Page 8 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“You have to try it. Look.” Kara takes the puzzle piece and shows Maisie how to see if it works. “And you have to match the colors up, remember.”

I smile. It feels like the old days. Sometimes I would come over and help them with a puzzle. Other times, Annie and I would share a bottle of wine while the girls sorted through the edge pieces and organized the colors into different piles. We also played games like UNO and Monopoly, which I always seemed to lose. I miss it so much.

The doorbell rings. The girls look over at me. “I’ve got it.” I wipe my hands on the kitchen towel. “Are you expecting someone?” I look at Kara who decides that rolling her eyes is an appropriate answer. I choose to let it slide rather than argue. I don’t have it in me tonight.

It rings again as I open the door.

“Hi,” Sam says, cheerfully. Her hazel eyes match her green shirt.

“Hello.” I’m confused at why she’s here but don’t want to be rude.

“Don’t you hate when the doorbell goes off right as you get to the door?” She smiles, but it almost seems as if she’s hiding something.

I shrug. “This house is big, so it’s understandable.”

“I made brownies and Rice Krispies Treats.” She holds up a covered container.

“Oh. That’s nice of you.”

“Olivia isn’t home this weekend, so I had extra time.” Sam pushes the container out to me. “Hope you all enjoy them.”

“Thank you.” I smile.

“You’re welcome.” Sam seems almost shy now. It’s endearing. She turns to leave.

“Sam,” I say, stopping her before she reaches the first step on the porch. Her hand rests on the banister. “I’m making dinner while the girls work on a puzzle. Would you like to join us?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“I’m sure my sassy, but very grounded, niece would love to see you.” I smile. “Unless you have other plans.”

“I don’t.” Her smile matches mine, making her eyes bright in the evening light. “I can stay.”

I gesture her inside. “I do have to warn you, though. I’m not a very good cook. But I’m learning.”

Sam looks over at me as we walk down the long, wide foyer. “I’d love to help.”

“I’ll take it. Maybe you’re better than Google with recipes.”

Sam laughs. “Maybe.” And I can tell that she is, but she’s polite.

“Well then, I’d love your assistance.”

“Sam!” Kara jumps to her feet, running over to wrap her arms around Sam’s waist for a hug. “Where’s Olivia?”

“She’s with her dad this weekend. But she definitely misses you. I should know. She’s talked about it nonstop.”

A part of me hurts watching Kara hug Sam the way she used to hug me. I look away as the oven beeps, giving me something else to focus on. I listen to the conversation from a distance as I place the chicken tenders in a casserole dish with water, hickory bourbon marinade, and a little extra seasoning like Annie taught me.

“Tell her I miss her,” Kara says.

“I will, sweetheart.” Sam breaks Kara’s embrace.

I look back down as I put the sliced potatoes on the stove to boil. Then I walk into the hall to Bill’s office and the bar next to his desk. I take a whiskey glass from the shelf and pour a drink. I’ve never liked whiskey on ice. Bill kept Woodford Reserve specifically for us to enjoy together. He was the best brother-in-law I could have ever asked for. He was good to my sister and the girls. And a good friend to me.

“Are you okay?” Sam’s voice comes from behind. She has that soft, comforting tone that could ease anyone.

I take a sip of the amber liquid before turning. “Would you like a drink?”