Page 42 of Always Almost You

“Try the Color of the Year tea,” the server replied with a knowing smile. “It’s quite an experience.”

“An experience?” Lauren’s eyes brightened. “I’m intrigued.”

“And a cranberry scone with whipped clotted cream and lemon curd?” the server suggested.

“That sounds divine.”

As the Mah Jongg players called tiles and discarded, Lauren felt herself relax into the rhythm of the shuffle of tiles, the murmur of strategy, and the quiet laughter.

The server returned with the scone on a pretty plate, a teapot, and a delicate china cup. “Let it steep a few more minutes,” she instructed. “Then pour and squeeze a little lemon into it before your first sip.”

Lauren waited, then poured. The liquid was a vivid teal blue. She lifted a lemon wedge, squeezed it, and stirred. Before her eyes, the color shifted, deepening into a luminous royal purple. She gasped.

One of the players looked over and smiled. “First time?”

“It’s magical,” Lauren replied.

“Mah Jongg,” another woman declared triumphantly, revealing her hand. Tiles clattered as the players pushed their tiles into the center.

“I’m afraid I have to leave early,” the winner said, rising and slipping on her coat.

One of the remaining players turned toward Lauren. “I’ve noticed you watching. Do you play?”

“I’m learning,” Lauren admitted. “I’ve been at it about six months now.”

“We’re starting one more hand. Care to join?”

“I’d love to, but I don’t have my card.”

“I always carry an extra,” another woman said, retrieving it from her purse.

Lauren wiped her fingers on her napkin and took the open seat. The women introduced themselves.

Lauren joined them in washing the tiles, enjoying the tactile pleasure of sliding the small rectangles across the felt mat.

As play progressed, the woman to her right asked if she was visiting family.

“For the first time since my husband passed away four years ago,” Lauren said, “I decided to get away on my own for the holiday. A change of scenery to Los Angeles.”

A sympathetic silence fell over the table. “Sometimes a change of scenery is the best thing,” the woman beside her said. “What do you do in Los Angeles?”

Lauren told them about K + L Interiors, her fascination with Newport’s historic preservation, and The Vanderbilt’s décor.

By the end of the Charleston, Lauren realized she needed only three tiles for a concealed hand—one she’d never attempted before. New experiences, she thought.

Play continued as players drew, called, or discarded.

Then Lauren drew a joker. She double-checked her card. “Mah Jongg,” she cried, almost disbelieving.

The women applauded.

“Nicely done,” another said. “That’s not an easy hand.”

“Beginner’s luck,” Lauren smiled.

As they gathered the tiles, one woman studied her thoughtfully. “If you don’t mind my asking … are you seeing anyone?”

Lauren hesitated, then shook her head. “Not at the moment.” Mike’s face flashed in her mind, and his flannel pajamas, open smile, and kind ministrations to the stray.