by Terri DuLong
“Oh, definitely. That’s so nice of you, Chloe. I know she’d be thrilled.”
“Oh, good. Well, Henry and I talked it over and he doesn’t really have anybody to stand up with him, so we thought we’d be a bit unconventional and Haley could be a witness for both of us. And I’d love to include my niece, so I was thinking Solange could carry a basket of flowers and be the first to enter. I really don’t want a traditional wedding party.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure Haley will love it.”
“Great. Well, we’ll make plans to go shopping together for our dresses. Maybe you’d like to join us?”
“Absolutely. That would be fun.”
Chloe went to ring up the purchases for her customers. I thought of my father. I wondered, if he hadn’t died, whether Chloe would have ended up marrying him. I had a feeling that probably wouldn’t have happened. I’d only observed the two of them together once when they came to visit me in Atlanta, but I hadn’t seen the same interaction between them as I saw when she was with Henry. It made me realize that some couples just exuded a chemistry that was real and solid. I had to admit I had never shared this with anybody. Certainly not Roger. He was a nice guy, friendly and a very good provider, but passion wasn’t something that he had in abundance.
Chloe returned to the table. “You know, I was thinking of designing a new scarf. Something to welcome you as you begin a new chapter in your life.”
“Really? Like the Chloe’s Dream shawl you did last year when you moved here?”
“Yeah, it would be a nice keepsake for you, and I’ll include some new stitches for you to work on.”
“I’d like that. Thanks. Well, I have to get over to Mavis Anne’s. It’s almost two.”
I walked through the gate that separated the two houses, across the lawn and up the steps of David and Clive’s home.
David opened the door and pulled me into a hug. “Isabelle, how nice to see you. Come on inside.”
I followed him to the living room, where Mavis Anne sat knitting in a wingback chair. She looked up with a smile. “Ah, Isabelle. Right on time.”
“How about some coffee?” David asked. “I just brewed a pot.”
“That would be great,” I said, sitting on the sofa. “Thanks.”
“So everything’s going well? Do you still like the house, and are you settling in okay?”
“It’s wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for allowing Haley and me to stay there. She had a sleepover last night with a new friend. I haven’t seen my daughter this happy in ages.”
“That’s wonderful. Koi House loves people, and people fill it with happiness. So really, you’re doing the house a favor.”
I indulged her thoughts on the house having feelings and just smiled and nodded.
“Okay, here we go,” David said, returning with a tray holding three cups of coffee, a sugar bowl, and creamer.
“Thanks,” I said, adding a bit of cream to my cup.
David passed a cup to his sister and sat down.
“You and Clive must be so excited about leaving for Italy,” I said.
“Oh, we are. We’ve been to Rome and Tuscany but we’re renting a villa on Lake Como. We’re looking forward to exploring that area.”
“And do not forget your promise,” Mavis Anne said. “You will look for some Italian yarn to bring back to me.”
He laughed and patted her arm. “Not to worry. It’s at the top of my shopping list.”
“Okay, so let’s discuss what I will need you to do for me in David’s absence. First of all, you will not be required to do any heavy cooking. Marta will take care of that.”
I was relieved to hear this.
“I may need you to prepare a sandwich and some soup a few evenings, but any larger meals will be taken care of by Marta. Now, David disagrees; however, I don’t think it’s that necessary for you to actually sleep here. I think—”
David interrupted her. “Mavis Anne, we had a deal. I don’t like the thought of you being here in this house alone overnight. What if you fell? What if you needed something?”
“I totally agree,” I said. “It’s really not safe for you to be here by yourself overnight.”
“I think you’re both being a bit silly.”
“No, we’re not,” I said. “Listen, I just had an idea, and I’m not certain she’d agree, although I think she will. How about if Haley stays here with you? I know you have a guest room, and to be honest, I think she’d love it. She adores you and she’s extremely responsible.”
