The Guestbook

by Andrea Hurst

  “Ok, as long as you save room for dessert.”

  Ian lifted the wine bottle and offered to refill their glasses, “Shall we polish off the wine first?”

  John placed his fork down and with a wistful look pointed toward the Sound. “See that bay out there? My grandfather used to talk about ships that smuggled rum close in to shore and dropped the bottles in the water. Well, they’d float right in on the tide and land on the beach.”

  “Thank goodness the laws and times have changed some since then,” Lily said with a laugh. “I would hate to find bottles of rum floating up on my beach.”

  “I’d like that,” Jason said, scraping his plate clean with his fork and licking off every drop.

  Ian laughed. “I bet you would, son.”

  “Great meal, great chef,” Ian said with a dazzling smile.

  She placed her hand on his. “And good company makes it so much nicer.” It was unlike her to touch a stranger’s hand. And for that matter, to hug a neighbor either. She laughed to herself. In Los Angeles, they might sue you for doing something like that.

  “If you ever want a tour of the island farms that sell direct, let me know and I’ll be your guide,” Ian said.

  “That would be great, just let me know when you’re available.” She wished she had not used the word “available.” It sounded so impersonal. It was such a relaxed dinner, unlike anything she’d experienced in the last few years, and she just didn’t know how to act.

  “I’ll be back in a few weeks for the art opening,” he said.

  “Sure, just let me know, I’ll be here,” Lily said. She’d almost said, “It’s a date.”

  “There’s wild berries in the summer, too, great for pies,” Jason said licking his lips.

  John tousled Jason’s hair. “When your gramps was a kid, we used to pick wild strawberries then take the boat out into the bay to fish. It was a great place to spend a childhood. It still is.”

  Lily remembered vividly the time she’d spent here as a child. It had been a haven, hanging out with her grandmother in the kitchen baking cookies, making strawberry jam, running along the shore chasing seagulls and collecting shells.

  “We’ve taken up the whole evening with our stories, how about you? I’m sure your story is so much more interesting than mine,” John said.

  “I doubt that. Moved to Los Angeles, got married, getting divorced, and I’m back now.” Lily regarded the man in front of her. He had history, ancestors, and hardships to overcome, yet his attitude was so filled with humor and grace.

  She turned to Jason. “So how does hot-out-of-the-oven blueberry apple crisp, topped with vanilla bean gelato sound?”

  Jason scrunched his face in deep thought. “What’s gelato?”

  “A really soft, creamy ice cream,” Ian answered. “It’s yummy, trust me!”

  John patted his stomach. “Somehow I’ll find room! I can’t remember the last time I had a meal this delicious. I am sure, though, it must have been prepared in that very same kitchen by your grandmother.”

  Lily gave him a grateful smile and rose to clear the table. Dessert and coffee followed, milk for Jason.

  When it was time to leave, first Grandpa John then Jason gave her a big hug. Ian lurked behind them. Lily hoped he wouldn’t give her a big hug, too; she was afraid of her reaction. He took her hand. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

  A jolt shot up her arm as his warm fingers pressed into hers.

  “You…you’re welcome,” she stammered closing the door behind them.

  Lily hummed while she cleaned up the kitchen. She turned off all of the lights and headed for bed. Tomorrow she would get focused, make some decisions. Tonight, she felt content as she pulled the down comforter up over her shoulders. Her thoughts floated to Ian’s warm touch. She wouldn’t see him for a few weeks; it would give her time to cool down.

  Chapter Ten

  An unending veil of brown smog floated above the city as Lily’s plane landed. One long shuttle ride, one short ferry ride, one fast flight, and Lily rolled her carry on through LAX airport and headed for baggage claim where her mother would pick her up. The airport was a zoo, as usual. Thousands of people, all talking on their cell phones, all pushing and rushing somewhere, reminded her why she left this city.

  Her mother’s Toyota was waiting at the curb for her. Lily waved, threw her bag in the back and hopped in the passenger seat. For a moment they just stared at each other.

