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“That wasn’t because of the children. I didn’t have a date.”
“Half the people there didn’t go with dates. You were too tired to go because you spent the day sledding with Drew and Emma.”
Genevieve started tapping her toes. She felt like she was under attack. “Look, I’ve waited a long time to be an in-town grandmother. Playdates are important to me. Doing things with Emma and Drew when it’s just the three of us has added a new and special dimension to our relationship.”
“Fine. If that’s what you want, great. I’m just pointing out that it’s a change—a big change—from what you said you wanted when you moved here. You even missed a meeting with Gage Throckmorton and the architect about The Emily renovations. You claim the project is special in your heart, and here you go alienating Gage. So much for Vivie finding love again.”
“I rescheduled! Gage wasn’t upset. He understands grandchildren, and I am not setting my sights on him. And for the love of a good cabernet, would you stop using that name!”
“Okay, Nana.”
She said it in such a snippy tone that Genevieve couldn’t stop herself from firing back. “You’re just jealous.”
Helen folded her arms and arched a brow. “Oh? Of what?”
“I’m spending time with them instead of you.”
Pursing her lips, Helen studied Genevieve with narrowed eyes. Then, after a moment, she nodded regally. “I concede the point. I had a year with the new Genevieve when I didn’t have to compete with anyone for your time. I enjoyed that. I miss that. I miss you.”
Genevieve sighed as the starch went out of her. Helen’s complaint was valid. Genevieve had missed the sister time with Helen, too.
Helen continued, “However, this isn’t only about me. It’s about you, too. This is a caution. I see you slipping back into your old ways, where you always put your children’s needs, wishes, and desires before your own. You worried about backsliding last year when we arrived home from Europe and discovered that your children had descended upon Lake in the Clouds. Well, you handled your children just fine. It’s your grandchildren who have you tumblingdown the mountain. Those grandchildren turn you to mush, Genevieve. You don’t want to be old and empty and alone? Then you need to find some balance.”
Darned if those tears didn’t flood her eyes again. Genevieve blinked them away. She kept her gaze focused on Emma and Drew as she asked, “I’ve hurt your feelings, haven’t I, Helen? I’m sorry. That’s the last thing I ever want to do. I meant what I said earlier. You truly are the world’s greatest sister.”
“Thank you. But look, you’re not responsible for my feelings. You certainly don’t owe me any particular percentage of your time. Maybe I get a little green-eyed and lonely when you choose the kiddos over me, but that’s on me. Not you.”
“I don’t choose them over you, Helen.”
“Okay, maybe that’s not the best word choice. It’s a weird sort of sibling rivalry that doesn’t involve siblings and reflects poorly on me. However, remember what Mama always said to us. ‘Begin as you mean to go on.’ You need to set some nana boundaries, Genevieve. Right now, you host nana camp every single day.”
“Playdates. We have playdates. And I want my nana playdates!”
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t have them. I’m saying that time is precious, and you need to be in charge of yours. What if Willow decides to make this move permanent? Will daily playdates become permanent, too? Will you ever be free to jet off on a last-minute trip with me again? This brings us to Bora-Bora. You never gave me an answer.”
Genevieve winced. “I want to go. You know I do. But when we talked about a sisters’ trip this winter, I didn’t know I’d be hosting a wedding in March.”
“At the risk of pissing you off even more, I’m going to point out that you aren’t hosting the wedding. Jake and Tess are doing it, and they’ve hired someone to oversee planning and execution. Times have changed, Genevieve. Children are marrying later in life and paying for their weddings—as well they should. You’re an honored guest at this wedding, not the hostess.”
“Okay, you’re right about that, but Willow needs my help with the children.”
“So that’s your answer about the trip. It’s nana time, not sister time.”
“We could go later—”
“I’m leaving next Tuesday.”
Genevieve drew in a quick breath. “You’re going without me? You’re going alone?”
“Not alone. Linda Bartlet is going with me. You are welcome to join us if you’d like.”
Helen might as well have slapped Genevieve across the face. She’d invited Linda Bartlet? “But it’s supposed to be a sisters’ trip!”
“Well, that’s how we originally planned it, yes.”
“You couldn’t wait for me to be able to go?”
“I could have. I chose not to wait. You’re not the only person growing older, Genevieve. The sands of my hourglass are draining, too. If I don’t go to Bora-Bora now, I may never get another chance.”
