“No.” Blaise rolled her eyes. “It’s silly to keep checking my email but I have been. I can’t stop myself. But I think this will help.”
Essie showed up with a container of homemade cookies, and that gentle demeanor that Paige had come to count on. Nomatter what storm she was going through, Essie always seemed so calm. “Frank said I should bring something, so I made oatmeal cranberry pistachio cookies,” Essie said with a small smile. “They’re basically health food.”
They laughed more than the words deserved but Paige sensed the sound was born out of the happiness of being together and having a reason to laugh. It was a release more than anything.
They were settling in and ordering drinks from their server, even discussing what they might get to eat later, when Paige spotted someone approaching more slowly along the path that led to the cabana.
Althea.
Paige’s heart lifted instantly. Althea moved with care, but her smile was wide and determined, her sunhat tilted to one side.
“You made it!” Paige went out to greet her.
“Well,” Althea said as she reached the cabana. “If I waited for my life to cooperate before showing up, I’d never leave the house.”
Paige offered the older woman her arm. “I’m so glad you came.”
“So am I,” Althea said. “Lester insisted.” She laughed softly. “He said if he had to do his physical therapy, one of us should at least have some fun. He thought a day with you girls would do me right. He said to tell you all hello, by the way.”
That earned Lester a round of cheers.
Althea settled into a cabana chair with a sigh that was equal parts relief and determination, as though she was happy she’d made it. She tugged her coverup over her knees. She glanced around the group, eyes lingering on each face with fondness.
Paige poured her a glass of ice water and set it close by.
“Well, then,” Althea said, folding her hands in her lap. “Since I’ve been out of commission and clearly missed half a million things, why don’t you all catch me up. Howhaveyou all been?”
Maude shared first, because Althea was already looking right at her. “My brother’s come to stay with me,” she said. “Which means I’ve learned three things: my house is smaller than I thought, my patience is more capable than I gave myself credit for, and being a good big sister is hard but worth it.”
Althea smiled knowingly. “I have a younger brother. That last one takes some practice.”
Blaise spoke next, her voice a little emotional. “I finally approached some publishers about my life story. That meant I had to come clean about the worst part, which was hard, but I did it.” She let out a breath. “Okay, to be honest, it was terrifying. Still is. But somehow, I feel better for having done it.”
Althea reached over and squeezed her hand. “Honesty can be downright expensive. But it’s worth it.”
Essie went next, choosing her words with care. “We’re navigating my husband’s daughter making some painful choices and, in return, getting some painful consequences. I’m learning to rely on my faith more than ever.” She smiled faintly. “I’m also learning that loving someone doesn’t mean you can protect them from everything.”
Althea sipped her water, then nodded. “Oh, that lesson never ends, unfortunately.”
A few of the other women nodded, too.
Cece hesitated, then lifted her chin. “I’m waiting on some medical test results. Which means I’m trying not to imagine the worst-case scenario, although I’m failing a bit there.” She blew out a long breath. “I’ve done this before. I know I can do it again, if I have to. Still…it’s scary.”
“It is,” Althea said simply. “And you don’t have to pretend it isn’t. Not with us. Just remember all the support you have around you.”
Cece managed a smile. “And for that, I am very grateful.” She looked at Paige. “You must have something to share.”
“I do.” Paige drew a long breath. “In fact, I must confess I have ventured fully into a new era. I’m done dating casually.”
That got some raised eyebrows.
She laughed. “This is more than just a romance. I don’t know how to explain it exactly, but it feels like…being included in something bigger than myself and this social media world I’ve created.” She glanced down at her hands. “I didn’t realize how ready I was for that.”
Althea looked around at them all, her eyes shining. “Well,” she said, voice thick with affection. “I am so pleased to be here because what I see is a group of women doing exactly what you said you wanted this group to do, Paige. To support each other. I don’t know that I’ve earned my spot in this group yet. I feel like I’ve been the one in need of support more than I’ve done any supporting, but I am so pleased to be included.”
Blaise took Althea’s hand. “We’re so glad you’re here. And not just because we need help eating all those cookies Essie brought.”
Soft laughter rippled through them as the server returned with their drinks. She passed them out and got Althea’s order as well. In addition to a drink, Althea ordered a fruit plate for the group.