  “Thanks for being here,” Lily said.

  Her mother’s arms surrounded her and it felt wonderful to return the hug. Car horns blasted and Lily snapped her seat belt while Katherine pulled out into traffic.

  “How about we stop for a quick dinner and then head home, have some tea, and talk?”

  Lily nodded. “Perfect.”

  After eating, the traffic was almost clear when they entered the freeway. When they reached the valley, they exited at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and drove a few short blocks into the foothills of Studio City. Katherine pulled up in the driveway of their ranch-style home. The familiar porch light glowed as if to welcome her.

  What am I doing back here with my mother at thirty years old? The dim glow in the windows of her old front bedroom reminded her how long it had been since she lived in this house. When they’d moved in, she’d been in high school and was thrilled to have a nice room and a pool of their own. She closed her eyes. “One night,” she reassured herself. “Just one night and then I can return to the island.”

  “Lily, why don’t you come inside?”

  Lily fumbled with the door locks and stepped out of the car. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”

  Katherine picked up a suitcase and led her into the house. “I’ve fixed up your old room for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I just want to sleep.”

  Silently, they walked to her bedroom. Katherine placed the suitcase on the bed.

  Lily turned to her mother. “I didn’t tell you everything. I found over one hundred text messages between Brad and his gorgeous new corporate attorney, including barely clad pictures and endearments. Such a cliché these days in LA: wife turns thirty, husband goes for younger model.” Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them away. “I’m done crying, and if he thinks I am going to just quietly leave, he is very mistaken!”

  “I’m sorry,” Katherine said reaching over and getting Lily a tissue. “That must have really hurt.”

  “It did.”

  “Don’t worry, honey. Tomorrow we will have a top attorney working for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “I’ll shut the door for you then. Sleep well, Lily.”

  She wilted into the overstuffed chair and dropped her purse on the floor. Her eyes drifted over the familiar objects: the prize-winning seascape she painted in college still hung above the brass bed, set off by the azure walls she had insisted on in her teens. The oak dresser with the carved mirror displayed her colorful shell and rock collection on an antique glass tray. But the cream-colored curtains were new; the royal blue velvet drapes that had hung over the sliding glass doors were long gone.

  It held a comfortable familiarity, but still it didn’t feel like home. The oversized house she lived in with Brad never had, either. Only one place had ever held that feeling: Grandma Maggie’s farm. She rummaged through her bag for a nightshirt, pulled it over her head, and snuggled in under the down comforter. Sleep was the only thing on her mind.

  ✦✦✦✦

  The Century City high-rise cast an ominous shadow that matched Lily’s dark mood. Thank God her mother was by her side to face this business with a divorce attorney. Karl Goldberg, a.k.a. the bulldog of the courtroom, had come very highly recommended by a good friend of her mother’s.

  Lily hesitated at the elevator. “I really wish we could just settle this out of court.”

  Katherine pressed the button for the penthouse. “Lily, this is one divorce where your wishes will only be granted if you have a fairy godfather, and right no
w he is located on the top floor!”

  The elevator doors opened to a lush reception area filled with soft leather sofas, potted orchids, and carved glass tables holding neatly stacked glossy magazines. The entire office was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a view that reached all the way to the Pacific Ocean. All Lily could think about was how his bill would probably match this high-rent office.

  As Katherine checked in at reception, Lily wandered over to stare out the windows. She located the Brentwood neighborhood where she’d spent so many years with Brad. He was probably busy changing the locks and hiding valuables right this moment. The nerve of him trying to keep everything and then demanding she pay half of all the debts. She turned her back on the view with resignation, crossed the room, laid her briefcase at her feet, and sank into the mauve Giovanni couch beside her mother.

  A perfectly dressed and coifed woman hurried into reception, her high heels clicking smartly on the wood floor. Her icy gaze would have caused the most courageous heart to quiver. “You must be Lily Mitchell. Do you have all of your papers ready?”

