Chapter 15
When Wednesday night rolled around, Mia found herself looking forward to going to the six o’clock meeting at Janie’s Yoga Studio. She was feeling strong overall and hadn’t had any really sad moments in the past week, which was a first. She hoped it was a sign that things would continue to get easier. That the moments of sadness would come less often.
Ken was there when she arrived and was putting out a plate of small, bite-sized squares of white frosted cake.
“Did you make those?” Mia asked him.
“I did. It’s spice cake with cream cheese frosting out of a can. Betty Crocker and me. Try a piece.”
Mia popped a square in her mouth. It was delicious. Ken was right. Box cake mixes were the best. It was hard to screw them up. She gave him a thumbs-up.
“It’s great. Thank you.”
“Have another. I did cut them kind of small.”
Sam came in a few minutes later and came over to say hello. He grabbed a paper plate and took two squares of cake and a chocolate chip cookie from the plate that Janie set out.
“I fed the kids dinner, but knew we were probably going out so didn’t eat anything. Are you both coming out after the meeting?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Ken said.
“Me, too,” Mia added.
Janie called everyone together, and the meeting got underway. Overall, it was a more upbeat night. Candy was still struggling, which was to be expected. But Ken, Sam and Mia all reported having good weeks.
The same group, minus Barbara, headed to the Rose and Crown when the meeting ended. They ordered the same appetizers as the week before and this time, Mia got a burger, too.
“How are the girls?” Mia asked Sam.
“They’re good. They’re looking forward to Kate’s cookout next weekend. I think because I mentioned there might be s’mores. It’s not like they know anyone there, except me.”
Mia smiled. “Maybe they’re just excited to get out and about.”
“That’s probably true. I’m going to take them down to the pier on Monday to watch all the boats leave. I think that’s the best time to see them all. We might go on Saturday for a while, too, to see some of them sail in. The girls have never seen many big sailboats like that, and I think I got them curious. Plus, it’s something to do.”
“They will love it, I bet. The energy down at the pier is exciting on Figawi weekend. So many boats. Over two hundred, I think.”
“When I was younger, I raced in it a few times. One of my friend’s father had a nice sailboat and took us with him. It’s quite a ride. These are serious sailors.”
“That sounds fun. I’ve actually never been on a boat, other than the ferry.”
“Being on a boat, a real sailboat is a blast. If you ever get the chance, you should go.”
“Yeah, I will, definitely. I don’t know anyone with a boat, but maybe one day.”
Mia could picture the girls watching the boats with their dad and it occurred to her that she hadn’t asked him how they were doing.
“How are the girls doing with their mom being gone? I meant to ask that earlier.”
“It was really hard for them for the first few months. They both had trouble sleeping and Sarah went through a bed-wetting period. But they seem pretty good now. They rebounded faster than their dad did.”
They were all quiet for a moment and then Ken spoke up. “It seems weird without Barbara here. She was always here, from the first week that I came.”
“I miss her, too,” Janie said. “Barbara was here when I first started the group. She could have stopped coming a long time ago, but once she felt stronger, she liked helping others get there, too. She was a good friend.”
“Let’s raise a glass to Barbara.” Ken lifted his Kahlua Sombrero, and they all lifted their glasses and in Janie’s case, a teacup.
“To Barbara,” Janie said.
“As much as I’m going to miss her, I think it should be encouraging for all of us that Barbara was able to move on, and to find love again. I know for a lot of us, it was hard to imagine that could happen,” Janie said.
Ken nodded. “She was a nice lady, I’m happy for her. I don’t see myself ever getting married again, but when I’m a little less sad, I won’t rule out taking someone to dinner.” He grinned. “I might have my pick to choose from. Ever since Susan died, there have been a few women that keep coming by to check on me. They bring me casseroles and cookies. Nice ladies. I get the feeling some of them might say yes if I asked.”
