Burt grasped Peter’s shoulder. “This is your home, son. Mom explained the trouble at the bakery. I also understand there might be another woman in your life.” Burt said, his tone firm. “Is that true?”
Peter glanced away and Mary’s stomach dropped. Not one to beat around the bush, Burt approached life’s difficulties with a head-on approach. Peter opened his mouth but didn’t say a word.
Burt nodded. “Claire’s right, there is another woman.”
“It’s not what you think. I’ve been faithful to my vows.”
“Physically,” Burt said. “But playing mind games and picturing closeness with another woman, that’s cheating. However, you’ve made a wise choice in visiting your mother- and father-in-law instead of the other woman, which means you know you’ve made a mistake.”
“I know it’s wrong, thinking about...” Peter glanced at the hardwood flooring. “I don’t know how…or why, another woman almost came between us. It’s made a bad situation worse.”
“I’ll tell you why. You didn’t put enough effort into your marriage, but we can fix this. When you chose to come home, you made the right choice.”
Burt’s voice had an edge. Mary knew he must take the lead, even if his counsel made her uncomfortable. “I need a coffee,” she said, leaving the front entryway and moving toward the stove. She reached for a mug with a bright orange flower, grasped the coffee pot, then poured herself a cup of coffee. She normally added cream, but a miserable day had left her discouraged, so she left the coffee unspoiled.
“Take off your boots and come sit with us at the table. Let’s talk about this.”
Peter nodded, did as requested, and then walked forward like a puppy with its tail between its legs. Her son-in-law seemed to fold in on himself. The hopelessness in his eyes squeezed at Mary’s heart. She watched him pull out a chair and sit at her plain wooden table, his head bowed. She felt helpless while watching Burt open the fridge door to retrieve two bottles of beer. He popped the cap from both bottles and placed one in front of Peter, then sat across the table from him. Burt massaged the brown glass between his fingertips and stared at Peter in a predatorial way.
“Before we talk further, tell us the truth. Answer my questions honestly.” Burt paused, staring, stroking the bottle’s neck. “Have you cheated on my daughter?”
Peter took a deep breath, then shook his head. “No. I have not cheated on Claire. I have been faithful.”
Mary pulled out a chair and sat, essentially sitting between the two men. She couldn’t bring herself to lift her mug and take a sip, but stared at the bleakness, the darkness inside the mug. A cup of coffee that didn’t seem right without milk, much the same as Claire without Peter.
“Have you thought about cheating on Claire?” Burt asked.
Peter fingered his bottle of beer and then took a swig. “I admit it,” he said, his voice a whisper. “I have.”
“With who? That two-timing receptionist?”
“Look, Dad…”
“Answer the question, son.”
“Yes, the office manager. I admit it. I could have gone to Lori’s house today. She offered her couch.”
“I bet she offered more than a couch. But you’re here with us instead of her, so is it fair to say that you changed your mind.”
He raised his head, looking at them, and Mary saw Peter’s eyes were full of moisture. “It would have been the worst mistake of my life.”
“Do you want to save your marriage?”
“Yes! Of course, I do. But it feels hopeless. Where do I start? We’ve gone months without talking, without being close. No intimacy. Little conversation. I feel like we lost something when Chris left the province.”
“Parents can’t place their entire existence on their children. The youngsters grow up too fast and they almost always leave home.”
“I know it seems hopeless, but if you need help,” Mary interjected. “If we could offer our support, to give your marriage a second chance, would you try?”
“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t willing to try,” Peter said, anguish smothering his voice.
Burt nodded. “You can trust us.”
Peter took a deep breath. “What do I do?”
“You start again, you build something new.”
“You make it sound easy.”
Burt reached for Mary’s hand and she appreciated his hold, his strength, even his supportive smile. But had his advice influenced their son-in-law? Had any of this conversation helped?
“Did you think commitment came easy?” Burt asked. “Is conducting any type of business transaction easy? No one said that marriage came without struggle.” He massaged Mary’s fingers. “Sharing a life with a partner, any partner, requires work, patience, understanding and creativity.”