  Lily nodded.

  “Mr. Goldberg is still in court, but we expect him shortly. Can I get you an espresso or a Pellegrino?”

  Lily looked at her mother, who shook her head no. “Just a Pellegrino would be great.”

  “I didn’t sign anything,” Lily confided in her mother. “The signatures can wait until I see if I want to retain him or not.”

  “Your choice, Lily. Just remember, this one is paid to be on your side.”

  The atmosphere shifted, as if a storm were rolling in, when a tall, powerfully built man in a well-tailored Armani suit burst into the reception area. He directed a dazzling smile at them. “So sorry to be late, ladies, but the case ran a little over.” He reached out a perfectly manicured hand. “I’m Karl Goldberg. Please call me Karl.”

  “Lily Mitchell,” she said with a firm handshake, noticing the Rolex watch on his wrist—the exact model Brad wore.

  “Come on in, make yourself comfortable.”

  Karl pointed them to two high-back leather chairs. He seated himself behind a vast oak desk in a throne-like chair. The power emanating from his stature, the cool penetrating eyes, and his steel handshake spoke volumes. Lily felt small and insignificant, a familiar feeling, but not one she wanted to have again. She took a deep breath, put her shoulders back, and met his stare directly. She’d seen this type before during the many dinner parties in which she played perfect hostess. He lived for the power of winning, and money was his aphrodisiac. She reminded herself that the decision to employ this man—or not—was entirely hers alone.

  Karl leaned forward over the desk and clasped his hands on top. “This husband of yours is attempting to squeeze you into a very small corner and is fighting hard not to give up even that bit of real estate in the divorce.”

  Lily took a moment to gather her thoughts. She sipped her water, hoping it would help wash away the bitter taste in her mouth.

  “Well, Karl, that is exactly why we’re here!”

  His booming laugh resonated off the expensively decorated walls. “Touché,” he said, giving Lily a thumbs up. “I see I do not have to worry about you being ready for the fight ahead. But don’t worry, I’ve literally wiped the courtroom floor with these types before.”

  The image of Brad spread across the courtroom floor in his designer suit provided the comic relief she needed to relax. She sized up Goldberg…clever and confident.

  “Why don’t we go over the particulars and see where we stand?” asked Katherine.

  “Quite wise to know our enemy in detail,” Karl replied.

  “I lived in that home with him as his wife for ten years. That must count for something.”

  “Of course it does, and I am sure the judge will see it that way too when we’re finished. We will ask for him to buy you out of the house at current market value or sell it and give you fifty percent. However,” he said shuffling papers, “I see there is a pretty steep second mortgage on the home as well. Did you know about that?”

  Lily closed her eyes and clasped her hands over them, willing this all to go away. She felt the urge to run out the door, but where could she go to out race this opponent? It was now or never.

  “No, I didn’t know that. I just inherited a farmhouse on an island in Washington State from my Grandmother. I’m living there now. Does he have any claim over it?”

  Carl leaned forward. “Technically, it is part of your separate estate. He cannot make a claim on it. However, its net worth may affect your level of spousal support.”

  Katherine went on to explain to the attorney how the home was turned into a bed and breakfast, but was no longer operating.

  “Well, that’s another matter altogether, ladies. If the property can be shown to be viable, Lily will probably be given a certain amount of time to earn a projected income. It’s a good place for you to be for now while I handle this messy business here.”

  Karl rambled on about temporary spousal support, tax returns, hidden money. Lily could see where all this would lead, and the lawyer fees would be never ending.

  “We can fill out some papers today, arrange to have him served. In California, judgment takes six months and a day. If you like, we can file this week, so if all goes well, the divorce will be final just after July fourth…Independence Day.”

  Both women laughed. “A fitting arrangement if I ever heard one,” Katherine replied.

  Katherine pulled out her checkbook and looked at her daughter. “Lily, I would like to pay half of the retainer for you, at least for now.”

