by Cathy Zane
“Yeah, like I’d really let you get away with that!”
Will chuckled. “Don’t I know it! So . . . what’s going on with Sarah?”
“More than I think we know,” Kate said.
Will smiled. “What’s this? A bit of dramatic flair from my normally calm, cool, and collected wife? Say more.”
Kate frowned. “I’m not sure. Just my gut talking to me again.”
“Well, my experience with your gut is that it’s usually pretty accurate.”
“Yeah,” Kate said. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” She generally trusted her instincts and knew something was off with Sarah—something that had to do with Robert. She just wasn’t sure what that was.
“My curiosity is piqued,” Will said. “Is it about the pregnancy? Or something else?”
Kate nodded. “I think that’s part of it. She seems really scared to tell him about it. I mean, more than scared. Like, terrified.”
Will frowned. “Maybe something’s going on with her—like she’s hormonal and overreacting or something. I mean, it doesn’t make sense for her to be terrified to tell him about a pregnancy.”
“I know. That was my first reaction. But now I think she might be underreacting—or hiding something.” Kate bit her lower lip. “Something has been bugging me for a while. She completely defers to him all the time. She’ll want to do something, but when he says no she acquiesces and then acts like it was her idea or something.”
“Interesting,” Will said thoughtfully. He rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger. “Sounds like I need to learn some of his technique.”
“Very funny,” Kate said, whacking him lightly on the chest. “I think you learned a long time ago not to tell me I couldn’t do something.”
“Yes, I did.” Will wrapped his arms around Kate and pulled her toward him. “And I’ve been a much happier man ever since!”
“And I’ve been happier too.” Kate smiled and kissed him, but she wasn’t done talking about Sarah and Robert. “I know their age difference might be part of it, but I get a creepy Stepford Wives feeling at times.”
“That’s a bit extreme. I mean, I know he’s kind of pompous, but I just write that off to his family. He has a different worldview than us common folk!”
“I know. I’ve thought about that too. And I know my feelings aren’t rational. But something just feels really off. And then there’s the whole piece about him working in LA all the time and hardly ever being home. What’s that about?”
“Sounds like you might have some thoughts on that,” Will said, smiling. “Out with it, woman!”
“Okay,” Kate said. “Yes. I admit it. I wonder about another woman. Is that such a stretch?”
Will shook his head. “No. Not at all. Or he could just be a workaholic or something. I mean, look at his old man. You don’t get where he got without living and breathing the company.”
“Maybe. But I know Sarah has suggested several times that they move to LA and he always makes excuses. He won’t even let them come down and visit. He says it will distract him from his work.”
“Okay. Maybe a bit more suspicious. So, he’s got a mistress. Or he’s a workaholic. Or both.”
“You can add ‘controlling jerk’ to that list.”
“Boy, you really don’t like the guy, do you?”
“I don’t know. I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but my gut is screaming on this one. And now to call last minute to say he’s staying in LA this weekend? Sarah’s pretty freaked out. He was supposed to be home to help her get everything ready for tomorrow.”
Will shrugged. “It’s a six-year-old’s birthday party, not a wedding. What’s the big deal?”
“I know,” Kate said. “I don’t disagree. But that’s what I’m saying. Her reactions seem really off sometimes and it makes me wonder what is really going on inside that house.”
“So, you think there’s more to it than an absent husband and a lonely wife?”
Kate shrugged. “I don’t know. She doesn’t seem very sure of herself. She’s guarded. She doesn’t talk about much and seems to put on a happy face, if you know what I mean. I think she needs support, but I’m never sure how to help.”
“Well, right now we can bring pizza and hang party decorations!”
Kate smiled. “Always the voice of reason.”
“At your service,” Will said, taking an exaggerated bow. “And now for the really important question: What kind of pizza should I order?”
Sarah stood quietly at the counter, phone still in hand, relief flooding her body. She wouldn’t be alone tonight. Will and Kate would be with her to help. And Emma would distract Lizzy and soften the blow of Robert not coming home. Everything would be okay.
“Mommy! I’m cold!” Lizzy called out again. “Where are my pajamas?”
