* * *
Three hours later, Nina had a plan. The to-do list was several pages long, but that was okay. At least she knew what she had to get done. She sat at the desk in the room where she’d grown up and wondered how different she would be in a year or four.
She’d already called her sister, and they’d arranged a visit. Nina was going to go see her on her way to Boston in late August. She was driving. In the next week she would go to find housing. That trip would be by plane. All the big stuff was planned—except for telling Dylan.
“How are you feeling?”
Nina turned and saw her mother walking into her room.
“Stressed. Wide-eyed. But I’ll be okay.”
Bonnie, tall and beautiful in shorts and a tank top, all lush curves and easy smile, kissed the top of her head, then settled on the bed.
“I’m so proud of you,” her mother told her. “Not just of you getting into medical school, but all of it. You’re a wonderful daughter.”
“Thank you.” Nina bit her lip. “You’re only going to have Bertie now, Mom. You’re going to have to take care of some things on your own.”
“So I’ve been told.” She scooted back and sat cross-legged on the mattress. “Bertie and I had a wonderful time in New York. I’d never been there before. We did all the touristy things and saw two shows. Then we met with the auction people. Did I tell you Ambrose joined us?”
“No. But I’m glad he helped you.”
“He did. He’s very restful, for a man.” Bonnie smiled. “I think the young man at the auction house was a little disappointed. He knew that Bertie and I are together, and I think he was a little excited about us being lesbians.” Her smile widened. “Unfortunately I’m fairly sure he was expecting two hot girls, not a couple of middle-aged women.”
She leaned toward Nina. “Regardless, the auction is scheduled. They’re as confident as Ambrose that we’ll get at least ten million. So you’ll have your money for your education.”
“Thanks, Mom. You’re being really generous.”
“No. I’m doing what’s right. I haven’t always.” The smile faded. “I never wanted to grow up. Peter Pan was my hero. I liked letting other people take care of me. If they didn’t do so good a job, it was still better than having to do it myself. But my mom stepped up and then you. I never had to be more.”
“And now?” Nina asked.
“I don’t like it, but I’m doing it. People can change, I guess. I have so much, Nina. A wonderful woman who loves me, two beautiful and successful daughters who love me.” One corner of her mouth turned up. “Because it’s always about me.”
She drew in a breath. “I’m so happy. Even without the painting and all that silliness, I was happy. But you weren’t. I see that now. You were trapped because I wanted to be Peter Pan. I’m so sorry.”
“Mom,” Nina began, emotion tightening her throat.
“Don’t say it was okay, because it wasn’t. I want you to promise you’ll do exactly what you want from now on. Find work that you love, a partner you can care about. Maybe children. I want you to have it all.”
“I want that, too,” Nina admitted, her thoughts immediately wandering.
“Dylan?” her mother asked.
Nina nodded. “I’m going to miss him. A lot. We’ve gotten close again, but now I’m leaving.”
“Maybe he’ll go with you.”
“He’s in practice with his father. That’s what he promised and what he was always going to do.”
“People change,” her mother repeated.
“Not that much.”
“You did. Look at how different you are from just five or six months ago. You’ve learned to let go. You’re doing what is important to you, the rest of the world be damned.”
Nina smiled. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“Keep trying. You’ll get there.” Her mother studied her. “You’re my daughter and I love you. Accept that I’m going to make mistakes. Trust me to fix them. Trust Bertie to watch out for me. It’s time for you to go, Nina girl. Take my love with you and bring it back when you visit us.”
“Oh, Mom.”
Nina stumbled to her feet, tears filling her eyes. Her mother hugged her close.
* * *
Averil picked Penny up from the groomers right at eleven. She’d already been to the grocery store to get steaks for that night and a bottle of Malbec. Kevin and Nina both liked it and she couldn’t stand it, which would make watching them drink it a little easier to take.
“You’re stunning,” Averil told her dog as they walked to the car. “A real beauty. All the boys are going to want you.”
Penny yawned as if to say she’d been spayed and boys really weren’t her thing, but she would take the compliment.
They drove home, and Averil went to work on the salad she was making for lunch. A little before noon she heard a car in the driveway and headed for the door. Nina was already walking up the walkway.
They hugged tightly.
“Hey, sis,” Averil said, leading the way inside. “Someone is very excited to see you.”
Sure enough, Penny raced toward Nina, her tail wagging as she barked and yipped. Nina dropped to her knees and hugged her.
Averil took a second to take in the changes from the last time she’d seen her sister.
For one thing, Nina had cut her hair. Gone was the long straight hair hanging down her back. Instead she had a short, layered cut that barely covered the nape of her neck. Also missing was the slightly disapproving air, as if she was waiting for anyone within a six-mile radius to screw up.
“Love the new hair,” Averil said as Nina rose.
“Thanks.” Nina touched the back of her head. “I thought it would be easier to take care of. I just have to towel it dry and comb it. When it dries, it looks like this.” She shrugged. “I know it’s silly, but I’m trying to streamline everything before I start school.”