“Ken, if you feel like going out to dinner with any of those ladies, you shouldn’t hesitate. If you’re not ready to call it romance, go out as friends. You might both enjoy the companionship. Then if it turns into something more, so be it,” Janie advised.
“That’s an interesting idea. I do like to go out to eat and I get tired of doing it by myself. If I make it clear that it’s just as friends, you think they might be interested still?”
Janie smiled. “Why don’t you ask and find out?”
“I’ll do that.” Ken turned to Sam and Mia. “What about you two? You both say you’re not ready to get out there, but maybe you can make new friends, too, and see where that goes?”
Mia nodded, thinking of her day with Ben. Even though there was nothing romantic there, it was still nice to get out and have fun.
“You might be onto something. I think I do need to get out more, too, and make some new friends. I can do that.”
Sam grinned. “I think I could probably handle that, too. No pressure, just getting out more.”
Candy took a sip of her wine and looked around the table. “I am most definitely not ready for any of that yet. But I’m glad you all are thinking about it, and it gives me something to look forward to. I hope I’m going to feel more like doing things soon.”
“You will,” Janie assured her. “Just give it time. All the time you need.”
They enjoyed the rest of their evening, laughing over dinner at some of Ken’s funny stories. He was retired, but had worked for years managing The Whitley, where Bethany wanted to have her reception. It was one of Nantucket’s most exclusive hotels and had all kinds of interesting guests, many of them celebrities, and Ken shared that not all of them were well behaved. He didn’t name any names, even though he no longer worked there.
“I bet that was a fun job. I’m actually planning a wedding that will be held there in August,” Mia said.
“I loved working there, even when some guests drove us crazy. It’s a special place and I’m sure they will do a wonderful job for her wedding.” He smiled. “She’ll pay dearly for it.”
Mia laughed. “Yes, she will. But that’s not a concern for her family.”
“I heard a rumor that something is going on with the hotel, new management or something,” Ken said. “It’s been a while since I’ve talked to anyone from there. Have you heard anything?”
“No, I haven’t heard a thing. I spoke to Sophie in sales a week or so ago to confirm the date for the wedding, and she didn’t mention any changes.”
“Maybe there was nothing to it, then. It was probably just a rumor.”
When they finished eating, they walked back to their cars and said their goodbyes.
“See you at Kate’s on Sunday?” Sam asked.
“Yes. I’m looking forward to it and to meeting your girls.”
Chapter 16
“I’m having second thoughts about my dress,” Bethany said. Mia was sitting in the sunroom with her and they were going over the menu options for the wedding and Bethany needed to choose what she wanted to try at the tasting the following week.
“What are you thinking about your dress?” Bethany was wearing her mother’s dress that had been altered to fit her. There was no time to order a wedding dress at this point.
“I’m just not sure about it. Maybe I want something new?”
“I think the dress is lovely on you.” Bethany had modeled it for Mia the last time she visited. “But if you do w
ant to consider other options, it will have to be something off-the-rack.”
Bethany pouted. “Are you sure? How long does it take to make a dress?”
“Four to five months, usually, sometimes longer.”
“Oh. Well, maybe my mother’s isn’t so bad after all.” She turned her attention back to the extensive menu options and picked several items in each category for the tasting.
“Great, I’ll call them tomorrow or later today to let them know. How many people should I tell them to expect for the tasting?”
“Four. Me and Ryan, my mother and Ryan’s mother.”
Mia smiled. “Tastings are a lot of fun. It should be a lovely night.”
“I think my mother and his mother are more excited about it than we are.”
“Do you have any fun plans for the long weekend?” Mia asked.
“We do. Some of Ryan’s friends are sailing in the Figawi, so we’re going to have a house full of people. Ben is sailing in it, too. Has he mentioned it?”
“No. I haven’t seen him all week. I didn’t know he had a boat.”
“He doesn’t. But one of his good friends does. He stopped by this morning and said he’s heading to Hyannis tonight for the pre-event festivities and is racing with them on Saturday.” She looked at Mia curiously. “Doesn’t he live right next door to you? You really haven’t seen him at all?”
