“Thanks, but I overreacted,” I said as I continued to the sideboard and the food.
Lolly took my arm and stopped my forward progress. “Sis, you sound like you’re being hard on yourself.”
I shrugged. “Lolly, I’m always letting my emotions get the best of me. You know that.”
“No, you’re not. I almost started crying too.”
I wanted to forget the whole crying episode and glanced at the plate of mini meatballs that Lolly and Gerald brought. I was sure they were delicious. “Lolly, why would you want to cry too? It’s not our business—”
Lolly tightened her grip on my arm. “Really, Gloria? The Bickermans are in love, really in love. Didn’t you see the look on Stan Sr.’s face? Didn’t you notice how his wife looked back at him?”
I didn’t want to think about Stanley’s parents anymore. I wanted to eat tasty snacks and mind my own business. I gave Lolly a little smile. “Barbara said she was overwhelmed, that’s all.”
Lolly let go of my arm. “I don’t understand your attitude. You’re usually the one who looks out for everyone.”
“And you’re the one who always tells me I’m too involved.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry if I’m saying things I shouldn’t. It’s just that I’ve never seen two people look so in love before.” Lolly paused. “Except for you and Stanley, of course.”
“Well, what about you and Gerald and Jack and Mitzi? There’s lots of love there.”
Lolly pressed on. Since she got pregnant, she can be more assertive. “That’s true, but I guess I’m talking about two people who have been married for a very long time. From what I know, if those folks are still in love, it’s more mellow and toned down. In the Bickerman’s case, it’s different. The passion is still there, I’m sure of it.”
I considered Lolly’s viewpoint, but I wasn’t convinced. “It’s a nice thought, but after talking to Stanley’s mom, I don’t think passion is enough. Barbara told me her love for her husband has been more of a hindrance.”
Lolly backed up. “In that case, I guess I don’t have any answers.”
I watched my sister’s expression collapse into that wilted look again. I had to offer something positive. “I’m with you. No matter what Barbara said, I don’t believe love is the problem.”
Lolly’s eyes brightened at once, and she grabbed my arm again. “For me, love is the foundation for my life.”
I thought about Stanley and how much I loved him. I loved all my family. “It’s the foundation for my life, too.”
Lolly let go of me and stepped back. “I almost forgot that we have a movie to watch.”
“What are we watching?” I asked.
“It’s a classic, the original version of Miracle on 34th Street.”
“Stanley and I rented it last year. We enjoyed it.”
“Too bad the Bickermans didn’t stay to watch it,” Lolly said.
“Why’s that?”
“For me, it’s a reminder that good things can happen even when we lose faith. And from what Barbara said to you, I think she’s lost faith in their marriage.”
I let out a little groan. “I think she’s lost faith in herself, too.”
By the time Stanley came back to movie night, the movie was almost over. When we returned home, I found out that he and his mom had talked for quite a while before she returned to the motel. I was too tired to ask any questions about their conversation. I wanted to snuggle up next to Stanley and get a good night’s sleep.
Nineteen
I WOKE UP the next morning feeling refreshed. I stretched and put a hand on Stanley’s side of the bed. Since it was Saturday, I hoped he’d sleep in, but the sheets were cold. He likes to act like he isn’t worried about his parents, that he believes they’ll work things out. However, at night, he’s been tossing and turning more than usual. I don’t say much because I believe in him. I have faith that Stanley will get through these trying times and come out the other side stronger than ever.
I glanced around the bedroom and immediately felt my mood lift when I saw my dresser. It was the perfect place for a set of vintage, ceramic figurines, a tiny Santa and Mrs. Claus. They were gifts I received as a child. An aunt sent them to me, along with a little deer that has a Christmas wreath around its neck. Looking at the rosy-cheeked, happy faces of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, I remembered how much the holiday season meant to me.I thought about my family, and the presents I wanted to give them.
It was time to go Christmas shopping, to find something special for each of my loved ones. Since we all decided not to buy anything expensive for each other, I had a challenge in front of me. I had to find the perfect Christmas keepsakes, and they had to be cheap. But I was up for a treasure hunt.