“Whatever the reason, it looks great. Come on, you must be starved. I have lunch waiting.”
They went into the kitchen, and Nina leaned against the counter while Averil continued fixing lunch.
“How are things?” her sister asked.
“Great,” Averil told her. “There’s an envelope right there. Why don’t you open it and read it?”
Nina did and studied the email Averil had printed out. “I don’t understand,” she said, looking confused. “It’s a rejection.”
Averil grinned. “I know. From a publisher. I finished my book. I finished it, polished it and got an agent. That’s my first-ever rejection. I’m thinking of having it framed.”
“You finished your book?”
Averil nodded. “I know. Pretty damned impressive, if I do say so myself. Kevin’s so proud. He told everyone about the rejection, then had to explain why we were happy about it. Obviously I’d rather sell, but it’s still out at a few places, and my agent has faith in me. I’m not giving up. I’ve already started a new book.”
She glanced toward the table and pretended dismay. “Oh, darn. I didn’t clear all that stuff away. Can you grab some of the crap and move it to the counter?”
“Sure,” Nina said and walked over. She reached for the thick book right in the middle.
Averil waited as her sister glanced at the title. She’d considered wrapping baby booties in a box, but thought leaving out a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting was better. Certainly more normal than Kevin hovering beside her while she sat on the toilet, trying to pee on a stick. Eventually her bladder had come through, then they’d both waited breathlessly for the test to tell them the good news.
Nina looked from the book to Averil. “Are you—”
“Pregnant? Yes! Seven weeks. I think it was right after I got home.” She grinned. “Things were hot and heavy that first week, let me tell you.”
“Oh, my God! A baby. Have you told mom?”
“I thought we’d call her this afternoon. We can use the speakerphone. Then we’re going to celebr
ate tonight. Kevin is so excited. I am, too.”
Nina hugged her. Averil hugged her back. She’d had a really good summer.
They ate salads and caught up with each other. The painting had ended up selling for nearly eleven million dollars. They grumbled about the cut the government got and how weird it was they were now trust-fund babies. Well, not babies, but still. After lunch they took a walk on the beach. Penny trotted ahead, tugging slightly on her leash, always pleased to be a part of things.
“What about Dylan?” Averil asked. “How did you leave it with him?”
“He said we were still together, and he’s going to come visit me.” She didn’t look completely convinced. “We’re going to talk on the phone and stuff. I don’t know if it’s going to be enough. I’m afraid I’m going to lose him. But I can’t stay on the island just in case. This is my chance, and I’m taking it. I’ve waited too long as it is.”
“Do you love him?” Averil asked, aware her sister could easily snap her head off for the question.
Nina surprised her by nodding. “I do,” she admitted, her voice a little thick with emotion. “It really sucks that, to do what I’ve always wanted, I have to leave someone I really care about, you know?”
Averil put an arm around her. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” She sniffed and tried to smile. “But I’ll figure it out.”
“I’m glad you got into medical school.” Averil grinned. “My sister, the doctor. You’re going to save us a fortune in medical bills.”
Nina stared at her for a second and then started to laugh.
* * *
Nina waited for the light to change, then crossed on the green. She shifted the weight of her cross-body tote, wondering if her relatively short walk from campus to her apartment was going to seem a lot longer once winter arrived.
It was early fall now. The leaves had barely started changing. But three weeks after the start of classes, she didn’t have much time to admire the beauty of nature.
As Dylan had promised, there was a ton of reading and plenty of memorizing. The labs were long and sometimes confusing, but she’d made friends and joined a great study group.
She turned the corner and hurried toward her apartment. It was Friday. She had big plans for the evening. Takeout and a pay-per-view movie. A treat she hadn’t had time for since moving to Boston. But she’d read ahead, done well in her lab and was prepared to reward herself. At ten she had a call with Dylan. Hearing his voice always made her feel she could do anything.
She headed into her building. It was fancier than she’d expected, and the monthly rent had made her blanch, but it was close to school with plenty of shopping nearby. Convenience mattered these days. Besides, she had a snazzy trust fund to cover expenses. Change sometimes came with unexpected bonuses.
She walked through the foyer, pausing to get her mail. Another resident, an elderly Russian woman, smiled at her.
“Hello, Mrs. Volkov,” Nina said as she unlocked her mailbox.
“Nina! I met your husband earlier. So handsome.” She winked. “I can see why you’ve been working so hard, eh? Wanting to be caught up for when this one came to town.” Mrs. Volkov touched the side of her nose and smiled again.
Nina blinked at her. Husband? Then she slammed her mailbox shut and raced for the elevators. “Thanks, Mrs. Volkov,” she yelled as she rounded the corner.
Dylan. It had to be Dylan. He’d shown up for a surprise visit. She hoped it was just for the weekend, because she had classes on Monday. But even so—two days with him would be a miracle.
When the elevator doors opened on her floor, she ran down the hall and let herself into her apartment. Sure enough, Dylan was there, but he wasn’t unpacking a suitcase. Instead, he was kneeling by an open box, surrounded by stacks of more boxes. Dozens of them. And there was some new furniture in her place, including his large, black leather sofa.
