“Oh, yeah, sure! I get it, a hundred percent.” She looked at Lorenzo, and he quickly averted his eyes. “But can I sit in for grand rounds next time you’re in Hyannis?”
The woman knew when to press an advantage, he’d give her credit for that. “Done.”
“Heck yeah! Well, I’ve taken enough of your time,” she said to the rest of the group. “Happy wedding! I’m sure she’s a lucky woman, or he’s a lucky man, or whatever. Mazel tov!”
“Robbie,” Winnie said, “Lorenzo and I are leaving, okay? Enjoy the rest of the night, and keep in mind that it’s already 1:30, so you should be heading home. Grady, don’t let Grandpop spend our inheritance on tipping the ladies. Dante, you’re perfect. Give Lark a kiss from me.”
Then she took Lorenzo’s hand and towed him through the bro-crowd and other patrons into the blissfully cold night air. The quiet was deafening in comparison.
“Want a raise?” he asked, but she just grinned, let go of his hand, which then felt strangely useless, and called them an Uber.
SEVENTEEN
WINNIE
Lorenzo had gone to give a speech in Houston, then stayed a few extra days to work with a colleague down there. He was due back tomorrow, and Winnie had spent the previous day in his Boston apartment, making sure the place was sparkling, refrigerator filled, laundry freshly done. She went to another condo association meeting for him, left him notes on the new pet policy (now allowed) and the increase in HOA fees. She made two arrangements of purple calla lilies and dark red roses with trailing eucalyptus leaves. Maybe she’d become a florist, she mused. Lorenzo had approved flowers as part of the budget, so even he liked them.
She’d also spent an afternoon with Joyce from 3B to see what her goals were. The gorgeous apartment was cluttered with forty years’ worth of stuff, from years of old magazines to faded, poorly framed photos, dusty knick-knacks and dozens of plastic bins containing “things I think my kids might want.” Winnie had made the usual list—keep, donate, toss—and reassured Joyce that her place would be much more welcoming and enjoyable without the clutter. She’d sent a text to Joyce’s three kids, asking for a day when they could all come and claim any mementos before she got to work purging.
Now, she was in Wellfleet, in her own little house, which felt as warm and safe as a hug from Dad. Small, of course, and decidedly unglamorous. But she’d missed it just the same. Since she’d started working for Lorenzo, she’d only spent a couple of nights a week here. It terms of gossip, people had more or less moved on, and she barely needed to stare anyone down.
Now, she tugged on her running clothes—her body hated running, but her mind appreciated the blankness it offered. Besides, it was the quickest and most efficient way to stay fit. She started toward town, planning on making her usual loop of about three miles. The wind was cold off the water, and she was happy to make the turn onto Commercial Street, past the little shops and her mom’s gallery, then onto Main Street, past the Marketplace and Preservation Hall. At Open Book, she stopped and went inside to visit Harlow. Their cousin, who was also Winnie’s landlord, worked part time at the store, as well as Destiny, a full-timer who was standing on a ladder, cleaning the shelves.
“Hi, Winnie,” she said.
“How’s it going, Destiny?”
“Great, sweetie. How are you?”
“Fine. Killer dress, by the way,” Winnie said. The outfits Lorenzo had bought for her had sparked an appreciation of quality clothing. “Cashmere?”
“It sure is. Twenty-two dollars on eBay.”
“Sweet!” She paused. She’d never been into clothes a heck of a lot until she worked for Lorenzo. “Do you think we could sit down for half an hour sometime and you can give me some tips? I’m trying to up my wardrobe game. Professional stuff, but also just looking better on the weekends and nights out.”
“Sure,” Destiny said. “I’d love to. And not to brag, but you’re not the first person who asked me. Cynthia and I are going shopping next week. All the shops have marked down their stuff for the end of the season. You can tag along.”
“Thanks! Maybe we can grab a drink afterward.” Lorenzo wasn’t the only one who could work on having more friends.
“I’d love that,” Destiny said warmly.
“Is my sister around?”
“In the office doing the accounting.”
“You mean, balancing the books?” Winnie said, raising her eyebrows.
“Very clever.” Destiny smiled down at her, then resumed dusting. Winnie went through the warren of rooms and cozy spots. Grandpop was napping on the old leather couch, cuddled up with Ollie, Harlow’s dog. Winnie stopped, covered them both with the knit throw, and went into the tiny office in the back.
“Hi, Harlow.”
“Hey!” Harlow said, getting up and giving her a hug.
“I’m sweaty,” Winnie said.
“As if I care. How are things? Heard Robbie’s bachelor party was very robust.”
“It was fun. Dinner was fantastic. I won at mini-golf, and Grandpop’s new best friend is an exotic dancer named Sapphire. Thank God Grady and Dante were there as my fellow adults.”