  Lily tried to speak, but no words would form from her closed throat. She managed to get out, “Thanks Mom. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

  Karl escorted them to the door. “Don’t worry, ladies. I am in your court now. If he bothers you, just tell him to talk to your lawyer.”

  When they reached their car, Katherine pulled out her keys, “I have one word to say…chocolate!”

  Lily laughed. “Ditto.”

  “And while we’re at it, we can stop at Macy’s and pick you up a some clothes as a late Christmas present from me.”

  Lily looked out the window at the city streets jammed with buildings and traffic. She longed to return to the big trees, sweeping water views, and snow-peaked mountains. She didn’t belong here. The opportunity for a fresh start felt like sunshine after this foul weather time of her life. First chocolate, then shopping, the airport, and home.

  Chapter Eleven

  One minute she was trapped in a nightmare running from Brad as he chased her down a dark alley, and the next she was wide-awake in her grandmother’s four-poster bed, staring at the alarm clock. 3:00 AM. A sense of panic made it hard to catch her breath. Her heart raced. She forced herself out of bed, pulled aside the curtains, and looked out at the total blackness. The island certainly wasn’t the manicured McMansions of Brentwood she was used to seeing, with their overuse of electric lights blazing down every street and screaming, “Look at me!” These unlit, pitch-black country roads, dark by four in the afternoon in this dead of winter, made her leery to venture out by car at night. For a moment, she wondered if she had traded in one prison for another.

  After her trip to Los Angeles, the days had flown by, blending together one gray morning after another. She hadn’t seen anyone except Mary in what seemed like forever, and was too lazy and cold to venture into town. She had avoided the neighbors and hid out in the house.

  “Boy it’s cold.” She dove back under the down quilt and mentally measured how many steps it was to the thermostat. Jude from the café had called a few times. She was really a nice woman and kept insisting Lily come visit and bring some of her baked goods in to sell.

  Lily made an effort to steady her breath and let the heavy fog sitting on her brain lift a bit. What was she supposed to do next? She was not even sure who she was anymore. Her stomach growled loudly. When was the last time she had eaten a meal? John’s friendl
y company had helped briefly, but her lawyer had called and said there had been no progress on getting temporary alimony. It hadn’t helped to overdose on caffeine every day. It just jolted her out of time and space and obviously was not allowing her to sleep peacefully.

  She wanted her grandmother. The Guestbook would have to be the next best thing. She pulled it from the drawer and glided through the pages. So many people had stayed here.

  Thank you for letting us hide out in your peaceful little sanctuary.

  It feels so good to be away from all the dramas of life - the bunnies put on a spectacular show. And I can’t wait to try my new recipes.

  ~Marsha & Chad

  A recipe card fell from the back of the book and drifted to floor. Lily turned the well-worn card over– Mt. Rainier cookies. She read over the ingredients, punctuating them with an occasional blissful sigh, then closed her eyes and imagined–chocolate ganache, peanut butter, powdered sugar. Heavenly!

  She flipped to the back of the Guestbook and saw an envelope overflowing with more precious recipes. She sensed aromas floating up from the kitchen and could hear her grandma’s soft hum as she baked. She thought again of Jude’s offer to sell her baked goods and specialties to the Island Café as her grandma had once done. Could she do it?

  “I’m going to have to get up sometime, might as well do it now.” She pulled the afghan off the bed and wrapped it around her like a huge cocoon, slid on her slippers, then proceeded through the office to the parlor. She about attacked the thermostat putting it up to the highest temperature, then headed to the kitchen, determined to get something accomplished today. Avoiding the cold wood floor, she stood on the braided rug by the sink, filled the copper kettle, and put it on the stove. She opened the glass cupboard doors and searched for some tea. The shelves were well-stocked, and everything was in its place, as if her grandmother would be returning home anytime now. Lily chose a thick ceramic mug and some loose leaf green tea. She poured the steamy water into the cup and warmed her hands around it while she waited for it to steep.