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“Even after the divorce, he still came by frequently. The fact he won’t ever come by again is too much for me,” she said, her voice cracked with pain. “I think it’s better I move and start over again someplace else.”
I felt for her. There was nothing I could say or do. She was mourning, and all I could do was listen and be here when she needed me.
“Do you know where you want to go?” I asked.
“I’m thinking Florida. I want the sun and the beaches.”
“Wow, you’re not even staying in New Hampshire?” I was shocked. She and Carl had traveled a lot together, but they always returned to New Hampshire, insisting it was home. Guess it’s not home without him.
Who was I to judge? I yearned to be back in Boston, yet I was stuck here. And I’m going to be alone. No Aunt Trixi and no…Andrew.
“I guess I’ll have to come and visit you in the winter. It’ll be a nice break from the snow,” I said.
“Oh, yes! No more shoveling. I can’t wait!”
“You know you’ll miss it,” I said with a grin.
She became serious. “I miss the walks Carl and I used to take as the first snowflakes began to fall. And if I missed the snow overnight, I would wake to find a small snowman and snowwoman on the rail of the porch.” I heard her sniff, and she said, “I’m okay not being there when it snows this year.”
I love you, Aunt Trixi. I’m sorry you’re hurting.“I hope the change will help.”
“Carl said it’s important to follow your heart. Mine is saying ‘go South’.”
“But you’re coming home first, right?” I asked, realizing that I might not see her for some time.
“For a few days to pack and meet with a realtor to put the house on the market.” Then she said, “But don’t worry. I’m sure it won’t sell right away. You can stay there until it does.”
“Don’t worry about me. I have plenty of options,” I said. The motel or the motel. But it was fine with me. It was only for a year. Fingers crossed.
“I’d better let you go. And I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you, Anne.”
“I love you too, Aunt Trixi.”
I ended the call and slumped on the couch. Nothing would cheer me up after that call. Even Andrew was in town on business. I get it, Aunt Trixi. This place can feel very…lonely.
Since there was nothing else to do, I might as well tidy up the place. I got up and grabbed the pillows to fluff them up. In the corner of the couch, something was stuck between the cushions. I looked closer and almost died. I tugged at the pink thing and pulled out the thong I’d worn the other day.
Oh, God. I’d better do a major house cleaning.I wasn’t sure what else I might be missing. Even though Aunt Trixi would only laugh and tease me endlessly, I would still die of embarrassment if she found anything…personal of mine or Andrew’s.
I couldn’t even look at the couch and not yearn for Andrew. I have no idea what came over us last night, but I wouldn’t mind a repeat.
I was standing there holding my thong when Andrew entered the room.
“I suggest putting that on before you put on your jeans,” he teased.
“Very funny. It went MIA last night. You wouldn’t happen to be missing anything, would you?” I asked.
He stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, “I’m missing this.” His lips connected with mine briefly.
“You’re in a very good mood,” I said. “I guess your business went well?”
“It did. And how about your day?” he asked.
“Not like yours. I just got off the phone with Aunt Trixi. She told me she is moving to Florida,” I said.
“Good for her,” he said.
“Yeah, I guess. But that’s not why she called.”
