by Amy Gamet
He turned and walked past her. "I didn’t even remember you were here."
* * *
The front lobby of the assisted living home looked a lot like a hotel, with a wide front desk and a tall brick fireplace surrounded by couches. The building was new since Lisa left, and she was racking her brain trying to remember what used to be where it now stood.
"I’m here to see Barbara Addario."
"You can go on back. She’s in room 17."
The knot in Lisa’s stomach tightened.
Relax. You just talked to her on the phone.
No, I just fought with her on the phone.
She made her way down a long hallway, walls decorated in some horrible blue print. It seemed wrong her mother should be in a place like this when her beautiful house was just across town. She must be really sick to have made that decision, and Lisa’s brow creased with worry.
The mother she knew was strong as an ox, and only slightly less belligerent, and it was hard to believe she was as sick as she was. Lisa took a deep breath and rapped on the door. "Hello…"
"Come on in," called her mother.
Her mom worked to get up from a small recliner and held out her arms.
"Hi, Mom."
"I’m so glad you came."
"Of course."
I wouldn’t stay away while you were dying.
The thought was alarming, and Lisa made a mental note to corner some of the staff and see what she could find out. She needed to know exactly what they were dealing with.
"Sit down," said her mother. "What do you think of my new place?"
Lisa took in the small living area, kitchenette and a bedroom beyond. "I like it." She tilted her head. "Is this your furniture?"
Her mom nodded. "Sure is. Makes it feel like home. I had to get a new bed, but the rest of the things are mine."
Lisa had noticed a few pieces missing at the house, but there was still so much furniture there she hadn’t been sure. "How long have you lived here?"
"Just a few months, is all."
"A few months? Why did you wait so long to call me?"
Her mother pursed her lips. "I didn’t want to worry you. We didn’t even know if there was anything to worry about at that point."
"I want to talk to your doctor."
"Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary."
"Mom, I want to know what’s going on, and so far, you’re not telling me."
"You just got here! Can’t we at least visit for a while before we bring out the experts?" She sat back in her seat. "My goodness."
Lisa sighed and stood. "Does Melanie know what’s going on?"
"Of course. Your sister’s met with the whole medical team."
That was a comfort, at least, and Lisa felt some of the urgency in her questions fade away. She walked to the window, surprised to see the old family bakery in the distance, the landmark giving Lisa her bearings. "Joycrest used to be here."
"It sure did."
A smile played at the corners of Lisa’s lips. "I used to go there all the time. I loved to roller skate."
"You loved to flirt with the boys."
"No, that came later."
Her mother snorted. "You were always trying to get their attention. I had to make sure you had enough clothes on every time you walked out the door. You looked like a streetwalker if I didn’t check."
Lisa’s face fell. "Why would you say that to me?"
"Honey, I’m just kidding. Calm down."
But she couldn’t calm down, indignation rising up from the memory of too many comments just like this one. Comments meant to belittle, that shaped and molded everything Lisa ever believed about herself.
"I was ten years old, and you just said I looked like a prostitute."
"I was making a joke."
"It wasn’t funny."
Her mother’s face fell. "You never let me in, Lisa."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Never mind. I forgot I’m not allowed to cross the line."
"What line?"
"Your father could say anything to you and it was fine. But he was the only one you really cared about, and damn the rest of us for trying."
That’s right.
The thought made Lisa’s head jerk back, surprised by the intensity of her feelings. There was more than a little truth to what her mother was saying, but maybe it was because of comments like the one her mother just made.
Fatigue settled over Lisa like a cloud. She walked back to her seat and picked up the flowers she left there. "Here. These are for you."
"Are you leaving?"
Was she?
It was tempting to throw her hands up and walk away, but she knew she couldn’t do that when her mother was ill. She crossed her arms. "It feels like you don’t want me here."
"Why would I call you if I didn’t want to see you?"
"Not just you." Lisa sniffed. "I wasn’t invited to Melanie’s wedding."
"Hell, neither was I."
"What?"
"They eloped. I could have killed them both."
Lisa felt the first tug of a grin. "I thought she didn’t want me there."
Her mom shook her head. "You’ve always been so quick to believe the worst in people."
"And Greg."
"What about him?"
Lisa shrugged. "He certainly doesn’t want me around. It’s been tense at the house."
"I told you about Greg. That has nothing to do with you."
Lisa nodded.
"He’s not the same man he used to be, but I think he might be all right if he can find his way through to the other side. Be careful with him, Lisa."
Melanie walked into the room carrying a large cardboard box. "Be careful with whom?"
"Greg," said her mother.
Melanie turned around, and Lisa’s stare locked with her sister’s. "What did you do?"
Lisa exhaled loudly. "Hi, Melanie. Good to see you again."
Melanie put a hand on her hip. "Did something happen between you and Greg?"
"Do you mean physically, or emotionally? Because I think he and I really connected on a spiritual level."
"Stay away from him," Melanie growled.
"What makes you think he can stay away from me? Just this morning, he all but yanked me out of the shower."