She dropped her bag to the floor. Her coat followed as she stared at him.
“Dylan?”
He stood and gave her a sheepish grin. “Yeah, I know. I should have talked to you first. Only I thought you’d say we should wait and I’m tired of waiting. I want to be with you.”
He was here? As in here? “You’re moving to Boston?”
He stepped toward her. “I know you’re in shock,” he said. “Just tell me if this is a good surprise or a bad one.”
“Good.” Having Dylan around all the time? It was great. But could he do that? “What about your dad? You’re in practice with him.”
Dylan shoved his hands into his pockets, then pulled them out again. “Yeah, well, that’s a funny story. Once he found out I’d rather be here with you than on Blackberry Island with him, he decided to sell his practice. He already has three good offers. He and Mom are looking at retirement homes in Arizona. You know how Dad loves to golf.”
“I’ve heard rumors,” Nina said, unable to fully grasp what was happening. “You didn’t want to tell me what you were thinking?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” He crossed to her and cupped her face. “And I wanted to make sure I didn’t get in your way. I was afraid if you knew what I was thinking, you might put off starting school. I wanted you to make the choices that were right for you. You need to do this, Nina. You want it and I want it for you. If you don’t like the idea of me moving in, I’ll understand. I can get my own place and we’ll go back to dating. I just thought...” He hesitated. “I love you. Still. Always. That part never went away.”
“What about your work?”
“I have interviews with two Boston hospitals. And there’s a fellowship I’m looking into.” He kissed her. “I moved back to the island partly because I’d told my dad I would but mostly because of you. I could never forget you, Nina. I mean it. I love you.”
She leaned against him, letting his words settle into her heart. Tears filled her eyes, but they were the happy kind. The best kind. Everything about this felt right. She flung her arms around him and hung on as if she would never let go, because that was her plan.
“I love you, too,” she told him, staring into his green eyes. “I don’t think I ever got over you.”
He smiled and kissed her. “Good to hear because I was thinking when you graduate we’d talk about opening a practice somewhere. Dr. and Dr. Harrington.”
“I hear it’s beautiful in the Appalachians,” she told him.
“It’s beautiful anywhere you are. What’s that line? Stay with me and be my love and we will all the pleasures prove.”
She grinned at him. “Wow. A doctor who recites poetry. Can it get any better?”
He nudged her toward the bedroom. “I think it can. Let me take on that challenge and we’ll see where it leads.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from THREE SISTERS by Susan Mallery.
EVENING
STARS
Susan Mallery
Reader’s Guide
Suggested Menu
Blackberry Chipotle Chicken Tacos
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
1 cup Blackberry Chipotle Sauce
(recipe at www.BlackberryIsland.com)
Flour tortillas
Ranch salad dressing (optional)
Onions
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Cheddar cheese
Chop raw chicken into small chunks. Heat oil in ten-inch sauté pan, brown chicken and cook all the way through. Pour the Blackberry Chipotle Sauce over the chicken and cook for another few minutes, until liquid is reduced and chicken is sticky. (Note: You can start with precooked chicken and simply warm together with the Blackberry Chipotle Sauce.) Warm the flour tortillas and assemble the tacos with the remaining ingredients.
Questions for Discussion
Why did Nina stay on Blackberry Island so long? Why did she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own? Do you know any women like that?
If you have a sister, how is
your relationship similar to Nina and Averil’s relationship? How is it different? In general, do you think brothers’ relationships are as emotionally complex as sisters’ relationships are?
One of the themes of Evening Stars clearly related to taking responsibility for one’s own life. How were different facets of responsibility explored through the characters of Nina, Averil and Bonnie? Is it possible to be too responsible? Where do you fall on the responsibility spectrum?
What other themes did you think about as you read Evening Stars?
Were you on Team Dylan or Team Kyle? Why? Did your allegiance change as you progressed through the book? Were you satisfied with the choice Nina made?
What did you think of Averil’s relationship with her husband, Kevin?
Early in the book, when Dylan drives Nina home, she sees the house through his eyes. How did her feelings about her home reflect her feelings about how her life had turned out? How would you feel if your first love visited your house?
Do you think Bonnie will change? Why or why not?
What caused Averil and Nina to begin to see each other differently? What caused them each to see themselves differently, and to take positive steps in their lives?
Explore a metaphor from Evening Stars.
Visit www.BlackberryIsland.com for a wealth of bonus content about the quaint island and its inhabitants. You’ll find a map of the island to print out for your book group, recipes, a history of the island and more.
What makes a house a home—and what makes neighbors friends.
If you loved Three Sisters, don’t miss Barefoot Season, the first Blackberry Island novel by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. Available now!
“Gritty and magical, angst-ridden and sweet, this coming-home story by bestseller Mallery pulls no punches.”
—Publishers Weekly on Barefoot Season
Looking for more? With more than eighty ebooks available, you can also enjoy Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series—and dozens of other memorable titles!
Evening Stars Page 31