“An open heart as well,” Mary said, giving Peter a half-smile. “And hugs…”
“And sex.” Burt laughed, winking at Mary.
Mary couldn’t believe Burt had gone so far as to voice an intimate sentiment. She felt her face heating, her cheeks likely turning pink.
Peter took another slug of beer but didn’t seem embarrassed by the comment.
“I’d like to contact a marriage specialist,” Mary said, reaching for Peter’s hand. “Will you accept counselling? Maybe an unconventional approach?”
Peter nodded. “I’m willing to have the conversation.”
“That’s great,” Burt said, laughing, “because Mary has come up with a crazy plan.”
“It’s not crazy. It’s a wonderful idea.”
Mary knew what was needed to make a difference in Claire and Peter’s life, and a close friend of hers could assist in achieving a creative strategy. The annual retreat’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. Claire’s closest and most supportive friends were coming home to Ocean Park, and if the relationship strategy were to succeed, Mary needed their help.
She clapped her hands, fetched her cream from the fridge and poured it into the coffee. She took a sip. A delicious result and better than expected.
Chapter Four
In the end, Claire decided her mother was right. Time away from her problems to attend an annual retreat would be good medicine, but one glimpse at her home, the place where she had built a life with Peter, carved a pathway of sorrow to her gut. Twelve days had passed since he had left, and she hadn’t stopped thinking about him or feeling sorry for herself.
She missed Peter; his face, his blue eyes, his massive bear-like chest. She wanted him back. But what should she do? Call him? Tell him she needed a hug? A shoulder to cry on? Where did a woman with a broken heart find healing? How did she swallow her pride and reach out?
Without Peter, she couldn’t sleep. This morning, alone on the bed, unknown sounds caused her imagination to picture all sorts of terrible scenarios. She wasn’t all that brave. She’d better get accustomed to living alone.
Sitting in the SUV, she turned the key in the ignition and started the vehicle, then drove toward the highway, tears slipping from her eyes, feeling sorry for herself and not knowing what she could do to fix this. Her marriage was broken. Reshape the pie, her mother had said. Create a new recipe. How? It didn’t seem possible.
Two hours south on the highway passed quickly, giving her much needed time to think. It wasn’t long before she entered Summer Landing’s laneway and pulling up to a cabin. She hadn’t turned off the ignition when Anne came through the doorway.
“Claire,” Anne howled, rushing toward her. “I’ve missed you.”
Claire grinned, exiting her vehicle. “When did you get in? I thought I’d be the first to arrive.”
Anne paused. That look on her face. “Well…”
“My mother told you.” Claire shook her head, knowing she shouldn’t be surprised.
Anne nodded, moving down the porch stairs. “Peter’s the scum of the earth. Mother Hubbard didn’t say as much, but I’m certain the tone in her voice indicated she felt the same.”
“I apologize. I can’t trust
my mother with anything.”
“Not where you’re concerned, but don’t get upset. Your mom isn’t one to give up or give in when it comes to her daughter. The question is, what do you believe? What do you want?”
Claire shrugged, then leaned against the SUV. “I don’t know at this point, but I’m not ready to talk about my marriage. I want to enjoy the retreat and not bring my friends down while dishing out dirt.”
Anne leaned against the hood of the SUV. “You’re not a dump truck. You don’t dump your garbage on your friends.”
“I hope not.”
“Let’s go inside. I have a surprise.”
Claire grasped her suitcase and followed Anne toward the cabin. “I don’t know. I’ve had plenty of surprises lately, and don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think I can take any more.”
They passed through the doorway and into the cabin. A roar went up. Sarah and Laina dashed toward her and all four women were soon hugging. Claire closed her eyes, feeling tears coming on. Seeing her friends filled her with joy.
When the hug ended, Sarah looked at her strangely. “Why the emotion? Did you miss us?”