"Girls, that’s enough."
Lisa raised one eyebrow. "She started it."
"Well, I’m ending it." Barbara pointed to the door. "Get out, both of you."
Melanie’s jaw dropped. "I just got here."
"And it was good to see you. Now scram. I’ve had enough company for one day, and there’s Mahjong in the dining room in fifteen minutes. Lisa, you come back and see me again. Don’t go back to New York City thinking you’ve done your duty by visiting me once. You hear me?"
"Mom, I thought we were going to lunch," said Melanie.
Lisa turned to her sister. "Mom and I were supposed to go to lunch."
"You two go without me. You need some time to catch up, anyhow."
Melanie glared at Lisa. "I came here to see you, Mom."
Lisa stood up. "I’m out of here. See you later, Mom, Melanie."
"Goodbye, dear."
"Bye," said Melanie.
Lisa left the room and headed for the nurse’s station, trying not to let her hurt feelings follow her out of the room. This was exactly what she expected, no more, no less. She got to a wide counter with several nurses.
A young redhead looked up. "Can I help you?"
Lisa looked at her nametag.
Gwen.
"I’m Barbara Addario’s daughter. I was hoping you could tell me how she’s doing."
"I’m sorry, but I can’t reveal any information about her health."
Lisa frowned. "I’m not looking for specifics. I just want to know if she’s…"
The woman’s eyes went wide. "I’m sorry, but I can’t reveal any information about your mother’s health."
An older, gray-haired
nurse spoke up. "We can’t tell you anything."
"Well I was just…"
Her face was a stone mask. "You’ll have to ask your mother directly."
"Well I…"
"It’s the law. I’m sure you understand."
Lisa raised one eyebrow. "Thanks." She turned around to leave, finding Melanie standing behind her.
Melanie shrugged. "Where do you want to go for lunch?"
* * *
Lisa picked up her water glass, the outside covered in condensation. Boogie’s Crab Shack overlooked the marina, and it was easier to watch the boats than to have a decent conversation with her sister.
When had things gotten so strained between them?
They’d fought when they were younger, sure. Everything from whose turn it was in the bathroom to who borrowed something without asking. But this was different, and Lisa had no idea what they were fighting about.
"I hear you got married," Lisa said.
Melanie nodded. "I did."
"What’s his name?"
"Rafael Delacruz."
Lisa nodded. "Cool last name. Did you take it?"
Melanie nodded.
This is painful.
Lisa looked back at the marina. It was a nice summer day, perfect for a boat ride, and the number of people wandering the docks and heading onto the water confirmed it.
Her eyes settled on one man, narrowing her eyes as she took in his familiar build and gait.
Greg.
Melanie used to complain about the number of hours Greg spent on the water, since she didn’t swim and refused to go sailing. It should come as no surprise to find Greg here, yet Lisa was surprised. She felt her pulse pickup speed and was grateful for the sunglasses that shielded her eyes from her sister’s view.
She was used to sneaking a peak at Greg when her sister wasn’t looking. Hell, half the town was eyeing that man at any given moment.
The female half.
That’s what happened when someone that sexy was breathing the same air you were breathing, and it didn’t matter if he was your sister’s boyfriend, or a clergyman, or whatever. And it didn’t mean you were interested in him or you wanted to steal him away from your sugar-sweet sister.
It was just biology.
"What are you looking at?" asked Melanie.
So much for sunglasses. "Nothing, just that there are a lot of people at the marina."
Melanie twisted in her chair.
Lisa picked up the menu. "I think I’ll have the shrimp scampi. Or maybe the salmon…"
"Were you looking at Greg?"
"What?"
"Greg’s down there. Were you looking at him?"
"I noticed he was there." Lisa shrugged. "Is that a crime, now?"
"You’re staying at the house and he’s working on the bathroom."
Lisa flagged down a passing waitress. "Can I have an iced tea, please?"
Melanie sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. "Leave him alone, Lisa."
"What are you talking about?"
"Leave him alone."
"There’s nothing going on."
"Good. Keep it that way."
Lisa felt dirty, like something Melanie scraped off the bottom of her shoe. And that’s what Mel was saying, wasn’t it? That Lisa wasn’t good enough for Greg, that anything between them would be some kind of ugliness.
It would be easy to let Melanie think she’d won. All Lisa had to do was bite her tongue and pretend her sister was in control of Lisa’s entire life.
But that’s really not my style.
Lisa cocked a half smile. "Or what?"
Melanie shook her head. "I knew you were interested in him."
"Maybe I’m just interested in maintaining control of my love life. It’s none of your business who I see, or who Greg sees, for that matter."
"He’s still my friend, and I care what happens to him."
"And you don’t want it to be me."
The waitress stopped at their table. "All set to order?"
"I’ll have the shrimp scampi," said Lisa.
Melanie pushed the menu away. "I’m not hungry."
Lisa clenched her jaw shut.
When the waitress was gone, Melanie leaned forward. "With all the guys you’ve dated, I’ve never said a word. I never told you not to, and I never stuck my nose into your business."
