Lily waited until Saturday morning to broach the subject of Chad’s sister. Wendy had been in a terrible mood last night, and after eating her dinner, had gone straight to bed. Lily didn’t mention her black clogs that Wendy was wearing, but was glad she was no longer limping.
Mel had the early shift and had already left for work. Lily had plans to meet her when she got off, so they could go to the store and pick out things to make their stockings for Cyndy’s party. Mel’s eyes had lit up when she saw the invitation and she was eager to put together a fun stocking.
When Lily heard Wendy’s footsteps on the stairs, she ushered the dogs out to the deck, so they wouldn’t add to the stress. She poured Wendy a cup of tea and motioned her to the counter. “I heard from George yesterday.”
Wendy’s eyes widened. “Did he have any news?”
Lily frowned. “Not much.” With a gentle voice she explained that the chance of Chad getting out of the charges was slim. He would most likely be sentenced to prison and their frozen assets would be seized and forfeited. Wendy slumped lower in the chair as she absorbed the news. “He mentioned Chad’s sister as a possible person you might be able to turn to? You never mentioned her, so I wasn’t sure.”
Wendy sighed. “Constance. She’s never liked me. Thought I was beneath Chad and their family.”
“George thought you might be able to stay with her and he could arrange a visit with Chad, which would be better than a monitored phone call. He assured me you won’t be implicated in anything, but you also have no property. Nothing was in your name, only the name of Chad’s corporation, and you’re not an officer.”
Tears plopped onto the counter and Wendy reached for a tissue. “I’m trying to believe he did that to protect me, but right now, it’s hard to know what to think.”
“Talking with him might be the best thing for you. George made it sound like he could organize a visit in the lawyer’s conference room, so it would be private.”
Wendy nodded. “I can call her and see what she says.” She dabbed at her eyes again. “I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I wish Mom and Dad were still here.”
Lily grasped her sister’s hand. “So do I. All the time. You’ll just have to take it one step at a time. Figure out where you want to live and find a job that works for you. You can stay here, until you’re on your feet. It’s just not a great place to find a high paying job.”
“Tell me about it.” Wendy rolled her eyes and took a sip from her cup. “You were right about the shoes.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad they worked. There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable shoes when you’re standing all day. Trust me, I’ve been there.”
“I think I’ll wait until I’m off on Monday and Tuesday, and call Constance then. I’m not sure I can handle any more bad news and keep it together at work. I’m sure I’m going to have to beg Constance to help me, and I have to work myself up to it.”
Lily breathed a sigh of relief when Wendy went about making herself a smoothie and headed downstairs to get ready. Constant turmoil was exhausting and Lily hoped Wendy could find a solution, or at least come to terms with what was happening. Hearing it directly from Chad might be what it would take.
After dropping Wendy at work, Lily put the ingredients in the slow cooker for soup, then dug out a card table and situated it downstairs. The dogs, their heads tilted, watched with interest as she unearthed the jars of beach glass stashed in the cupboards and lined them up on the counter. She made a list of supplies she would need to start her new hobby.
She set out for town and met Mel as she was getting off her shift. They stopped by the mercantile, the hardware store, the fabric store, and several gift shops, gathering supplies and finding things to stuff into their stockings. When they were picking out the stockings themselves, Mel suggested they make one for Wendy since she couldn’t go to the party.
“That is such a sweet and wonderful idea. Maybe that will lift Wendy’s spirits.” Lily let Mel pick out a fancy velvet stocking trimmed with faux fur for Wendy, and agreed it was perfect.
They loaded their bags into Lily’s car and Mel followed her home. Mel turned on a Christmas movie the moment they came through the door. The dogs sniffed and examined each of the bags, finally settling in to watch as Mel and Lily selected from the pile of small gifts they had amassed. The stockings were large and had plenty of room for the candies, teas, coffees, handmade soaps and lotions, and even a small Christmas book.
Lily left Mel to admire their handiwork, while she went about setting up her makeshift sea glass studio. After spending a couple of hours prepping some new frames, arranging trays, and separating glass, she went upstairs to find Mel fast asleep on the couch.
She tiptoed by her and checked on her suncatcher, which was looking good, with all the silicone dry and clear. She took it downstairs and added the hooks and wire to the frame like Eva had shown them, and hung it on a suction cup hook in the window. It would be her inspiration for her coming creations. The sun was setting so she’d have to wait until tomorrow to see how it looked in the daylight.