“It’s nothing,” Claire said, wiping at her tears. “I’m emotional these days.”
Laina glanced at Sarah, sharing a meaningful look.
“What is this?” Claire asked, her joy at seeing her friends reshaping to sorrow. “Did Mom spill my secrets to all of you? Do you know my marriage is ending?” She dropped her suitcase on the floor. “Did my mother share my horrible life with you, too?”
They looked at each other guiltily, wearing pinched expressions, but not one of them spoke.
Claire shook her head and threw her hands up in the air. “I knew I shouldn’t have come. I’m not in the right frame of mind to have fun, to talk about issues, never mind sharing the sad state of my marriage.”
“It’s okay, Claire,” Sarah said, “you’re not the first woman to have marriage woes and you won’t be the last. We’re your friends. You can tell us as much or as little as you want. Or nothing at all.”
“I don’t have the tools to mend a broken heart,” Anne said, reaching for a bottle of Baileys. “I’m more likely to grind my enemies into powder, but I am in possession of our golden elixir.”
“Baileys is a starter fluid,” Laina said, wearing a bright smile. She pulled a bottle of chocolate vodka from her bag. We need this bad girl. Girls, we need to have fun, let our hair down.”
Sarah giggled. “As always, we come prepared, but a bottle of red merlot is better for what ails the heart.”
“I can’t afford to gain an ounce of weight,” Laina said, her arms folded across her chest. “I’ve been asked to try out for the lead in a Christmas movie.”
“That’s terrific,” Sarah said, “hopefully you don’t have to show your…”
“My bosom?” Laina gasped, glancing at her ample chest. “There’s no risk of that with the smash hit Nativity Noel being of a spiritual nature, and directed by the famous director, Joel Armstrong.”
“I’m happy for you,” Claire said, opening her arms. “I missed you. All of you. What shenanigans are we getting up to this year?”
Three friends cheered and clapped. “Just you wait.”
Chapter Five
Claire watched the rising sun, its golden light glistening on the ocean. The waves gently rolled toward the shore. Yet the scenery didn’t brighten her spirits; her life issues had clouded her mind. How could she improve her life? What part of her personal life, if any, should she reveal to her friends?
It was a mistake participating in this retreat. Her grief was overwhelming. Her heart wasn’t into conversation. The impact of Peter leaving had left her frozen. She didn’t want her marriage to end but had to face the hard truth that a future with the love of her life, with Peter, might be over. What could she do to make it better? Was there hope? Her thoughts kept rolling, round and round like the angry waves on a rough ocean, without resolving anything.
“So, this is where you’ve been hiding.”
Claire glanced toward the sound. “Hi, Sarah.”
“I saw you leave the cabin and I wanted to talk to you privately.” Sarah sat on the log beside her.
“I woke up early. I’ve been having trouble sleeping, since…”
“You don’t have to explain. You’ve suffered a terrible trauma, and given that I’m a nurse as well as your friend, I want you to know you can tell me anything. I’m here to support you.”
“That’s kind of you to say, but I need to face my messy life on my own.”
“Sometimes it’s difficult to admit we need help. Even more difficult to share our troubles with a close friend, or even a health professional.”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you?” Sarah asked. You don’t seem fine.”
“Sarah, please…”
“Look, I get it. I won’t interfere, but I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t at least make the offer.”
“You’ve offered, and while I’m grateful, I can’t talk about this. It’s too raw.” Her voice rasped out of her.
Sarah patted her knee. “If you hold the pain inside yourself, you’ll break your heart.” Sarah looked at her in a knowing way. “If you change your mind, if you need someone to lean on, I’m here.”
Claire’s eyes filled with tears.
“Don’t cry. I promise you; it’ll be okay.”
Claire nodded, wiping away her tears, unable to talk.
“Let’s return to the cabin. You shouldn’t be alone. I put the coffee on to brew. It won’t be long until we attend our first meditation session.”
