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“I’m sorry the traffic is crazy this time of day. Have you been waiting long? Please get in. Rose is in the car.” My face is tight from smiling so hard. Although they seem pleased to see me, their expressions are almost professional, and I’m not overcome by their excitement.
Caroline moves to the rear door while Christopher takes the front seat. The concierge places their bags in the trunk, and after thanking him, I take the driver’s seat and find the McMahon’s already engaging with Rose. My daughter’s eyes are wide, watching these strangers dote on her. Finally, she mutters some words, looks at me, and says, “Dad-da.”
“Yes, we’ll see Dad-da soon. This is Gran and Grandpa.”
I glance at Christopher before pulling out into the traffic, and I’m met with the same blue eyes holding the seriousness I see in Samuel’s eyes. I then turn to Caroline, and although her eyes are also blue, they are not as vivid as her husband’s and son’s eyes. Her hair is pure gray and cut into a stylish bob cut. She smiles at me, and the lines around her eyes deepen.
Along the Glenelg esplanade, I point out my family’s hotel and explain how it’s been in my family since the mid-1950s and we have transformed it to be a popular holiday accommodation. I can’t help boasting as we have come a long way from struggling with finances for many years, and over the last seven years, we have slowly become financially comfortable.
“I understand the appeal of the location,” Christopher says.
“And here’s our place,” I say with equal pride. “Samuel fell in love with our home the moment he saw it.”
“It’s exquisite,” Carolyn murmurs.
Christopher seems to take it all in.
The garage door opens to the basement level, and I veer the car inside.
After turning off the alarm, I help Christopher lug their suitcases to the second level. I realize the stairs aren’t ideal with their luggage and why they probably preferred a hotel with an elevator. Caroline requested time to unpack some of their belongings, so Rose and I wait in the family lounge until they are ready. I prepare refreshments since we’re ordering takeout for the evening meal.
“It’s a beautiful home,” Caroline says after descending the staircase in the same stylish dress. She has kept her heels on, and although not a stiletto heel, the clicking sound on the floor reflects importance in the way she walks. She looks around the room while waiting for Christopher, only a few steps behind her. He remains in dress pants, white shirt, and black tie. They move toward the floor-to-ceiling windows and stare out at the ocean, the sun now lower in the sky and shining directly into the room.
“I can close the external blinds if you prefer.”
“It’s the first month of winter in LA, so we’re happy for the warmth. Although we can’t complain about the California weather,” Caroline states.
God, I hate small talk.
I bring out the refreshments and place the plate of cheeses and dips on the table. “Can I get you some wine or coffee or tea?”
“A green tea for me.” Caroline stares at the plate. “Did Samuel mention I don’t eat dairy?”
Shit. We won’t be eating the quiche I bought for lunch tomorrow.
“He mentioned it, but since having Rose, my memory is terrible.” I’m not throwing my husband under the bus to his parents when I know he’s doing his utmost to impress them.
“Eden?”
My shoulder slumps at the sound of Samuel’s voice coming from the lower level. “We’re all up here, honey,” I call back.
Samuel appears from the stairway wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a navy tie.
“Samuel.” His mother beams at him and almost falls into his arms, causing him to step backward.
“Mom,” he says, stroking her hair. “I hope the trip was comfortable.”
When she releases him for Christopher to shake his hand, her expression tells of the same concern as mine. When you hug Samuel, there’s no hiding his thinning frame.
“Son.” Christopher places a hand over Samuel’s and then pulls him into a hug with three pats on the back. “You’re looking mighty fine, son,” he says, assessing his formal clothes.
I’m in a strappy top with a mid-length skirt and flip-flops. Only now do I realize how underdressed I am compared to the McMahon family.
“Dad-da,” Rose calls out.
“Excuse me,” Samuel says, his smile now for his daughter. He scoops her into his arms and places a loud kiss on her cheek. “Hello, beautiful girl. Have you met your grandparents?” He places Rose on his hip and returns to his parents while gushing over Rose.
I stand back and watch, a little bewildered as to why they didn’t do this immediately when arriving home. I push the thought aside since they probably aren’t thinking straight with time zones and probable exhaustion, then go about preparing glasses of cold water topped with ice along with Caroline’s green tea.