Mavis Anne sat up straighter in her chair and smiled. “Oh, now that plan I would agree to. I adore Haley and love spending time with her. If she agrees, that would work out very nicely. And I wouldn’t feel as if I was imposing on you. I know you’re busy with a lot of other things.”
“Great. I’ll speak to her later when she gets home.”
“Okay. I have a doctor’s appointment the first week David is gone, on Friday, and I have a hair appointment every Thursday at two. Would you be able to drive me?”
“Of course,” I said. “That won’t be a problem.”
“Good. Marta does the cleaning and laundry, so you won’t be responsible for that either. During the day, I’ll be at the yarn shop. Oh, and maybe once a week you could take me food shopping? Would that be okay?”
“Absolutely,” I told her. “Maybe we could go out for lunch before we do the shopping.”
“Oh, yes. That would be fun. Well, Isabelle, I can’t think of anything else at the moment except to discuss your pay.”
I put my hand in the air. “No. What I’m doing for you is minimal and I won’t accept any money. I insist. You’ve given me an incredible break on the rent at Koi House, so consider this a small repayment.”
“Well, I won’t argue with you, but if Haley agrees to stay here each night, I’ll get her a gift. Maybe you could take me shopping for that.”
“That would be nice.”
David stood up. “Okay, well, if we’re finished here, I’m heading to Publix. Chloe invited us to dinner this evening. Henry is grilling steaks and I offered to make some scalloped potatoes to go with them and I need to get a few things.”
After David left, Mavis Anne said, “Chloe tells me that your mother is moving here permanently. She bought a townhouse in The Trails?”
“Hmm,” I mumbled.
“You don’t sound too happy about this. Is there a problem?”
“I think you know she left when I was fifteen. She left my father and me and took off for Oregon.”
“Yes, Chloe did explain that to me. Oh, so you’ve never forgiven her for leaving?”
“No, I guess I haven’t. It just irritates me that she chose to have her own life thirty years ago and now . . . all of a sudden she wants back into mine.”
“Yes,” Mavis Anne said and let out a sigh. “I can understand that would be difficult for you. My mother left when I was fourteen.”
“She did?” I was surprised to hear this.
“Well, different circumstances. She passed away. However, no matter the reason, I was fourteen and without my mother. David was twelve and Emmalyn was only eight. I think it was probably the hardest on her. My father tried, and I did the best I could, but I don’t think she ever adjusted to losing her mother. So I know it’s not easy.”
“Exactly. And your mother had no control over what happened. My mother did. She chose to leave.”
“Yes, that’s true. But you know, Isabelle, we all make mistakes in life. It seems to me that she wants to make amends with you. She could have stayed in Oregon or chosen anyplace else to retire. But she chose here. Near you. Believe me, I know a thing or two about forgiving, and it’s one of the hardest things to do. I don’t mean to badger you, but you might want to see what happens when she gets here. Maybe things will work out better than you think.”
“I seriously doubt that,” I said, and recalled that Petra had told me the same thing.
* * *
When Haley and Tina returned from the beach, Haley asked if her friend could stay one more night.
“That would be fine,” I said. “But doesn’t your mother want you home with her?”
“She’s working night shift tonight. I did call to ask if it would be okay and she said as long as you were okay with it.”
“Oh. Well then, yes. That’s fine. Do you like steak?”
Her face lit up. “I love it.”
“That’s great. Henry is grilling for supper.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Haley called as they ran out the back door to the patio.
I stood watching them out the window. Haley was attempting to teach Tina how to knit. Another common interest they would share. It was then it hit me that I should invite Tina and her mother over for dinner sometime. This would give me a chance to meet the woman and she’d probably appreciate an evening out. I’d be sure to get her phone number from Tina and give her a call the following week.
Chapter 12
The next Tuesday I was with the charity knitting group working on my blanket when my cell phone rang. I was surprised to see Chadwick’s name on the caller ID. Yes, he had said he’d call, but I wasn’t certain that would happen.
“Oh, ah . . . I’ll just take this outside,” I told the group as I walked out of the yarn shop.