“All right,” Claire said, rising from the log, wiping away her tears. She stared at the pebbly beach and a manmade sculpture in the shape of a person. Inukshuks, flat stones piled on top of each other. The cairn represented safety, hope and friendship. But presently, hope seemed illusive. Yet thanks to her friends, Claire wasn’t alone. She appreciated their support and hoped this sculpture put forward a positive sign.
A knock struck the door. Claire had changed into her workout clothes. She rose from the couch and opened the door. Caroline Dean, the camp director, greeted her.
“Good morning, Claire, ladies. Welcome to Summer Landing. Did you sleep well? Are you ready to have an amazing day?”
“We sure are,” Anne said, nudging Claire in the ribs. “We need to get our friend onside.”
“I understand. Your mother may have told me about your situation.”
Claire shook her head, sighing. Have you gossiped about me to everyone, Mom? That I’m doomed to spend the rest of my life as a cast-off woman? “I hate this. I wish she’d kept silent.”
Caroline touched her arm briefly. “I know you’re hurting. I don’t want to minimize what you’re feeling, but there’s no reason to feel embarrassed. I’m sure your friends understand. Am I right, ladies?”
Claire studied her friends’ facial expressions. They glanced at each other as if they were hiding something.
“What is it?” she asked, frowning.
Anne grasped her left arm. “It’s a fabulous day for adventure.”
Sarah grasped her right. “But that doesn’t mean you have to hide your feelings. You can share anything with us.”
“You can reveal every bad omen that has ever hurt you, even your dirtiest darkest secrets,” Laina said, facing her, “or nothing at all. We’re here to listen and pay attention to your needs. That’s what friends do.”
Caroline cleared her throat. “Okay, I see what’s happening here. Ladies, no matter how you feel, happy or sad, I want you all to enjoy the retreat. I’m excited to share that Summer Landing has new programming and new event venues this year. The camp overwent renovations over the winter. We built a gazebo on the east side of the lawn. It’s tucked away in the trees and within view of the ocean. It’s the perfect setting to practice yoga, meditate, or drum your cares away.” Caroline grinned, imitating a drumming motion. “I’ve come to escort you there now.”
Claire had no desire to ruin the retreat for her friends. She took a deep breath, hoping to bury her troubles. “Let’s go. I’m looking forward to this.”
“Really?” Laina asked. “Cause the tone in your voice leads me to believe that you’d rather go back to bed.”
“I’m not that desperate.”
Caroline said, “What Laina is trying to say, is that we want to bring peace to your soul, Claire. I’ll spoil your heart and mind with wellness techniques, and your diet with proper nutrition. Not as good as the pies at Old Thyme Bakery, of course.”
Claire frowned, and for the first time in ages the bakery wasn’t a priority. A family-owned business didn’t mean as much if it equaled a life without Peter.
“Sounds like we’ll be having an egg white omelet with spinach and not enough cheese.”
Anne giggled. “You’re as skinny as a stick, Laina Anderson. You need to put some weight on.”
“This body needs to maintain a perfect look, and that means there’s no space for animal fat in my mouth.”
Claire burst out laughing. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Laina, you’re saving the animal world, one yolk at a time.”
“That’s right, sister. And I’ll help you as well, if you’ll trust me with your current struggles. Understand?”
“I do.”
Claire did understand. These three ladies were her best friends. No conversation was off limits. But just because they could talk about anything, didn’t mean she’d burden them with her problems.
The group left the cabin. They followed Caroline to the boardwalk, which encircled a portion of the bay. They walked until they reached the gazebo tucked away in the trees. Claire breathed the scent of pine, leaching from the wood.
“When did you build this?” Anne asked. “It’s beautiful.”
“We’re proud of the changes we’ve made and can’t wait for you to experience our self-care retreat. This is a sacred space, ladies. Come inside.”
Claire climbed three stairs and entered a large circular room. Sofas, end tables, and assorted lounge chairs adorned the circumference. Five yoga mats were lying in the center of the space. Their instructor stood in the center space, waiting for them.
A Sea for Summer Page 3
