A spinach omelet and two cups of strong coffee enable Hannah to assess her new predicament with a clear mind. She’s taken advantage of her mother’s generosity for far too long. The time has come for her to make a move. But she needs to make the right move. Not only for her but for Gus.
When she drops Gus at daycare, Hannah asks Miss Daisy, “Is there any chance you could keep Gus this weekend? I’m going to Charleston to see a friend.”
“Sure! I’m already keeping Robbie. We’ll have a grand old time.”
Hannah’s gaze travels to Robbie and Gus chasing each other around the living room. “Are you sure it’s not too much? I’ll only be gone from Saturday morning until around noon on Sunday.”
“Stay as long as you like. We’ll be fine.”
Hannah feels ten pounds lighter as she leaves Miss Daisy’s. She takes the long way back to the waterfront, meandering through the neighboring streets. She sends a quick text to Liza, asking if she can crash at her apartment on Saturday night, followed by a message to Ethan, accepting his invitation for a day on the water and dinner. She receives prompt responses. Both Liza and Ethan are looking forward to seeing her on the weekend.
When Hannah looks up from her phone, she notices a sign announcing the upcoming sale of a quaint house on Summer Street. The story and a half cottage has dormer windows, white wood siding, black shutters, and a sky blue front door. Pots of pink geraniums welcome visitors on the brick steps leading up to a columned front porch.
She clicks on her realtor’s number. Shannon answers on the first ring. “Hannah! Your timing is impeccable. I was just getting ready to call you. I’ve found the perfect house for you. Three bedrooms. Updated kitchen. Fenced in backyard.”
Hannah smiles. “On Summer Street?”
“Yes, how did you know?”
“I’m standing in front of it now. When can I see it?”
“Showings start on Friday. This one will go quickly.”
“Can you get me an appointment for Friday? I’m flexible. Morning or afternoon.”
“Sure thing. I’ll be back in touch when I have a time,” Shannon says and ends the call.
Hannah remains in front of the house a minute longer, imaging pumpkins on the porch at Halloween and a magnolia wreath on the door at Christmas. Despite her father’s sudden return, her future is looking brighter. She has choices. Charleston or Summer Street. Either way, after three years, she is finally moving on with her live.
Cary leaves the apartment late morning, looking professional in a tailored suit and starched white shirt. But when he returns that afternoon, his expression is grim. The bakery is closed for the day, and the other employees have gone home. She fixes two cups of chai tea, and they sit together at a window table in the cafe.
Cary blows on his tea, takes a tentative sip, and sets the mug down. “I don’t understand. Jonathan and I have known each other since we were kids. I was sure he’d give me my old job back.”
Birdie tilts her head to the side, studying him. His bewilderment is genuine. She doesn’t remember her husband being so naive. “You stole money from his firm, Cary. Not once, but twice. The other partners and associates would think him a fool.”
“I guess you’re right. At least he agreed not to press charges. He’s giving me three years to pay back the money.”
“Wow. That’s incredibly generous of him. Did you ask if he’d be willing to provide a recommendation?”
Cary stares down at the table. “I didn’t ask, but I’m sure he will.”
There’s that naïveté again. Or is it narcissism? “I wouldn’t take it for granted. You should confirm with Jonathan before you provide his name as a reference. Where else are you planning to apply.”
He shrugs, still looking down at his tea. “There are other law firms on the island.”
“Only a few. This is a small town, and you’ve tarnished your reputation.”
His gaze lifts. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I am getting rid of you. I’m divorcing you. As a matter of fact, I spoke to my attorney at length earlier. The paperwork will be ready for us to sign in a few days. Ninety days after he files in court, the divorce will be final.”
Birdie watches closely for Cary’s reaction. His shoulders droop, confirming her suspicion that he came here hoping to get her back.
“Is this what you really want?” he asks in a quiet voice.
“This is what you wanted when you left me.” She plants her hand on her chest. “I closed that chapter of my life a long time ago. Now that you’re here and can sign the papers, we can make it official. I wanted to make that clear, if you’re going to be living under my room.”
“Understood.”
