“No problem. Maybe later this week.”
“Maybe. I mean, sure. It’s just…Evelyn is moving in, and well, things are complicated.”
Barry looked uncertain and shifted from foot to foot.“Okay, then maybe you could just let me know when you have some time?”
“Yes, I will. It’s just right now is…tough.”
“I don’t want to bother you.”
“It’s not a bother. I want to spend some time with you, it’s just—”She looked past Barry and frowned as a car she didn’t recognize pulled into the drive. The door swung open, and Donna leaned against the doorframe in surprise.
Well, this would be interesting.
Her mother stepped gracefully out of the car, dressed precisely in country club casual complete with high heels. She glided toward them—because gliding was how her mother always walked. There was really no other way to describe it.
Barry stepped back as she approached, looking at her mother then back at her, a questioning look in his eyes.
“Donna, what are you doing standing in the doorway letting out all the air-conditioning?”The ever-familiar critical frown was etched on her mother’s face.
“Mother. Welcome home.”
Her mother stared pointedly at Barry.
“Mother, this is Barry. He’s working on the renovations of The Cabot and he’s renting the house next door. Barry, this is my mother, Patricia.”
Her mother looked from Barry’s face down to the bottle of red wine in his hand.
“Pleased to meet you.”Barry gave her mother a smile.
“Yes. Same,”her mother answered.
What kind of greeting was that?
“I should go.”Barry took another step back and she nodded.
“Thanks. Sorry about tonight.”She shrugged and gave him a weak smile. They needed to talk, but the time wasn’t right. She thought life had gotten complicated with Evelyn moving in. Now she could add her mother back in the country to the list of complications.
Barry nodded once and turned to head back home as her mother breezed past her and into the house.
Sure, go right in, Mother.
Evelyn and Heather stood in the entranceway from the kitchen.
“Mother,”Evelyn said and walked close to give her a quick, perfunctory peck on the cheek.“You’re home.”
“I am. Didn’t you pay attention to my itinerary?”
Evelyn looked guilty.“I guess I just lost track of time.”
Donna had lost track of time, too.Andlost the itinerary.“Well, we’re glad to see you,”she assured her mother.
“Hi, Grandmother,”Heather added.
“You’re all here. Isn’t that a nice surprise?”But somehow her mother’s voice didn’t sound pleased as she floated past them all and into the kitchen. They followed in her wake.
“Here, Mom, would you like some tea?”Donna reached for the pitcher.
“No, thank you. I don’t do caffeine this late in the evening.”