“Chadwick, hi. How are you?”
“Very good. I’m calling to see if you’re free on Saturday evening.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Great. Now I don’t want to seem presumptuous because it’s the night before Valentine’s Day, but I’d like to take you to a fairly new supper club that opened in Ormond Beach. Are you familiar with it? It’s called Thirty-one.”
“No, not at all.”
“It’s pretty unique and has a 1930s décor. Based on a speakeasy from that era. I hear the food is excellent and there’s music and dancing.”
“It sounds wonderful. What’s the dress code?”
“Business dressy. Do you feel like getting all dolled up?”
I hadn’t done glam in ages, but this was sounding very appealing.
“Sure,” I told him. “It sounds like fun.”
“I think it will be. I’ll pick you up at seven. Is that okay?”
“Yes, perfect. Thanks, Chadwick. I’ll see you Saturday evening.”
I disconnected the call and stood outside feeling the smile that warmed my face. When I walked back into the yarn shop, the women all looked at me and remained silent. I felt heat radiating from my neck to my face and knew they were waiting for an explanation.
Sitting down, I said, “Oh . . . that was Chadwick Price. He had said he’d call to make plans for dinner.”
“Well, honey, don’t keep us in suspense,” Mavis Anne said. “Where is he taking you?”
“To Thirty-one, that new supper club in town.”
“Oh, wow, I told Henry we really need to go there,” Chloe said.
Maddie nodded. “I heard it’s pure elegance. Like going to the Ritz.”
“Well, aren’t you the lucky girl,” Fay said. “And being escorted there by Chadwick Price.”
“So what are you wearing?” Chloe asked.
“I have no clue,” I said. “He said it’s 1930s décor.”
Mavis Anne raised a palm in the air. “I have just the perfect item. I saved a few of the fancier dresses my sister, Emmalyn, used to wear. They’re in the cedar closet in my old bedroom at Koi House. After we finish knitting, we’ll have a look.”
* * *
A few hours later Mavis Anne, Chloe, and I were gathered in the bedroom. Mavis Anne had removed six dresses from the closet and laid them across the bed. Each one was stunning.
“Take your pick,” she said.
They were all beautiful, but I was especially drawn to the black one. It was a floor-length Grecian silhouette. Small pearls and jet black rhinestones were embedded in the halter top band. With a natural gathered waist, the soft jersey material was striking.
“I love this one,” I said, fingering the dress. “I wonder if it’ll fit.”
“Try it on,” Chloe said.
I slipped out of my cropped pants and T-shirt, pulled the dress over my head, and turned so Chloe could fasten the hidden zipper and hook in the back.
“Oh, Isabelle,” she gasped. “It’s stunning. Go look in the full-length mirror.”
She was right. Even with minimal makeup and my hair due for a cut, I had been transformed. And the dress fit like a dream. Almost as if it had been created for me.
Mavis Anne clapped her hands as excitement crossed her face. “Oh, Isabelle. You are a vision.” She dabbed at her eyes. “I remember when Emmalyn wore that dress. You remind me a lot of her.”
I ran my hand down the side of the dress. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I borrow it?”
“Don’t be silly. I’d be thrilled to see the dress worn again. Such a shame that it’s been hidden away in a closet for so long.”
I nodded. “Well, if you’re sure.”
“I’m positive. Oh, and I just remembered,” she said, walking to the bureau and opening a drawer. She removed a box and took out a gorgeous black rhinestone headband. Holding it up, she said, “Emmalyn wore this with the dress. It was the perfect accessory.”
I took the headband and knew that Emmalyn Overby had had class and style. Shaped in a curlicue design, the gems glittered. Two velvet ties would secure it across the forehead.
“Here,” Chloe said. “Let me fasten it for you.”
I turned back to the mirror and this time I gasped. It was the ideal finishing touch. I looked like a starlet from a 1930s film.
“Wow,” I whispered. “This really is gorgeous.”