“Change of plans,” Sarah called back as she laid the phone down and headed toward Lizzy’s room. “Emma and Kate and Will are coming over with pizza to help us get ready for the party.” She reached the door of Lizzy’s room in time to see the towel-covered ball on the floor bounce up and transform into a standing, naked child.
Lizzy squealed with glee. “Really?”
“Yep! So go ahead and get dressed, and then you can come help me in the kitchen.”
Sarah knew she should tell Lizzy that Robert wasn’t coming home, but she quickly talked herself out of it. No need to upset her when she was so happy. Besides, she’d be occupied playing with Emma and probably wouldn’t even notice. At least for a while. Sarah could avoid telling her until later. Dealing with one of Lizzy’s meltdowns tonight, in front of Kate and Will, would be humiliating. Waiting was definitely the best plan. She’d wait until after they were gone.
“When will they be here?” Lizzy asked. “What kind of pizza are they bringing? Can we have ice cream for dessert? Can Emma help me fill the eggs?”
“Whoa, girl,” Sarah said, putting up both hands. “Hold your horses! First things first. You need to get dressed and I need to finish putting away the groceries. I’m sure they’ll be here before you know it!”
“But Emma can help fill the eggs, right?”
“Of course. But first you need to get some clothes on!”
“Okay.” Lizzy went to her dresser and pulled out some underwear.
Sarah smiled and let out a sigh as she walked back to the kitchen. Lizzy was excited and happy. Not a word about Robert. Maybe this would all be okay. Maybe she could get through the night and not have to deal with it.
Her thoughts continued to swirl as she put away the groceries. She’d have to tell Lizzy at some point. But when? She didn’t want her to be so upset that she wouldn’t sleep. As tired as Sarah was, she knew she couldn’t deal with that tonight. But she also didn’t want to tell her right before the party. That would be a disaster. The party needed to go perfectly. There just didn’t seem to be any good time.
Lizzy skipped in just as Sarah was folding the grocery bags and putting them in the bag holder in the pantry.
“Wow,” she said, seeing Lizzy fully dressed. “That was fast.”
“Are they here yet?” Lizzy asked.
“Yes,” Sarah said, matching Lizzy’s excitement. “They’re hiding in the garage.”
Lizzy gave her mother a puzzled look and started toward the garage.
“I’m teasing! No, they aren’t here yet. I just got off the phone with Kate a few minutes ago. And they need to pick up the pizza first.”
Lizzy scowled and Sarah caught her breath. Stupid idiot! Are you trying to trigger her? You better find some way to distract her.
“I’m sure they’ll be here any minute. Why don’t you go pick out a movie for you and Emma to watch while you have your pizza?”
Lizzy’s face brightened. “Okay.” She skipped out of the room.
Sarah relaxed slightly, knowing she’d dodged a bullet. She needed to stay a step ahead of Lizzy if she wanted to avoid the Robert conversation. Once Emma was there, it shouldn’t
be a problem. In the meantime, though, she needed to keep Lizzy busy.
She pulled a pan out of the cupboard, filled it with water and put it on the stovetop to boil. She’d get the eggs cooking and then start cutting the vegetables for the crudité.
She was slicing celery when Lizzy came bopping back into the room with a video in her hand.
“We can watch Totoro! It’s Emma’s favorite.”
“Great choice,” Sarah said, smiling. Kate and Will would get a good laugh from that! “Why don’t we open the bags of candy and put them in bowls so they’ll be ready for you and Emma?” Sarah grabbed two bowls from the cupboard. “You can put the jelly beans in one bowl and the chocolate eggs in the other.” She got the scissors from the drawer as Lizzy crawled up into one of the chairs at the table.
Sarah had just cut open the first bag when the doorbell rang.
“They’re here!” Lizzy jumped down from the table and ran for the door. Sarah said a silent prayer. Thank goodness. Saved by the bell. Literally! She smiled and quickly emptied the candy into the two bowls, put the scissors back in the drawer, and threw the candy bags into the trash. She turned to follow Lizzy to the front door, only to be nearly knocked down by her and Emma running back into the kitchen.
