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While the cookies cooled, she ran over her list of to-dos for the day.She liked being a homemaker and wife, and while some women might think the pleasure she received from her life demeaning or anti-feminist, she felt grateful for the opportunity she’d been given to be home with her girls while they grew up.
Mary Elizabeth moved through her house now, straightening and fluffing and doing general pickup before going back to the kitchen.She arranged the cookies on a pretty plate and covered them, then grabbed her purse.
The ride to Beach Chic didn’t take long despite the summer traffic.Rayna Jo and Adaline greeted Mary Elizabeth as soon as she walked in the door of the shop, and she gazed in wonder at all the pretties on display.“I don’t know how either of you work here.I’d be broke and out of business with every delivery.”
“It gets difficult.I won’t lie,” Rayna Jo said somewhat ruefully.“So what do you think about this for our newest boardwalk neighbor?”
The large white beach tote had rope handles.It wasn’t yet wrapped, but the Babes had added two luxuriously plush blue towels, a bottle of wine, a delicious-smelling candle, black-and-white-striped beach hat, a gorgeous, gauzy coverup, dangly starfish and gem earrings, a book on cocktails, and some other little odds and ends.“It’s beautiful.And she will look lovely in that outfit.Maybe she’ll take the day and go to the beach to snack on the cookies and wine.”
“She did look tired, didn’t she?”Rayna Jo said.“I worried about it all night.”
“I’m sure she was heartbroken about Georgia.Especially since Hadley hasn’t been able to get back to visit for quite some time.”
Mary Elizabeth’s heart pinched at the thought because she knew it was true.Butwhyhadn’t Hadley been back?Oh, she had a busy family for sure, but it had never stopped her from making the two-hour drive, if only for an afternoon.What had changed?Had something happened?“Well, let’s add these cookies and I’ll take it over.Oh, and here’s a gift card and mug from London’s Lattes so Hadley can get her caffeine fix.I pick up a few things each time I go to have on hand as emergency gifts.Now, can you two come, too, or are you staying here?”
“We have a client coming in.She’s redecorating and wants a consult,” Rayna Jo said.
“Again.”Adaline rolled her eyes.“This is the second time this year that she’s redone the same room.Some people have more money than sense.”
“So you don’t want to take her money?”Rayna Jo asked pointedly.
“I didn’t saythat.”Adaline grinned, her diamond earrings twinkling in the sunlight filtering in through the front windows.“Business is business.”
Mary Elizabeth shook her head at the twins’ antics and laughed softly.“Well, I’ll be sure to give credit where credit is due.Hadley will love it all.”
Rayna Jo quickly wrapped the tote bag in cellophane and added turquoise satin ribbon that paired well with the blue towels for an ocean-y look.Once done, Mary Elizabeth hugged the basket and carried it out of the shop, pausing long enough to get air kisses from her lifelong friends as they walked her to the door.
Back in the car, Mary Elizabeth made her way to Hadley’s new home, taking in the sights and sounds of summer at the beach.
Fall was her favorite time of year in Carolina Cove, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t love the energy of summer.The salt air, the laughter of happy families, the smell of deep-fried goodies from the local restaurants, and the sound of the birds squawking overhead.The worst part was the bumper-to-bumper traffic, but since it was only a few months out of the entire year, she always made sure to give herself plenty of extra time and reminded herself it was the price to pay to live somewhere so beautiful.
Mary Elizabeth finally made it to Hadley’s and parked behind Hadley’s car.She retrieved the heavy tote and carried it to the porch, every step bringing a crackle of the cellophane.
The door was open, the screen door slightly ajar as it had been since the last big storm.“Knock, knock.Haddie, you home?”
Mary Elizabeth heard a gasping sniffle from within the home and immediately elbowed her way inside.Tears demanded immediate entry, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.“Hadley?”
“Hey, MeMe,” Hadley said in a small voice.
Mary Elizabeth turned to find her goddaughter sitting on the floor surrounded by Georgia’s photo albums.“Oh,honey.Are you okay?”
“No.No, I’mnotokay,” Hadley said, her trembling fingers wiping the tears from her cheeks.“Oh, Mary Elizabeth.What am I going todo?”
Mary Elizabeth set the gift on the closest chair and rushed to Hadley’s side, kneeling beside the girl who was as much her daughter as her own.She wrapped Hadley in her arms and squeezed her tight.“Do about what, sweetheart?What’s going on?Tell me.”
Hadley shudderedat the thought of revealing her secrets.But she and her godmother had always been close, and Hadley knew she could use a friend on the inside, so to speak.Maybe Adam had already told his wife?
“Hadley, honey, whatever it is, you’ll be fine.You hear me?Talk.”
Mary Elizabeth framed Hadley’s face with her palms, forcing Hadley to look at her.After a long moment and fresh tears, she whispered, “It’s over.I tried, MeMe.I triedso hardbut he said he didn’t want… Hewouldn’t…”
“What?”
“Kyle’s gone.”Hadley knew the moment Mary Elizabeth caught on.The woman’s eyes widened, and her mouth parted as she sucked in a sharp breath.
“Oh, Haddie.Honey… You’ve separated?”
“No.No, it’sworse.We’re divorced.”