She looks away, staring out the window at the tourists strolling about on the boardwalk. “The divorce is beside the point, anyway. Professionally, you might benefit from a fresh start in a town or city where no one knows about your past.”
“But my family is here. My daughter and my grandson. I’m not leaving.”
“Then you might have to settle for a job in a field other than the law.”
Max gives Birdie the tongue-lashing of a lifetime when she finds out Cary is living with them. Mid afternoon on Wednesday, she barges into the kitchen through the swinging door from the showroom. Oblivious to Sadie’s presence, she rips into Birdie. “You’re asking for trouble, Birdie. Nothing good will come from having that man in your apartment. Cary is your nemesis. Your weakness. He’s a black widow spier who will tangle you in his web and spit his venom under your skin. He’s—”
Birdie’s hand shoots up. “Enough, already. You’ve made your point.” She risks a glance at Sadie. Her brown eyes are wide as she nods her head in agreement. “You’re taking her side?”
“I’m sorry, Birdie. I agree with Max this time. Where that man is concerned, you’re playing with fire.”
“You two can chill out. I’m keeping a tight lid on the situation. I’ve made it clear that, if he steps out of line, he’ll have to find somewhere else to stay. Besides, I feel sorry for him. He’s working so hard to find a new job.”
“Humph! He had a perfectly fine job with a respectable law firm before he took all their money and flew off to Hawaii,” Max says, her voice escalating with each word.
“Okay. That’s enough. You’re disturbing my customers. Let’s go outside.” Taking Max by the arm, Birdie marches her out the back door.
Max jerks her arm free of Birdie’s grip, and they face off in the alley. “Have you given any consideration to what this is doing to your daughter? Hannah is furious with Cary. And rightly so. He’s trying to force a reconciliation with her. Let him stay somewhere else. They can sort out their problems in due time.”
“He has nowhere else to stay, Max. Unless I give him money, which I refuse to do. Do you have a room you can spare?”
“I’m booked solid for the weekend. But even if I did, I wouldn’t allow the likes of him on my property.”
“I have no intention of allowing this situation to continue indefinitely. A week. Two max. When he finds a job, I’ll loan him money to rent an apartment.”
Max eyes her suspiciously. “You’re falling for him again.”
Birdie plants her hands on her hips. “I most certainly am not. I’m having divorce papers drawn up as we speak. For your information, I created an account on MatchMade. And I have a date for Saturday night.”
“No way! You go, girl.” Max offers up a high five. “Who’s the lucky guy?”
Birdie’s cheeks warm. “I’m not telling.”
“Oh yes, you are.” Max pinches the skin on Birdie’s forearm. “Tell me!”
“Ouch! That hurts. It’s Harold. Okay. Now let go.”
Max releases her skin. “Harold Gordon, your accountant?”
“Yes. And don’t laugh.” Birdie rubs her wounded arm. “I haven’t been on a date in decades. I’m using the opportunity to refresh my skills.”
“What’s wrong with Harold?”
Birdie rolls her eyes. “He’s the most boring man alive. But he’s taking me to the Lighthouse, so at least I’ll get a good dinner out of it.”
“The Lighthouse. Ooh la la. Big spender. “Max loops her arm through Birdie’s and they stroll through down the alley to the park.
“When are you going for drinks with Stan?” Birdie asks, pulling Max down beside her on the wooden bench.
“Tomorrow at six. We’re just going to Shaggy’s. I’m not sure what to expect.”
Birdie nudges Max. “Come on. You know Stan. He’s easy to talk to. And interesting. He knows so much about so many things.”
“What if he tries to kiss me? I was joking the other day. The thought of making whoopee with someone other than Daniel scares the tar outta me. Especially Stan. I know him too well.”
“Truth be told, I’m not ready for intimacy with another man either.” Birdie shifts toward Max. “Just be yourself, and follow his lead. At least you’ll have the benefit of alcohol to break the tension.”
“True. Are you worried about the drinking aspect of dating?”
“A little. Most people drink wine with five-star meals.”
