JOAN COULDN’T REMEMBER MADDEN EVER COMING close to the autumn colour and light on display this afternoon in Vancouver. The sidewalks looked as though a painter had splashed brilliant splotches as far as the eye could see. As she rolled into her underground driveway on this misty Friday, the sun was edging down toward the horizon forming a palette of gentle pinks and mauves beneath the slate-coloured clouds above. She’d made a commitment to herself to be home before dark, although when the clocks turned back at the beginning of next month, she’d have to adjust her schedule to the time change. Her promise had meant passing on a high-profile gig as lead designer on an intriguing project to enhance flavours in frozen seafood. And she knew deep down that this resolution to work shorter hours wouldn’t last forever. But she also knew that she’d never completely go back to her old ways.
She unpacked the groceries onto the kitchen counter, excited to be cooking for her entire family. Tonight was an event none of them ever thought they’d see: her mother’s engagement party. Vi’s betrothal to Ed Fowler had sent a shock through the family, but the tsunami that followed was a wave of joy and approval. When she heard the front door, she quickly finished chopping the onions and wiped her hands. She was ready for the embrace when Mort folded his arms around her.
A step behind him was Hilda, his stunning German date. They’d met online and Joan hoped it would last this time.
“Hey, you didn’t wait for me!” Mort announced as he looked down at the onions. “And those need to be diced a little finer.”
She grinned at him and picked up the knife. “I’m holding a weapon,” she threatened, but he took it as an invitation. Removing the knife from her hand, he shoved a handful of envelopes toward her.
“Here’s your mail.” As he chopped and shared the highlights of his week, she sifted through the envelopes and stopped at one bearing the familiar blue-and-gold crest of the University of British Columbia. The return address was “Alumni Association”. Without a moment’s hesitation, she tossed it unopened into the recycling bin, before Mort could see.
“Let me pour you both a glass of wine; then I’ll make the salad.” She placed the remaining mail on the sideboard. It could wait. Gabe would be hungry after his long drive from Madden. When he arrived the party would really start. Every time he came to visit they got to know each other a little bit better. Somehow, they would make this long-distance relationship work.