An all-too familiar shame crept up Lisa’s arms. "Until now."
"Hell yes, until now. Stay away from Greg. Go find somebody else to amuse you while you’re in town, but leave him alone."
Lisa took a deep breath in. She was aware of two women at the next table who were clearly listening to their conversation and fought back her own embarrassment. "You’re assuming he wants me to leave him alone."
"I don’t really care what he wants. You’re no good for him, and you know it. For once in your life, do the right thing."
Lisa felt as if she’d been slapped. Melanie made it sound like she was an awful person who never did anything good.
"For once in my life?" Lisa asked.
"Where men are concerned? Yes."
Lisa opened her purse and took out money, throwing it on the table. "Thanks for lunch." She stood up. "I’m going to go see what’s happening down at the marina."
Chapter 4
Lisa made her way along the dock, her hands in her pockets. Coming home was proving to be even harder than she’d feared. Melanie’s words had bitten her insides, which were already raw from her confrontation with her mother.
This feeling, this emptiness, this was what she remembered most about being here. She didn’t feel it all the time growing up, but often enough that the association was engrained in her like that between sand and the seashore.
She walked slowly, hoping Greg would be gone by the time she made it out to his boat. She’d only said what she did to Melanie to get under her sister’s skin, and only now that she was walking in the sun with the floating boards swaying beneath her feet did she realize how much she wished she’d kept her big mouth shut.
She was in no mood for a fight with Greg, but damned if she would let Melanie see her leave.
He was leaning over the railing, a rope in his hand.
"Hey," she said.
He looked up. "What are you doing here?"
She shrugged. "I was at Boogie’s and saw you down here."
"I’m playing hooky. Don’t tell your mother." He smirked. "Listen, I was thinking and…I’m sorry I was so hard on you back at the house."
His words soothed her like an unexpected kiss on an injury. "It’s okay."
"No, it’s not. I’m not sure why I blew up like that."
"Could it be because I was antagonizing you?"
He chuckled. "Only a little." He nodded his head toward the boat. "Want to go for a ride?"
She jerked her head back. Was he serious? Taking in the warm amber of his honeyed eyes, she was pretty sure he was, and her heart began to race as she imagined being with him in such close quarters.
Plus, she loved sailing, the warm breeze blowing across the boat, the gentle undulation of the waves. It had been years since she’d been on the water, and she suddenly realized how desperately she wanted to agree. She smiled wide. "Yeah. I do."
He moved toward her and held out his hand, his palm engulfing hers as he easily pulled her up onto the deck.
Those hands are made for holding a woman.
She shook her head at the thought. "Thanks."
He went back to his rope. "Who were you having lunch with?"
"Melanie."
His eyes went to the restaurant on the hill, squinting into the sun. More than anything, Lisa wanted to know what he was thinking. "Do you miss her?"
"Sometimes. You know how to swim?" he asked.
She nodded.
"How come you do and she doesn’t?"
"We’re different people."
"Yeah, but you grew up in the same house."
Lisa shrugged. "Truth? Melanie knows how to swim, s
he just won’t go near the water."
"You’re kidding."
She shook her head. "Nope."
"Why not?"
Lisa eyed him warily. She was surprised Melanie never shared the story with him herself. "When we were kids, maybe eight and ten, we went out in the canoe when my parents weren’t home. We weren’t supposed to, and we didn’t bring life jackets. We made it about halfway across Thompson’s Neck before we flipped it. The water was cold and Melanie was skinnier than I was. She almost drowned trying to swim back."
"How is it I never heard that story?"
"It’s easier for her to say she doesn’t know how to swim. I don’t know, maybe it’s true. Can you forget how to swim if you try hard enough?"
"Whose idea was it to take the canoe out?"
So many years later, the guilt was as fresh as it was that day. "Mine."
"I thought it might be."
He was judging her, just as her parents had when she returned. And why wouldn’t he? Why wouldn’t anyone, when it had truly been her fault?
Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to this ride in the first place.
Even as she thought it, she knew she hadn’t changed her mind. She’d been wrong to take her sister out on that canoe, just like she’d been wrong about so many other things. If she wanted any of them to be right again, she would have to make some apologies and take some responsibility.
Lisa dropped her stare and walked past him. "Can I sit on the bow?"
"Sure."
She moved to the front point of the boat and sat down with one leg on either side, resting her forearms on a metal railing while she waited for Greg to ready the boat.
A few minutes later, he started the engine and guided them out of the marina, then out into open water.
Lisa smiled widely as they picked up speed.
There was nothing like sitting where she was, the wind on her face and the sun on her shoulders. A light spray of water misted her legs as they dangled over the edge.
An hour passed and she forgot about her sister, her mother, and the stress of coming back here. There were moments when she could feel Greg’s eyes on her, a warmth and an awareness humming through her body.
He said he missed Melanie.
She closed her eyes.
What, did you think he’d go for you? The town tramp was hardly an even trade for the town sweetheart.