She had an idea for a couple of designs and wanted to make one for Mel for a gift. She’d have to get busy if she wanted to get it done in time for Christmas. She found an old sheet to cover the table that would keep prying eyes from seeing her surprises when she wasn’t working.
By the time she went back upstairs, it was past dinner time and the dogs were staring at their bowls, signaling her it was time to pour their kibble. She stashed the stockings in her bedroom and then turned her attention to dinner. Once she had the dogs fed, she got out bowls and spoons and sliced the bread she had picked up at the bakery.
Mel came from around the corner. “Sorry I fell asleep. I guess I was tired.”
While they ate, Lily told Mel about talking with the lawyer. “I’m not sure what Wendy will end up doing, but I know she can be less than kind and there’s no excuse for it, but I think she’s going to be even more stressed and under pressure until she figures all of this out. This week could be rocky.”
Mel reached for another slice of bread. “I won’t say anything, I promise. I know what it’s like to feel lost. It’s not easy. Honestly, without you and Donna I don’t know what would have happened.”
“I’m a firm believer that people come into your life for a reason. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they stay with you forever, but others are there at the exact time you need them. I think we needed each other, Mel.”
She smiled and finished eating her soup. “What day does Kevin get here?”
Lily glanced at the calendar on the fridge. “Next Sunday and we head over to Victoria the day after Christmas, so you’ll have to babysit Wendy for me. The dogs will be at Mac’s with Andy. He’s going to stay there and take care of the place.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Kevin can’t stay as long as we had planned. He’s going to fly to New Hampshire right before New Year’s Eve to spend a week or so with Brooke and her family.”
“That’s too bad. I mean, for you. I’m sure he’ll have fun.”
Lily forced a smile. “I’m trying to be brave and concentrate on the fun we’ll have while he’s here.” She met Mel’s eyes. “You haven’t changed your mind about coming to Victoria?”
Mel shook her head and shrugged. “I’m scheduled to work, but I promise we can take the ferry over to Oak Harbor one day like you suggested.”
“That would be great. We can do that after Kevin leaves. That will make for a nice outing.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost time for me to pick up Wendy.”
“I’ll clean up the kitchen, you go ahead.” Mel began collecting the empty dishes. Lily’s heart filled with pride as she watched her make sure every crumb was wiped from the counter. She wasn’t sure Mel would ever understand what it meant to have her around the house. Lily couldn’t imagine being alone, especially at the holidays, and now neither of them had to.
Over the next week, Lily kept busy with training Bodie, her secret sea glass projects, and playing taxi driver for Wendy. Mel spent all her time working, volunteering at the library or studying. Monday and Tuesday came and went and Wendy never said a word about Constance.
Lily wasn’t going to press her. She’d either call or she wouldn’t. Wendy was in unchartered waters and Lily had no idea what to expect. She knew her sister missed her old life. When she dropped her off on Saturday, Lily made a detour to the Driftwood Bay Recreation Center and inquired about exercise classes. Wendy had talked about exercising a few times. They had several options throughout the week and Lily purchased a pass for Wendy, adding it to the stocking she and Mel had made for her.
Mel came home around noon so she could change and they could get to Cyndy’s for the party. The invitation had requested guests wear ugly Christmas sweaters to get in the spirit and they were all supposed to bring some type of snack or dish to share. Mel wore a red sweater with a huge reindeer on it and red and white striped arms, and Lily donned a black one with a Christmas tree, complete with actual metallic garland that was draped on it. They were both hideous and had been only a dollar each at the thrift store.
Lily had made one of her huge charcuterie boards. Along with all the meats and cheeses she normally used, she did her best to make it festive with sliced apples, grapes, pomegranates, and cranberries. Mel offered to carry it to the car and steady it on the drive over, while Lily gathered their stockings.
While Cyndy’s house was always beautiful, she had outdone herself for the holidays. The aroma of mulled spices greeted them the moment they walked through the door. White twinkle lights filled every corner, decorated trees adorned each room, and her table was set with white, silver, and just a few touches of red. Candles flickered among the fresh flowers and greenery running the length of the dining table, while Christmas music played in the background.
Cyndy greeted each of them with a hug and Mel’s mouth was still hanging open as she studied the tall tree near the base of the staircase. “It’s like something from a movie.”
Cyndy took the board she was holding as Mel’s gaze never left the tree. “Come on in when you’re ready. I’ve got some punch and hot cider ready, and I’ll introduce you to the others.” She turned toward Lily. “You can hang the stockings with the others on the mantle.”