I turned around and pulled Mavis Anne into an embrace. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate your letting me borrow this.”
“Just wait until Chadwick Price sees you Saturday night. But I suggest you pay a visit to Helen, my hairdresser, that morning. The dress would look even better with your hair in a French twist.”
She was right. I’d hold off getting a trim until after our date. “I have to agree. With the headband, a French twist style would look really nice. I’ll give Helen a call and see if she can squeeze me in Saturday morning.”
* * *
Tina hadn’t been over in two days, so I wasn’t surprised to see her arrive after school with Haley.
“Hey,” I said, looking up from my knitting. After I had tried on the dress, Chloe and Mavis Anne had returned to the yarn shop and I sat outside on the patio. “Good day at school?”
“Yeah, it was,” Haley said. “What’s for supper?”
I smiled. It seemed ever since she had started hanging out with Tina, her appetite for food had returned. She certainly wasn’t overeating, but she ate enough to convince me I didn’t have to worry about an eating disorder.
“Nothing special. I have a meatloaf in the oven and we’ll have au gratin potatoes and fresh green beans with it. Is that okay?”
“Sounds really good.” She paused for a second and then asked, “Would it be okay if Tina stayed for dinner?”
I didn’t mind at all, but I could see this was becoming a habit. I was also coming to see that if not for Haley, Tina would have a pretty lonely life.
“Of course it’s okay. As a matter of fact, I was thinking I’d love to have both you and your mother over for dinner, Tina. Could you give me her phone number so I can give her a call and see when she’s free?”
Tina smiled and nodded. “Oh, yeah, that would be great. I’ll write it down for you. She’s working tonight, though, but you can reach her on Friday and find out when she’s off again.”
“We’re going up to my room to do our homework,” Haley said. “And then we’re going jogging for a while before dinner.”
“Okay.” I resumed knitting and thought about Tina. She was a very pretty girl. Actually, she was striking. With coal black hair and olive skin, she might be Hispanic; I wondered if her mother was also. Tina
had said they’d moved to Florida from Texas, but I wondered if any family remained in Mexico.
A few minutes later both Haley and Tina came running back out to the patio.
“Oh, Mom! What is that gorgeous dress hanging on your bedroom door?”
I had been wondering how to break the news to my daughter that I had a bona fide date. She did know about the episode I had falling and that Chadwick had come to the rescue, but I’d neglected to tell her he might call for a date.
“Oh, well . . . Remember the man who helped me out the day I slipped in the parking lot in the rain?”
Haley nodded and waited.
“Well . . . he called me earlier. He’d like to take me to dinner. This Saturday. To a supper club.” I felt like I was a teenager trying to explain to my father that I had a date. I was nervous about how my daughter would take this news, but the happy expression that crossed her face told me I needn’t have been concerned.
She jumped up to hug me. “Wow! Really? That’s great, Mom. I’m happy for you. And you’re wearing that dress?”
“I am. Mavis Anne was kind enough to let me borrow it. It had belonged to her sister.”
“Wow, Mrs. Wainwright,” Tina said, “you’re going to look the bomb.”
I burst out laughing. “Hmm, you think?”
“Oh, definitely, Mom. Can Tina stay over Saturday night? We can help you get ready and you know . . .”
I laughed again. I was pretty sure she meant she wanted to check out my date.
“Yeah, that would be fine. Don’t forget, though, you promised to help Maddie at the florist shop on Saturday for Valentine’s Day.”
“Right. Not a problem. I’m going there on Friday too.”
The girls headed back into the house and I smiled. All of a sudden things seemed to be going in a good direction for me. I knew Haley had been in touch with her father via phone calls and texting quite a lot, and that was a good thing. Though our marriage hadn’t worked out, I wanted my daughter to have a good relationship with her father. Like I had. She had mentioned that during April vacation she’d like to fly to Atlanta for a few days to visit with him. I wasn’t sure how Roger felt about that, with having a new person in his life, but I hoped it worked out for Haley’s sake.
