Page 6 of The Banned Books Club
“I bet.” Coty stared into the flames as she continued, “To be honest, I’m not sure I’d want Ingrid challenging authority. What I do is one thing. But what she does—”
“I’d be proud of her,” Eric broke in. “We might not always agree with the stances she takes, but there has to besomeonewilling to fight people who ban good books and do other stupid things.”
Coty didn’t look convinced. “But think of the backlash that goes with being the one to stand up and fight...”
“Maybe that’s what your parents were worried about,” Eric said to Gia. “The pain it might causeyouto make yourself a target.”
Gia thought it was more about their desire to see her conform, to avoid making waves. They’d always wanted her to do what girls were “supposed” do to and quit drawing so much attention. But she didn’t want to go that deep tonight, so she simply said, “Maybe.”
Pulling his wife closer, Eric spoke over her head. “I hope you can finally resolve a few things.”
Gia doubted that was possible. She’d never been what her parents wanted. But, again, she didn’t care to explain. “That would be nice.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about Backcountry Adventures while you’re gone,” he added encouragingly. “I’ve got that. And a lot has probably changed at home over the years—more than you realize. As hard as it will be to see your mother in such poor health, I bet this trip will be good for you.”
“I can’t imagine that.” As far as she knew, Mr. Hart, her old English teacher, still lived just a few houses down from her parents. And she’d be staying, possibly for weeks or months, in her old room.
Margot circled the airport again as she waited for her sister to emerge with her luggage. Gia’s flight had been delayed. At this rate, they’d be late getting home, which would put off dinner and create a more difficult evening with Sheldon. He’d been so agitated lately, so irritable. If she had to call him and ask him to leave work even a few minutes early, so he could pick up the boys, it would trigger a fight. Matthew and Greydon were each playing at a friend’s house, but she’d promised both mothers she’d return by six.
Growing more and more anxious, she pulled over to text Gia again. Earlier, when her sister sent a message to say she’d be getting in at four and Margot had arranged playdates so the boys wouldn’t have to sit in the car for two or three hours, she’d never dreamed she might not be able to make it back in time. The Sioux Gateway Airport was only fifty miles from Wakefield.
At least the plane had finally landed. That was the last she’d heard from her sister.Any sign of your luggage?
Just grabbed it, came Gia’s quick response.
Margot breathed a sigh of relief.I’ll be right there.
With a glance at the clock on the dash—it was 4:50 p.m., which meant shemightmake it back in time if they didn’t get behind a tractor or something else that would slow them down—she merged back into the flow of traffic streaming toward the terminal and began to search for the rather tall figure of her sister. Although Margot was only five foot two, Gia was five foot ten. They were opposites even in that.
Gia waved as soon as she spotted Margot’s Subaru, and Margot eased over one lane at a time until she could reach the curb.
“How was the flight?” she asked as soon as she’d flung open her door and hurried to release the hatch for Gia’s suitcase.
“Long and miserable,” Gia replied, giving her an obligatory hug before loading up. “Is any flight enjoyable these days?”
“Not since 9/11.” Margot slammed the hatch before returning to the driver’s seat.
“Thanks for picking me up,” Gia said as she climbed in.
“Of course. I’m glad you’re here.” Gia looked good, Margot realized. Much better than she did. These days when she peered into the mirror, all she saw was a tense, troubled expression and dark bags under her hazel eyes.
But Gia... Although summer was over and had been for several weeks, no one would be able to tell by looking at her. Her skin still held a warm glow, and her strawberry blond hair had lighter streaks going through it from all the time spent in the sun. The sprinkling of freckles across her nose made her appear younger than her thirty-five years. And she was well-toned with a broad, engaging smile.
Margot did what she could to be attractive, scrimping on the grocery budget to be able to get eyelash extensions and fake nails. Sheldon expected her to look good, even though he’d have a fit if he knew how much those appointments cost. Gia didn’t bother with that kind of enhancement. She was too much of a natural, outdoorsy person. She looked wholesome, healthy and strong.
Shewasstrong. Always had been. Margot envied her forthright manner, the way she tackled any obstacle in her path and overcame it. It was a relief to have her in Wakefield. Margot couldn’t escape her situation without her sister being around to support their father and help care for their mother. She’d been trying to muddle through the way things were, at least until Ida’s death, as sad as that would be. But no one could predict when their mother might pass, and Margot couldn’t bear her current situation any longer.
Besides, maybe she’d be smarter not to wait. She was afraid Ida’s death would pile so much grief on top of what she was already dealing with that she wouldn’t be able to overcome it. Her mental health wasn’t what it used to be. Recognizing that and acting before it was too late to recover from the long downward spiral that’d begun shortly after the birth of her second and last child, when her marriage hadreallybegun to fall apart, was the best she could do.
So far, she’d mostly lived her life for other people. It was time she grabbed hold and started living for herself. And with her sister here, she had a better chance of doing that. Gia would take on Sheldon, if she had to. Gia would take on anyone.
“Do Mom and Dad know that I’m coming?”
Margot looked over at her. “You didn’t call them?”
“I haven’t had time,” her sister replied vaguely.
“Toplace a call?”
