Zona took off Darling’s leash and he trotted over to Louise while Zona started for the stairs.
“I don’t know why you’re so mad at me,” Louise called.
Zona stopped on the first stair. “Maybe because I already know what I need to do, and I don’t need you telling me.”
“Sorry.” Louise didn’t sound even remotely sorry.
Zona kept walking.
“But I’m worried about you,” Louise called after her.
Okay, this conversation was not over. Her mother would pick it up in the morning if they didn’t settle things then. Zona turned back and joined Louise on the couch.
“You know I’m right,” Louise said softly. “That woman will continue to make your life miserable, and you can’t have the man unless you take the woman also.”
“I know, Mom. I’m going to cut things off tomorrow.”
“Thank God,” said Louise.
Zona was feeling far from thankful, but she kissed her mother’s cheek, told her she loved her.
“I love you, too,” said Louise. “By the way, Bree’s coming over for lunch tomorrow,” she added. “Maybe you can make that crab quiche you were talking about making.”
“I can do that.”
Zona would have looked forward to seeing her daughter, but knowing what loomed ahead for the next day took the shine off the prospect of a visit.
If only Alec hadn’t moved in next door. She’d have still been miserable, but at least she wouldn’t have had false hope piled on top of the misery.
LOUISE WAITED UNTILZona was in her bedroom before she called Martin. It was late and he’d probably gone to bed, but she needed to talk to him.
Sure enough, he answered with a sleepy hello.
“Martin, I’m sorry to call you so late.”
“No problem. What do you need?”
“I need you to come over for lunch tomorrow. Bree wants to do an intervention with Zona about her seeing Alec and I’m not at all sure this is a good idea. I need backup.”
There was a long silence. “Martin?”
“I’ll be there,” he promised.
“Thank you,” she said, relieved.
“But you’re right. It’s not a good idea,” he added.
Maybe not, but they had to do something. No matter what Zona said, it was obvious she’d become attached to their neighbor and by morning her resolve could very well have weakened.
SUNDAYS HAD ALWAYSbeen easy and pleasant days when Zona was growing up. This Sunday didn’t feel either easy or pleasant. Zona went through the motions, creating the quiche her mother had requested. She’d also picked up asparagus when she made her store run, and frozen lemonade, which she’d doctored with some of the lavender from Louise’s flowerbed.
Martin was a surprise addition and was the first to arrive, bringing French bread and a box of chocolates. Zona sent him to the living room.
He and Louise chatted out there as Zona put the finishing touches on their lunch. Meanwhile, Zona’s stomach tied itself in knots as she thought about what she had to do.
The knots got tighter when Bree arrived. She’d barely kissed Zona hello before saying, “Come out to the dining room. We need to talk.”
Zona put the quiche on the counter to set and followed her daughter out of the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