“Come see,” Lizzy was saying breathlessly. “We get to fill the eggs with candy and stickers for our Easter egg hunt tomorrow.”
“Slow down,” Sarah said good-naturedly as she turned to greet Will and Kate. Will was carrying two large pizza boxes.
“So, where should I put the grub?” he asked.
“Right here on the counter would be great,” Sarah said, clearing a spot.
Sarah was ready to drop, but the evening had gone fantastically, and for that she was grateful. She and Kate had prepped all the food and Will had hung the decorations outside. He’d even fixed a loose rail on the deck. Emma and Lizzy had had a great time filling the eggs after they’d finished the movie. Lizzy hadn’t mentioned Robert.
The only stress in the evening had been when Kate asked her how she was feeling about Robert not coming back for the party. Sarah knew she couldn’t talk about it. She was afraid she’d start crying or get upset. She didn’t want to risk it. Besides, they were having a good time, talking and laughing. Why dampen the mood? So she’d just put Kate off and changed the subject.
She loved hanging out with Kate and Will. They were everything she thought a couple should be. And how parents should be. She wished she and Robert were more like them. Even though they’d all been working, they’d also had fun and Sarah had actually relaxed and enjoyed herself. But now, as they prepared to leave, she felt some of her anxiety and sadness creep back in. She was afraid that Lizzy would ask about Robert, and she didn’t know what to do if she did. She was so exhausted. The thought of handling one of Lizzy’s meltdowns right now sent her into a panic.
“So, I’ll come a little early tomorrow to help with the last-minute stuff,” Kate was saying. “What time is Maggie coming with the balloons?”
“She’s picking them up at noon, so she’ll probably be here about twelve thirty.”
“Great,” Kate said. “I’ll plan on the same. That will give us an hour and a half to tie up the balloons and hide eggs and put out the food. Should be plenty of time. I think you’re in good shape.”
“Yeah, I think it’s all good. Thanks to you guys. I couldn’t have done it without you. I can’t thank you enough.”
“It was our pleasure,” Will said as he turned and smiled at Kate. “Much better than what we had planned!”
“That’s for sure,” Kate said, smiling back at him. “And the girls had fun. I think they will both sleep like babies tonight.”
“I hope so,” said Sarah. “I could use a good night’s sleep. As long as she doesn’t realize Robert’s not here, I should be in good shape.” Shit. Why did you say that?
Kate glanced at Will. “She doesn’t know—”
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Sarah said. “I still have Emma’s jacket from the other day. Let me grab it for you.” She quickly rushed out of the room.
Kate leaned in toward Will as soon as Sarah left the room. “See what I mean?” she whispered. “It’s stuff like that that seems off to me.”
“A little, I guess. Seems like she doesn’t want to tell Lizzy that he isn’t coming. I can understand, if she thinks Lizzy will be upset and it will keep her up all night.”
“So you just wouldn’t tell her?”
Will shrugged. “I don’t know. I’d tell Emma, but she’s not Lizzy. Sarah knows better than we do how she will react.”
“Maybe you’re right. I just feel bad for Lizzy. I’d hate to have her blindsided by it tomorrow.”
Will frowned and shook his head as Sarah came back carrying Emma’s jacket.
Kate knew it was a warning, but she couldn’t contain herself. “So, you didn’t tell Lizzy that Robert wasn’t coming?”
Sarah looked coolly at Kate as she handed her Emma’s jacket. “There’s a chance he’ll be able to fly up in the morning. I don’t want to upset her unnecessarily.”
“Well we should round up our young’un,” Will interjected playfully, before Kate could say anything more. “It’s past her bedtime.”
“Yeah. For Lizzy, too. Hopefully we can tear them apart for a few hours!” Sarah said. “I’ll go let them know.”
Chapter 11
Sarah had managed to get Lizzy to bed without any mention of Robert last night. She’d been so excited and exhausted that for once Sarah’s suggestion that the sooner she went to sleep, the sooner morning would come, had worked. Lizzy was in bed and asleep within a half hour of everyone leaving.
