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“What’s that?”
“It’s supposed to be a good thing.” Tyler shrugs. The shrug says he isn’t so sure. “Race you to the end of the street.”
Maggie watches them run, grateful that her son seems to have found a friend, only moderately surprised it’s turned out to be Tyler and not Ben.“Tyler’s the sensitive one,”she remembers Erin telling her.
She looks around for her daughter, dismayed that once again, she is nowhere to be seen.
She hears footsteps approaching from behind and turns to see Aiden’s mother. “Lisa Young,” the woman says, extending her hand. “I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.”
“Maggie McKay.”
“I’m staying with my son for a few weeks while my kitchen is being renovated.”
Maggie notes Lisa’s deliberate exclusion of Aiden’s wife. “Kitchen renovations are a big job.”
“Yes, but some things can only be put off for so long. I like what you’ve done with your hair,” Lisa adds, as if one thought naturally follows the other. “The blond suits you.”
“Thank you. I love your blouse,” Maggie feels compelled to add. Although the long-sleeved violet silk shirt doesn’t strike her as the most appropriate of choices for what is, after all, a simple neighborhood barbecue, especially in this heat. “And your shoes,” she says of Lisa’s equally inappropriate four-inch heels.
“You can’t go wrong with Louboutins,” Lisa says.
Maggie nods, feeling suddenly dowdy in her no-name sandals, beige capris, and plain white T. She spots Aiden and Heidi at the barbecue, loading up their plates. “You’re not eating anything?”
“Hamburgers aren’t really my thing.”
“You’re sure? Everything’s delicious.”
“I may treat myself to a piece of the apple pie I understand is coming.”
Maggie looks toward Julia Fisher’s house. Is it possible that Erin has gone back inside?
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you,” Lisa says.
“Oh?”
“Yes. It’s about the other evening.”
“Oh?” Maggie says again.
“I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to anyone else about…the situation.”
The situation,Maggie repeats silently. “If you’re referring to Heidi’s pregnancy,” she says pointedly, “I wouldn’t dream of it. I understand it’s very early days, and that they would probably prefer to wait a few months before telling people—”
“That’s not the point,” Lisa interrupts.
“I’m sorry. What exactlyisthe point?”
“The point is that we’re not altogether sure that a baby at this particular time is a good idea.”
“Really? Heidi seems quite excited about it.”
“Yes. The poor girl is quite delusional about the joys of motherhood, I’m afraid. I was hoping you would talk to her.”
“Me?”
“Well, she obviously feels comfortable enough to confide in you. So maybe she’ll listen to you. She certainly won’t listen to me.”
“Just what is it you want me to say to her?” Maggie asks.
