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“I will. As soon as the deal closes.”
“I can’t wait to see you. We miss you.”
“I miss you, too. I’ve got to run to meet some friends, but I’ll call you next week with the sentencing date, and we’ll plan a visit. I could use some vitamin D.”
“I’ve got all the D you need. Talk soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too. Give my love to Stan.”
“I will.”
19
GAGE
After I press the red button to end the call, I glance over at Iris. “That was Mimi.”
“She sounds like a lovely person.”
“I adore her. I have from the first minute I met her. We hit it off like two old friends and have been close ever since. Her husband is great, too. They’re the nicest people. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”
“Where do they live?”
“Boca Raton. They moved about a year after the accident. They couldn’t bear to be here anymore without Nat and the girls. They were part of our daily lives, helping to run the girls to after-school activities, having them for sleepovers. Like your folks do.”
“God bless them. What an awful thing, but I’m glad you guys are taking the deal and that you’ll be able to put that part of it behind you.”
“Me, too. I feel better about it knowing how she feels. I knew Stan was dreading the possibility of a trial and has been hoping for a deal. Mimi and I both wanted vehicular homicide, and we pushed hard for it. At least I know there was nothing more I could’ve done that I didn’t do, short of going to trial.”
“I have no doubt you’ve been the fiercest of advocates for your ladies.”
“I’ve done what I could, all while dreading having to go to trial. I don’t think I could’ve handled that, so I’m relieved that Mimi said to take the deal.”
“I’m glad you don’t have to endure that.”
Iris’s phone chimes with a text that has her sitting up straight and tugging her hand free of mine.
“What is it?”
“Eleanor replied.”
“What did she say?”
“‘Hi, Iris, thank you for your text. I wasn’t sure how to reply, so I took a minute to think about it. I don’t know what to say to you. I’m sorry you were blindsided by this, and I’m sure you have questions. If you want to talk, let’s set a time in the next few days. I’m free most evenings after seven. Sincerely, Eleanor.’ Is it terrible that I hate how she sounds like a nice person?”
“Nah, I get it. It would be easier if she was a hag.”
“Exactly.”
“Are you going to reply?”
“I guess so.”
I place my hand on top of hers. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“I know, but I reached out to her, so I’ll see it through.”
I pull back my hand so she can send the text. When she’s finished, she rests her head against the seat and expels a deep breath. “That’s something I never thought I’d have to do—reach out to the mother of Mike’s other child.”