The morning was more of the same. Lizzy woke up excited and singularly focused on getting ready for her party. She tried on half of the dresses in her closet before settling on a pastel floral sundress with a lime green jacket. She couldn’t have looked more like an Easter egg if she’d tried, but Sarah knew to keep that thought to herself. She needed to bite her tongue and avoid saying anything that might upset Lizzy, including telling her about Robert not coming. So, she didn’t. No need to rock the boat.
Shortly before noon, Lizzy came downstairs dressed and ready for a party that didn’t start until two o’clock. Sarah smiled. Miracles never cease. Miss Perpetually Late was actually ready early.
“Well don’t you look beautiful!” she said as she continued to unload the dishwasher, wondering what she could do to occupy Lizzy while she got everything ready. “Are you hungry? I could fix you a little lunch.”
“How soon will they be here?”
“Well, we still have two hours ’til the party, but Emma, Kate, and Aunt Maggie are coming early. They should be here pretty soon.”
Lizzy plopped down into a chair at the table. Sarah struggled to come up with a distraction—and then an idea came to her. “You and Emma could watch the video from your birthday party last year. What do you think about that?” Sarah congratulated herself. Good thinking. That would give her, Kate, and Maggie time to hide the eggs and tie the balloons around the deck.
Lizzy clapped her hands together. “Yeah! Where is it? Let’s put it on.”
“Don’t you want to wait for Emma?”
Lizzy frowned. “Well, we can get it ready.”
Sarah smiled. She couldn’t argue with that logic. “Okay. Better go find it then. It should be in the TV cabinet in the den.”
Lizzy ran ahead as Sarah dried her hands. She was laying the towel down on the counter when the doorbell rang.
At the sound of the bell, Lizzy came running back and beat Sarah to the door. She pulled it open and was greeted by a huge bouquet of pastel-colored balloons. A pair of legs extended down like a tree trunk; Maggie’s face was nowhere to be seen. Sarah burst out laughing.
“Lizzy, you and the balloons match! You could hide in there and nobody would even find you!”
Lizzy giggled and Maggie leaned sideways to peek out from around the balloons. “Well by George, I do dec
lare she’s right! How did you know?” she asked Lizzy.
Lizzy shrugged and reached for the balloons. “I want to hold them.”
“Okay,” Maggie said stepping into the foyer and handing the clump of ribbons to Lizzy. “I have more in the car, so you take these and I’ll go get the rest.”
“Look, Mommy!” Lizzy said, staring up at the balloons. “Aren’t they pretty?”
“They sure are. I’d say Aunt Maggie did a great job picking them out for you. Let’s put them in the living room for now. Then we can help Aunt Maggie bring in the rest.” She herded Lizzy into the living room, then took the balloons from her and gently let them float up to the ceiling in the corner. Relieved of her cargo, Lizzy sprinted outside.
When Sarah got outside, Maggie was kneeling on the backseat of her Pathfinder, grabbing at the floating ribbons in the back of the car. She handed the big Mylar “Happy Birthday” balloon out to Sarah, who wrapped its ribbon around Lizzy’s hand several times.
“You can take this one and Aunt Maggie and I will bring the rest.”
Maggie handed Sarah a bunch and crawled out of the car with the final few in her hand. They were following Lizzy back into the house when Lizzy suddenly turned around.
“Mommy,” she said, looking up at Sarah. “Where’s Daddy?”
Maggie stopped in her tracks. “He didn’t—”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Sarah said quickly. “But right now, we need to get these balloons inside so we don’t lose them.”
Lizzy squealed and ran back toward the house, the balloon in her hand dancing gently behind her. Sarah turned to see Kate’s car pulling in off the road.
“He didn’t come?” Maggie said.
“No, he didn’t,” Sarah said under her breath. She didn’t like Maggie’s accusatory tone. “And I’d appreciate you keeping your voice down. She’ll forget about him now that Emma is here. It’s better if I just deal with it after the party.”
Maggie shrugged. “If you say so . . .”
Once they had Emma and Lizzy settled in with last year’s birthday party video, the adults went to work on the last-minute details. Sarah began plating the food, Maggie took on the task of tying balloons around the deck, and Kate offered to hide the Easter eggs in the backyard.