Max moves in close to Birdie, their blue-jeaned thighs pressing together. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you earlier. I underestimated you. I was worried you would fall for Cary again.”
“I was married to him, Max. Despite the way he treated me, I still have feelings for him. Not the kind of feelings a wife has for her husband. But I don’t wish him any ill will.” Birdie chews on her bottom lip. “I had no idea Hannah would be so upset about her father staying with us. They were once so close. I want that for them again.”
“You need to let them figure that out for themselves."
The apartment was cozy when it was just Hannah, Gus, and Birdie sharing the cramped space. With Cary thrown in the mix, they are crawling all over one another. Birdie has forgotten what it’s like having a man in the house. Toilet seats left up. Beard stubble in the sink. The sight of his suits hanging next to her clothes in the tiny closet.
To make matters worse, as the week wears on, Hannah becomes more openly hostile. She snaps at everyone around her, including her son. Hannah rarely lets Gus out of her sight, but when she does, he runs straight to Cary. Gus worships his Pops. To the little boy, Cary is larger than life. With this handsome man who so easily makes him laugh, he shares the one thing Hannah and Birdie don’t have—testosterone.
On Friday evening, Birdie catches Hannah peaking around the bedroom doorjamb at her father and son who are watching a fishing program on television. “He’s really good with him, you know.”
With eyes glue to the pair on the sofa, Hannah says, “He’s trouble, Mom. He can’t find a job, because no one in this town trusts him except you. You invited him into our home, and now my son thinks he’s a superhero.”
“Gus needs a male figure in his life. You’ve said so yourself many times.”
“He needs one he can rely on. Not one who’s likely to disappear the next time going gets tough.” Hannah turns away from the door. “I looked at a house today on Summer Street.”
This surprises Birdie. She’s gone with Hannah to look at all the other houses. “And? What did you think?”
“It’s just what I’m looking for. It’s small with three bedrooms and one bath on the first floor. But the attic can easily be converted to a big bedroom with a play area for Gus when he gets a little older.”
“Is this the one?”
“If I don’t accept Ethan’s offer.” Hannah opens her closet door and flips through a row of dresses. “I’m going to Charleston tomorrow. And I’m spending the night. Ethan’s going to show me around. I need to get a better feel for the city before I make my decision.”
“But it’s Memorial Day weekend. I need all hands on deck.” Birdie doesn’t mention her dinner plans with Harold for Saturday night.
Hannah tugs a small suitcase out from beneath her bed. “I didn’t realize you were counting on me to work in the cafe. I can be back early on Sunday if that helps.”
“I’m not worried about the cafe. I’ll put your father to work if necessary. But I can’t possible keep Gus.”
“He’s staying with Daisy. She keeping Robbie as well. Gus is thrilled.” Hannah folds two dresses into the suitcase, tosses in her bikini, a pair of wedge heels, and an assortment of shorts and t-shirts.
Birdie has cherished these past three years, having Hannah and Gus living with her for. But it’s time for them to move on with their lives. Given the choice, however, she’d rather have her down the road on Summer Street than an hour away in Charleston. “I hope you’re considering this job for the right reasons. And not just an opportunity to get away from your father. He won’t be staying here permanently.”
“I hope not, for your sake,” Hannah says as she packs Gus’s clothes in a gym bag. “My potential move to Charleston has nothing to do with dad. A partnership with Ethan means a level of professional success I would never be able to achieve here.” She zips up the gym bag and drops it on the floor beside the door. “You know how much I love the island, Mom. This is not an easy decision for me.”
“I know, sweetheart. And I’ll support you whichever way you decide.”
Hannah surprises her by throwing herself in Birdie’s arms. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch this week. I just have so much on my mind, and having dad around isn’t make it any easier.”
Birdie smooths her daughter’s mahogany hair. “This is all my fault. I should’ve asked you before I let him stay.”
“You don’t need my permission, Mom. This is your apartment. We’ve gotten so close these past few years. I consider you my best friend. Promise me we won’t let dad or anyone else come between us.”
Birdie can’t speak past the lump in her throat. Holding Hannah at arms length, with tears in her eyes, she nods. “I promise.”