Mia laughed. “We have somewhat opposite schedules. I’m up and out early. I’ve only seen him at breakfast once since I moved in there. I’m usually in bed by the time he comes home at night.”
Bethany nodded. “He always stayed out late. Did you guys have fun golfing the other day?”
“We did have fun. We didn’t play golf, though. We just went to the driving range and Ben taught me how to swing. I’m a total beginner.”
“He’s a good teacher. You should get him to take you out on the golf course, too.”
“He did mention possibly going soon. It feels like an imposition, though.”
“Don’t be silly. He wouldn’t have offered if he wasn’t willing.”
“Okay. If he mentions it again, I’ll take him up on it.” Mia was glad that Bethany seemed to be in a good mood and much more laid back than the last time she’d seen her. Pretty much everything was done now. All Bethany had left to do was to go to her tasting next week and decide on her final menu. And there were no bad choices. Everything at The Whitley was exquisite. Mia thought about what Ken had mentioned, the rumor about a possible change in management. When she called Sophie with the details for the tasting, she’d ask her about that.
* * *
When Mia got back to the inn, she opened up her laptop, pulled up her notes on Bethany’s choices and called them in to Sophie, her sales contact at The Whitley. Mia was about to hang up when she remembered to ask Sophie if there were any big management changes recently at The Whitley. “I heard a rumor and was just curious.”
There was a long hesitation. “I really can’t say anything about that, other than that The Whitley remains owned and managed by the Chapman family.”
“Oh. Okay, thanks.”
“It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your weekend, Mia!” Mia smiled as she hung up the phone. Sophie’s tone had changed so quickly from guarded to perky. She would have to let Ken know that there probably was something to the rumor, but they weren’t saying anything just yet.
“Okay, Penny, let’s go outside!” Mia took her for a walk on the beach, then came home and jumped in the shower. She was meeting Izzy downtown at the gallery where Kristen was having her art show. Izzy mentioned that Rick was going, too, which surprised Mia. It didn’t seem like his kind of event. He’d mentioned once while she was staying there that he hated going to ‘artsy-fartsy’ events where people had to get all dressed up and everything was overpriced.
Izzy and Rick were just outside the gallery when Mia arrived and they walked in together. Andrew, the gallery owner, greeted them at the door. He was also the brother of Kristen’s boyfriend, Tyler. Izzy’s shop was just a few doors down from the gallery.
“Hi, Izzy. Good to see you again, Mia. And Rick?” Rick nodded, and Mia thought she caught a hint of a smile. “Kristen is in the back room, and there are glasses of Prosecco that were just poured. Help yourselves.”
They made their way through the gallery and into the big main room. Kristen was there with Tyler, and she was chatting with several people who were eager to meet the artist. Izzy handed Mia and Rick glasses of Prosecco and they slowly made their way around the room, looking at the various paintings. One wall was all Kristen’s work.
They were gorgeous watercolors. This collection was mostly the ocean, cottages, flower gardens and rose bushes and brightly colored boats in the harbor. The colors were stunning and light seemed to glow from within the painting.
Mia saw one that she could picture over the cream-colored sofa in her living room. The blues and pinks of the flowers spilling over a white picket fence were so vivid and pretty. She stepped closer to check the price and was glad to see that it was in the range she’d anticipated. Expensive, but not outrageously so. She could afford to buy this one painting as an investment in her condo.
“Are you going to get that one?” Izzy asked.
Mia nodded. “I love it.”
“It’s beautiful. You may want to let Andrew know ASAP, though. I saw another couple eyeing it too.”
“Good idea.” Mia saw Andrew walking their way and quietly told him she wanted to buy the painting.
“Excellent. Did you want to take it home tonight or come by tomorrow?”
“I’ll come by tomorrow morning.” Mia handed him her credit card, and he returned a moment later with a slip for her to sign. “Here you go and thank you. It’s a beautiful piece.”
