maybe you are losing your mind. That’s ridiculous. Quit thinking like that because you’re just going to be proven wrong, and I know how much you hate being wrong.”
Pushing off from the table, Mary grabbed Claire’s mug. “Thanks for the therapy. Let me warm that up.”
“Will work for coffee.” Claire gave a saucy grin.
Annie’s arrival put an end to the therapy session – and lightened the mood. Her bright smiles and obvious excitement were contagious.
* * *
They’d just finished wrapping the bridesmaids’ gifts when Sara arrived.
It’d only been a week and a half since Mary had seen her. Still, her eyes went to Sara’s middle. In black leggings and a long sweater, she looked cute and stylish – and not pregnant.
“So, what are we working on?” Sara asked.
Annie shoved the gorgeous packages aside. She’d give those to her attendants at their Saturday morning brunch. “Welcome bags and favors,” she said.
“I’ve got all the stuff separated into trays,” Mary added. “We need to assemble, then add the ribbon.” She gestured to the dining room table, laden with locally made soaps, honey and other goodies for out-of-town guests.
As they started the assembly line, Claire spoke up. “Sara, tell us about Dallas. How’s that going?”
Mary held her breath a moment when Annie stopped moving and stared at Sara.
“Yeah. What’s the scoop? I still can’t believe you just up and moved to Dallas.”
Sara popped a chocolate-covered almond in her mouth and kept working. “You know, it’s kind of fun to up and do something spontaneously every once in a while.” She gave Annie a pointed look. “You should try it sometime.”
Mary glanced at Claire and saw the smile before she managed to hide it. Ah…sisters. “What about apartments?” Mary asked.
“Mmm. Still looking. Single places are pretty expensive.”
Annie stopped again. “Why don’t you want a roommate?”
“I’ve had roommates since college. If I can swing it financially, I’d like to have a place of my own.”
“What about the job search?” Mary asked. She was ready to hear something she didn’t already know.
Sara met her eyes and smiled. “I’ve sent out a bunch of résumés to headhunters and individual companies. And…” She paused for a beat. “I’ve already had one interview and have two more set up for next week.”
“You do?” Mary asked. “Well, sweetie, that’s great. Wow. That was fast.” Hooray, she said to herself. Sara needed to land something within the next few weeks to avoid having her secret detected. Mary’s stomach fluttered. It seemed awfully optimistic.
“Yeah. And I have an appointment with one of the headhunters. I’m sure I’ll have something by the end of the year.”
“And you’re going to camp out with friends until you find something?” Annie asked, her eyes widening. “That could still be several weeks. Hope you don’t wear out your welcome.”
“Hey,” Claire cut in. “If this Dallas thing doesn’t work out, you come on up to Wichita. We’d love to have you, and you can camp out at my place for as long as you like.”
Mary gave Claire a smile but made no comment. If only. Maybe that suggestion coming from someone else would have more impact. Not only was Wichita much closer for grandmothering, it’d be cheaper. She studied Sara for a moment and wondered just how expensive the apartments were. Was this Dallas thing really do-able? Spontaneity might be fun, but in this case, there could be serious consequences. The clock was ticking.