Page 101 of Between the Lines

Paige leaned back, so happy for her friend. “How are things with Sophie?”

Essie’s smile faded. “Still complicated,” she said honestly. “I’m watching her posts and trying not to read too much into every single one, but it’s harder than it sounds.”

“Is she okay?” Cece asked gently.

Essie gave a small shrug. “I really don’t think so. She needs to figure out who she is now. Without her mother. Without a plan. Frank and I are both keeping an eye on her, but we can’t force help on her.”

Althea sighed like she understood.

“How is Frank?” Paige asked. “Any word on when he’ll be back?”

“Not really,” Essie said. “He and Chad are still sorting through some things with the new branch out there, but he’s hoping to be home in another couple of weeks. I know he can’t wait to meet Maple.”

Althea smiled. “That dog’s going to have him wrapped around her paw.”

Essie laughed. “I know. And I’m fully prepared for that.”

Paige turned next to Althea, who was sitting with her hands folded in her lap, posture elegant as always.

“And you?” Paige asked. “How are things with Lester?”

Althea’s expression softened. “Much better,” she said. “He’s nearly back to his old self. Maybe a little slower getting up from chairs, and he complains more than he used to, but then again, so do I.” That got her a small ripple of laughter. “All things considered, I’m grateful for how well he’s getting on.”

“That’s good news,” Cece said.

“It is,” Althea agreed. “There were moments when I wasn’t sure what his recovery would look like. You start to imagine all sorts of futures, most of them unpleasant. But we’re finding our groove again.”

She paused, then glanced around the circle, her gaze lingering on each of them in turn. “And I want to say something, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course,” Paige said.

Althea drew a quiet breath. “I didn’t expect to find myself in a group like this. At my age, you don’t ever assume new friendships are on the horizon.” Her mouth curved into a gentle smile. “But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Being included. And made to feel so welcome.”

Essie reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.

“It’s meant more to me than I can properly say,” Althea finished. “So thank you.”

The most wonderful warmth settle in Paige’s chest. This, she thought, was exactly the kind of thing she’d hoped for. Real connections.

“Well,” Paige said lightly, “you’re stuck with us now.”

Althea laughed. “I suspected as much.”

Paige shifted her attention to Maude, who was perched on the edge of her chair, one leg tucked beneath her, a glass of wine balanced in her hand.

“All right,” Paige said. “Your turn. What’s new with you?”

Maude exhaled. “Where to start?” She shook her head. “Okay. Highlights first. As you know, Robbie had a little run-in with a table saw and ended up in the ER. He got some stitches, but he’s doing fine.”

Essie winced. “Oh, Maude.”

“It’s all good now,” Maude assured her. “He’s sore and his pride is bruised, but otherwise fine. And he’s still working toward getting things ready for the arts and crafts fair. In fact…” She smiled proudly. “He already sold a piece to a man who wandered into his shop.”

“That’s wonderful,” Paige said.

“It really is,” Maude agreed. “And he finally had a talk with our parents about what’s been going on. About staying with me and trying to make this new plan work. The whole thing.” She took a breath. “It went better than I expected.”

Cece lifted her brows. “That couldn’t have been easy.”