I woke before he could answer.
Shaken, I reached for the glass of water I always kept by the bed. The clock read five a.m. It would be light soon. I got out of bed and went to the French doors, peering out to my garden. But there was no moon and no man cutting flowers, just my garden, waiting for the sun to rise.
The eveningof Annie’s soccer game was one of our perfect days in Willet Cove, hovering just below eighty under a cloudless sky, with just a trifle of a breeze. I’d come straight from the gallery, feeling high after selling two of Maren’s paintings that afternoon. I was always struck by the contrasts in my life, going from meeting with wealthy clients to a hometown teen soccer game. They didn’t seem like the same worlds. Yet they were both mine.
I found Gillian and Alex near the midfield line, Leo strapped to his father’s chest in an outfacing carrier, kicking and babbling while Alex chatted with one of the other fathers. Gillian gave me a quick squeeze. “You good?”
“I sold two of Maren’s paintings,” I said.
“How wonderful.” Gillian gestured toward one of three chairs. “Brought an extra in case you needed one.”
“That’s nice. I would have stopped by the house to pick up mine, but I was worried I’d be late. My one couple kept vacillating between two of the paintings.”
“They’re about to get started,” Gillian said. “I brought snacks in case you’re hungry.”
We sat next to each other, with the third chair remaining empty. Alex continued standing, bouncing the baby to keep him happy. Leo seemed to be quite content, sucking on his knuckles, all cozy next to his dad.
The teams were still warming up, Annie and Bella passing back and forth near the far goal, when someone caught the corner of my eye. I blinked, surprised. Dorian was making his way along the sideline, hands in the pockets of his cargo shorts, looking slightly uncertain.
“Dorian’s here,” I said under my breath.
“Oh, how sweet of him,” Gillian said, standing to wave him over.
He saw her and headed our way. When he reached our little group, he and Alex shook hands.
“What brings you to the game?” Alex asked.
“Annie asked me,” Dorian said, glancing down at me. “I hope it’s okay?”
Annie had invited him? What was she up to? It didn’t take much conjecture to guess the answer. She wanted us to be in the same place at the same time.
I smiled politely. “Sure it is.”Not really.“Have a seat. She’ll be thrilled to see you here.”
He settled next to me. I couldn’t help but notice his muscular legs. Clearly he was a runner. Why did he have to be so attractive? It made everything very confusing.
Leo started fussing, then let out a yowl. The hunger cry.
“I’m going to have to feed him,” Gillian said to Alex as she got to her feet. “I’ll take him to the car.”
Alex handed Leo to Gillian, kissing the top of his head. “All right now, Mama’s got you.”
Gillian excused herself, walking toward the parking lot with Leo on her hip. I could remember those days with Annie. Babies always seemed to be needing something—food, sleep, stimuli. Mothers could never fully check out during those first years of their baby’s life. Or really any time after that. There was always the next stage, just when you’d adjusted to the former one. The job of mother was one without days off, even when they were fifteen years instead of nine months.
“How are you?” Dorian asked me.
“I’m good. Sold a few paintings today, so that means I can make the mortgage.” This was only a joke, but not completely exaggerated. My friends had all married men with tons ofmoney. I tried not to let it bother me, but it did make me feel a little left out when I was the only one worried about money. It used to be just Seraphina who was often picking up the check. Now they fought for it, insisting that I never pay. Although I appreciated it, I also felt a bit like a charity case.
“That’s great,” Dorian said.
“How did Annie do today at the store?” I asked.
“She did splendidly. She’s a natural with the customers. Everyone loves her by the time they leave. And she’s got a great work ethic. We were slow this morning so she took it upon herself to dust the shelves and sweep the floor.
His praise made me glow with pride. I may not have been the perfect mother, but I’d taught Annie to work hard and with integrity.
“You have a remarkable kid,” Dorian said.
“I think so too.” Nothing was better than hearing someone compliment your child. This is what I miss, I thought. Just like Dorian’s mother had said.