Mel’s eyes darted from the tree to the banister, outfitted with greenery. “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Lily gestured with her head toward the kitchen. “Come see the rest of it.”
Cyndy was busy at the island counter, making sure the food was organized. Lily hung their stockings, then joined Mel in getting a mug of cider. Cyndy made introductions around the room, pointing out her old friends, a few of whom recognized Mel from Sunrise Coffee. A few more ladies arrived. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, chatting as they filled their plates from the buffet Cyndy had organized.
There was never a moment of silence as the women visited and laughed while nibbling on appetizers and salads atop the fancy silver-rimmed plates, and drinking out of crystal goblets. A pang of sadness filled Lily’s heart, knowing how much Wendy would have loved the party. With Wendy being new and the tea house staying open late during the holidays, it was impossible, but Lily wished she could have come. She was sure her sister’s life had been filled with extravagant parties like this on a regular basis. She wouldn’t have been caught dead in Lily’s sweater, but would love Cyndy’s décor.
After all the ladies had finished lunch, Cyndy guided them into the living room and explained the game they would be playing. It was the old gift exchange game most people had played, but with a twist. She had a stack of cards and after everyone chose a stocking, they had to take a card, which told them what they had to do. Directions included trading gifts with the person on your left or having everyone shift their gifts to the right, or trading a gift with someone wearing red, or someone with the ugliest sweater. It went on for a few rounds, and when Cyndy was sure nobody was holding the stocking they had brought, she ended the game.
Instead of diving into their goodies, Mel and Lily watched the two women, Nancy and Beth, who ended up with their stockings. Beth was excited about the gift card to Sunrise Coffee that Mel had included and Nancy loved the lotion and book in her stocking. Mel turned toward Lily and smiled. “I think they like them.”
“Go ahead and see what you ended up with.” Lily gestured to the purple velvet stocking, embroidered with snowflakes.
Mel’s smile widened as she unearthed the treasures. Nail polish, plush socks, a cute hat, fig body scrub, lip balm, a snowflake bracelet, and a gift card to the bakery were among her favorites. “This is so fun,” she said, reaching in to pull out the item stuck in the toe of the stocking. It was a pretty holiday mug with a pouch of tea. “This is so fun to get all these treats.”
Lily slipped her hand into the gorgeous red velvet stocking in her lap, the deep band at the top decorated with gold beads, embroidery, and lace. She plucked out bath salts, shower gel, and lotion, soft gloves, a gift card for a pedicure, a leather journal and a gorgeous pen, plus a pair of earrings. Like Mel, she loved getting so many gifts.
All the women were holding up their presents and admiring what everyone had received. Cyndy interrupted the chatter with an announcement about dessert. She invited them back to the kitchen to partake and fill their cups with something warm. When the women gathered around her granite island counter, they gasped, in awe of the spread.
Cyndy smiled and gestured to Lily. “I was inspired by Lily’s gorgeous charcuterie boards and thought it would be fun to do the same idea with desserts.” She had used the counter to create a huge assortment of cookies, candies, mini pies, cupcakes, brownies, and cake slices, all of which were nestled among sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices, with some sprigs of greenery to give it a holiday look. Like everything she designed, it was perfect.
The women filled their dessert plates, admiring the sinful treats. Cyndy’s signature laugh rippled through the room. “Since all of these are bite sized, you can sample one of everything without feeling guilty.”
As they enjoyed the sweets, they continued visiting and Mel discovered several of the women were in a book club and was over the moon when they extended an invitation for her to join them. Cyndy had provided take home containers and insisted they all help themselves to the leftovers. Lily loved hearing the excitement in Mel’s voice as she talked about getting the book they were reading so she could join them at their meeting in January. Mel grabbed a container and pitched in to help box up some food to take home. Lily doubted Wendy would eat much, but added helpings of several salads, hoping she would try them. Mel concentrated on filling a container with desserts.
She looked up at Lily and shrugged as she pressed the lid onto the top, careful not to squish the pretty cookies. “I figured Kevin will help us eat all this when he gets here tomorrow.”
Lily put an arm around her shoulders. “He’ll love them. I’m so glad you came today and even happier you found some new book friends.” When Lily met her eyes, she noticed a tear leak from them.
Mel smiled at her. “I’m so excited for Christmas this year. Somedays, like today, I can’t believe it’s all real. If you hadn’t given me a place…a home, I wouldn’t have all of this.”
Lily hugged her close and said, “Let’s go home. We have time to watch another movie before I have to pick up Wendy. You can make us some hot chocolate and we’ll snuggle with the dogs.”