“The kids are really looking forward to seeing you,” Ben responded.
“Me too,” she replied, smiling even broader.
After she hung up with Ben, she went to the kitchen to prepare some food for her mother. She knew Alice had declined earlier because of their terse exchange, but she was sure she’d be hungry by afternoon, and since she was heading out soon, she wanted her to have something to eat.
Marg didn’t see her mother by the time she was heading through the door, but she left her a note informing her of her plans and the time she’d be back. She drove along Torpedo drive and turned onto Maui Ave before making her way onto SE Catalina Dr.Another two minutes, and she was pulling into a parking spot in front of the Blue Marlin, one of Oak Harbor’s more high-end restaurants.
“Welcome to the Blue Marlin. How may I assist you?” a man dressed in a pristine tuxedo asked.
Marg beamed at him. “Hi, reservations for Lewis or Smith.”
The man looked down at the book before him. “Right this way,” he gestured, taking her through the restaurant to a seat closer to the full glass wall on the other side, the ocean in the background.
“Hi, Abigail.” Marg grinned at the woman already seated at the table.
“Hi, Marg,” she responded brightly, getting up and hugging her. “I’m glad you could come,” she said when they parted.
“I’m glad too,” Marg replied, taking a seat as her sister did.
The gentleman whom Marg had completely forgotten about spoke up at that minute. “A waiter will be with you shortly. In the meantime, you may peruse our menu, and if there is anything you need clarification for, he’ll be happy to do so for you.”The man gave a polite bow and headed in the direction of the entrance.
“It’s really good to see you.” Marg grinned at Abigail again. It was surreal to know that in the space of less than a year, she’d gained so much. Besides Julie, she’d found out she had two more siblings— sisters. “So, how’s work, your kids, and that lovely husband of yours?”
Abigail laughed. “They’re fine. Work’s great. I just wish my work didn’t have me traveling so much.”
Marg nodded her understanding.
“I really want you to meet the girls. They’re eager to meet you. Maybe we can set a time for next month.”
“I’d love that.” Marg smiled gratefully.
“How’s your mother? You said she was coming today.”
Marg’s smile slipped an inch at the mention of Alice. “She’s fine,” she replied.
Just then, the waiter arrived, cutting their conversation short. Marg was glad.
“So, about your mother. You didn’t sound so happy talking about her,” Abigail picked up where they’d left off, giving her a pointed look.
Marg took a sip of water and then sighed. “You’re very perceptive, aren’t you?” She chuckled nervously.
Abigail chuckled right back. “In my line of work, I have to be.”
“She isn’t altogether there with the divorce and all, and I want to be there for her, I do, but…”
Abigail inclined her head, encouraging her to finish.
“We’re already at odds because she’s so… She’s always been critical of everything I do, and it’s driving me crazy. She’s just been here a couple of hours, and already she is finding fault with something…why is the house still painted blue? Why didn’t you redecorate the rooms?” She sighed tiredly. “It’s exhausting.”
Abigail reached across the table to grasp her hand. “I can understand how you’re feeling, but she’s your mom and…” A tear slipped down her cheek.
“What’s wrong?” Marg asked in alarm, leaning forward.
The waiter chose that time to make an appearance with their food. The two straightened up, Abigail discreetly swiping the moisture at the corner of her eye. After they thanked him, the waiter left.
“Abigail, please talk to me. What’s wrong?” Marg coaxed her sister.
Abigail looked across the table at her, her brown eyes filled with unshed tears. “My mom has stage two colon cancer. The doctors aren’t sure if it’s treatable because it’s been very aggressive.”