Rick raised his eyebrows when Mia walked back over to them. “Did you actually buy one of these paintings? Such a waste of money.”
“Rick!” Izzy glared at him.
“What? It’s the truth. But, hey, it’s her money, right?”
“Let’s change the subject, please. How would you guys feel about walking over to Oath Pizza and getting a slice when we leave here?” Oath Pizza was a fast food gourmet pizza shop where they made slices to order.
“Can we go now?” Rick asked.
“No. We just got here. That would be rude.”
“I agree that would be rude. The pizza does sound good, though.” Will walked over in time to hear Rick’s comments.
“Hey, Will.” Mia was glad to see him.
“Hi, Mia, Izzy.” He nodded hello to Rick, too. They chatted with Will while Rick sipped his Prosecco and looked bored. He perked up a little when Kristen came over to say hello.
“Mia just bought the blue flowers painting,” Izzy told her.
“You did! That’s one of my favorites. Thanks so much for coming.” She chatted with them for a few more minutes until a new group of people came looking for her, and she had to resume her post and answer questions. Kate and Jack arrived a few minutes later and waved hello to Kristen, who was surrounded by potential customers.
“She has a good crowd tonight. Hopefully she’ll sell lots of paintings,” Kate said.
“Well, she’s sold at least one.” Mia smiled and glanced at her painting.
“You bought that one! Very nice.”
A waitress carrying a tray of stuffed mushrooms got their attention as she walked towards them. They all took a mushroom and a few minutes later, she made the rounds again. Izzy was about to reach for a second mushroom when Rick shot her a withering look. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asked.
Izzy hesitated and took a step back. “Right. Probably not.”
Mia glanced at the two of them in confusion. “Why isn’t it a good idea? They’re delicious. I’m having another one.”
Izzy looked like she was wavering, but then Rick explained, “Izzy’s gained some weight and said she wants to lose it. And if we’re going for pizza after this, maybe she doesn’t need a se
cond mushroom.”
Mia was speechless, and Will looked like he wanted to punch Rick. “It’s a mushroom. If Izzy wants one, she should have one,” Will said.
Izzy smiled gratefully at Will. “Thanks, Will. Rick is right, though. I really don’t need another one. Not if I want to lose this weight. And I do.”
“You look great, Izzy. You don’t need to lose weight.” Mia was furious with Rick. Her sister once had an eating disorder, and it had taken several years of therapy for her to have a normal relationship with food again. Rick seemed to know just what buttons to push.
“I’ve lost my appetite,” Izzy said quietly. “Can we walk around and look at more of the paintings? I might want to buy something, too.”
Rick made a face. “We don’t need any of these over-priced paintings in my house.”
Mia was glad to see a bit of fire come into Izzy’s eyes.
“Your house? We both live there.”
“Whose name is on the lease? Not yours,” he snapped back. Will and Mia exchanged glances and Izzy looked mortified.
“Rick, please don’t do this. Not in public. Let’s have a nice night.”
“You have a nice night. I’m going home. Your sister can give you a ride.”
“Fine. I think that’s a good idea. Maybe I’ll see you later tonight, maybe I won’t.”
Rick looked confused and even more annoyed. “What does that mean?” He glanced at Will, who had taken a protective step closer to Izzy. “Where are you going?”
“If you’re going to be in this kind of mood, I’m not sure I want to deal with you. I might stay at Mia’s.”
Rick sighed. “Just come home when you’re ready, Izzy. I’ll probably be in bed.”
He left, and Mia breathed a sigh of relief. Rick was like a scowling ball of tension.
“I’m sorry about that,” Izzy said to Will, who stared at her in amazement.
“Izzy, you have nothing to be sorry for. I know he’s your boyfriend, but he seems like a real jerk. You can do better.”
Mia nodded. “I think you know I agree with Will. I haven’t said much, as I know he’s been going through a lot. But it doesn’t seem like things are getting any better.”
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