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“It really is,” her sister said, laughing with her. “Any word from Mom?”
“Not since I gave her a recap of the funeral. I’ll check in with her again tomorrow. Sunday’s our day to catch up. Have you heard from her?”
“She’s called a few times to ask about Abby. And I’ve sent pics. How’s everything going with the house?”
“It’s getting there, but slowly.”
“Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll bring the kids and come help.”
Talulah couldn’t imagine they’d get anything done with three kids to care for and a newborn, as well, but she was eager to see them. “You don’t need to help. I’d love to see you all. Let me know when you can make it, and I’ll prepare dinner for everyone.”
“That sounds good. No one can cook like you do. Have you heard from Brant?”
Her question dimmed the bright glow of Talulah’s happiness. “No. I’m trying to stay away from him, remember?”
“I remember. But part of me is like...when will you ever get this opportunity again?”
“What?”Talulah said, cracking up. “Thisis coming from my straitlaced sister?”
“Well, we are talking aboutBrant, and you only live once,” she joked.
“I’ve been tempted to look at it that way,” Talulah admitted. “But what about Averil?”
“What about her? The fact that she could hold a grudge for so long doesn’t speak highly of her.”
“I hurt her brother, Deb.”
“From what you’ve told me, the way she’s behaved lately has more to do with Brant.”
“That’s partly why I’ve decided to back away from him.”
“Even though it’s an unnecessary sacrifice? Let’s face it. If he wanted her, he’s had plenty of opportunity.”
“That’s not the point. The point is that even if she doesn’t get him, she wouldn’t want him to be withme.”
“Then what kind of friend could she be?”
Talulah slid her new sunglasses higher on her nose. “I don’t know. All I can say is that I miss having her in my life.” She missed Brant, too. Every night she had to overcome the urge to call him. But she didn’t add that. “Anyway, I’m only here for another week or two, so it’s very likely neither one of them will end up being part of my life.”
“Well, if you have to pick one or the other, I vote for Brant.”
Talulah pulled into the parking lot at the lake, where she was supposed to meet Jane, Kate and whoever else Kate had invited. “Duly noted.” She turned off the car and grabbed the tote where she’d stuffed a towel and all the things she wanted to bring with her. “I have to hang up. Jane’s invited me to go boating.”
“That sounds like fun. Have a great time.”
She said goodbye to Debbie, climbed out and headed down to the water, where she immediately spotted Jane and Kate on shore. Jane was wearing a black one-piece cut high on the leg and Kate looked great in the skimpiest string bikini Talulah had ever seen. Both of them wore sunglasses and held big striped towels.
“You look incredible,” Jane said as Talulah approached.
“Thanks. So do both of you. Where’re your other friends?” Talulah asked Kate.
“At the boat launch.” She gestured to a ski boat two men were taking off a trailer not far away.
“Wait! That’s Brant’s brother,” Talulah said as soon as they got close enough for her to see Kurt clearly.
“Yeah, of course,” Kate said as if she was surprised Talulah wouldn’t be expecting him. “It’s the Elways’ boat. Miles is Brant’s brother, too.”
She would’ve turned to Jane to see what was going on. But it’d dawned on her that the truck attached to the trailer belonged to Brant. He was sitting in the driver’s seat, looking at her through the open window he’d been using to help back the boat down the launch. His gaze connected with hers. Then his jaw hardened and he looked away.
