“When was the last time you went out with your friends?”
“I don’t have any anymore.”
“Don’t say that,” said Joyce. “Just because Genevieve—”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” said Erin in a warning tone.
“You can’t just—”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it!”
Joyce subsided into silence and bent down to stroke Nancy’s silky head.
“I know you mean well, Mom. But I feel like I’ve been broken into a million pieces. I’m still trying to pick them all up.”
Erin’s mother straightened. “Can I bring you some food? A casserole?”
“It’s a divorce, not a funeral. No need for covered dishes. I’ll be fine. I’ll go shopping, I promise.”
Joyce hoisted her purse from the table onto her shoulder. She reached around Erin’s shoulders and embraced her with one arm. “You’ll be okay, pumpkin.”
Erin didn’t say anything. She didn’t trust her voice not to wobble, so she nodded and walked her mother to the door instead, then watched her bustle down the driveway.
“I’ll call you!” said Joyce as she stood next to the open door of her car.
Erin waved, then shut and locked the front door.
Andy leaned against the kitchen counter. “Your mom is”—he gestured vaguely as if gathering the words in mid-air—“really something.”
“Tell me about it,” said Erin.
“She’s not entirely wrong, though.”
“Don’t tell me you’re on her side,” said Erin. She sat down at the kitchen table.
“No, no,” Andy said. He came around behind her and picked up the shoulder massage where he had left off.
“Because I can’t tolerate that,” said Erin, closing her eyes.
“Of course not,” he said, unfurling the new knots in her shoulders.
“Mmm,” said Erin, half mollified and half suspicious.
“Although you really should eat better.”
Erin sat bolt upright. “I knew it. You’re on her side.”
“No! I just think you deserve good food, that’s all.” He bore down more firmly and she relaxed again.
“I like food,” she murmured absently.
“Why don’t we go grocery shopping?”
“I don’t like grocery shopping. It’s tedious.” Even to herself she sounded petulant. She tried for practicality. “And expensive. On my salary, at least.”
“Well, I have a little rainy day money saved up. It’s the least I can do if I’m taking up space.” He rubbed her temples in circles. “Come on, live a little. Don’t let Mark and Genevieve have all the fun.”
“That’s a low blow,” said Erin.
