Unfinished Business

by Roxanne Hensley

  “As much as we’d like to, we’re not going to stay long,” Bev said, adjusting her blue knitted hat.

  At Adrian’s look of confusion, Gilda held out an envelope. “Margaret left this with us for you.”

  Adrian’s pulse raced as she took the envelope. Her name was scrawled in her mother’s shaky penmanship across the front. She wasn’t sure what to say or if she had the strength to open it.

  “We’ll be by later to check on you,” Gilda said, touching her shoulder before shutting the door gently.

  “I think I need to check in with Zach,” Laura said before Adrian could say anything. She stepped away, leaving Adrian alone with a letter from her mother. She sat in her mother’s chair and opened it, bracing for Margaret’s last words to her.

  Dear Adrian,

  I know you always believed I didn’t want children. Having a baby was a shock to me, and I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility and what it takes to raise a child. To be honest, I was afraid to have a girl who would be just like me. But God has a funny sense of humor sometimes, and of course, He blessed me with you. You’re just like me in many ways, but you took after the best parts of your father too.

  You may believe I was too hard on you. One thing I never got a chance to tell you is I suffered from what doctors now call postpartum depression. In the spirit of honesty, I felt guilty for my depression when you were a baby, and perhaps I was too critical at times. It’s only because I had great expectations for you and always wanted the best. There was so much I missed out on, too many roads not taken, and I didn’t want you to follow in my footsteps. In hindsight, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, especially you.

  I’m sorry there was a period of time in our lives when we didn’t speak, and I regret missing out on your life, from the big events to the mundane. I’m even more sorry it took my getting sick to bring us back together. But if I had to die for us to find our way back to each other, I was glad to do it, and I’d do it again a thousand times.

  I want to thank you for the love and kindness you’ve shown me over the last few months, even though, at times, I felt I didn’t deserve it. You are a remarkable woman, and I am so proud of you. Don’t ever settle. Life is fragile, and it can be taken away in an instant, and it’s always over far more quickly than you’d like.

  I love you, always.

  Mom

  Adrian sobbed as she read it again twice. She wiped her tears away, sniffling from a runny nose. Her chest felt tight, squeezing her heart as it broke into a million pieces. Laura crouched next to her and, without a word, wrapped her arm around Adrian, pulling her into a hug as she broke down. Laura rubbed Adrian’s back as she convulsed, letting emotions out she’d harbored for too long.

  Her mother was proud of her. She loved her. She’d longed to hear those words her entire life, and there they were, commemorated in her letter. Don’t ever settle, life is fragile. Her mother’s words replayed in her mind. For the first time in her life, Adrian vowed to honor her mother’s wishes.

  26

  “You sure you’ll be okay?” Laura asked, slamming her trunk shut. Adrian’s heart sank. She’d known the day would come the moment she’d arrived, but she wasn’t ready for Laura to leave. She had no idea how long it would be before they saw each other again, with life leading them in separate directions.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine,” Adrian reassured, trying to convince herself too. “You need to get home to your family.”

  Laura shielded her eyes from the mid-morning sun, already burning bright. “What’s next for Adrian?”

  “I don’t know. I think I’ll call Denise and see if she wants to have lunch this week.” She smiled.

  “That’s a great idea.” She stood there, stalling, obviously not wanting to leave. Someone had to rip off the Band-Aid.

  “Call me as soon as you get home.” Adrian hugged her tightly. “Thank you again for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “That’s what friends are for.” Laura smiled.

  They said their goodbyes and Laura drove away. Adrian waved to her until she was out of view. She went back inside to finish the last of her coffee in her mother’s chair. The house was so quiet, no oxygen or news blaring in the background. Just her, Joe, and her mind’s endless chatter. It was the first time she’d been alone with her thoughts in days. Where do I go from here?

  A knock interrupted her thoughts. Was Laura back already? She jumped to open the door. “Did you forget something?” But it wasn’t Laura who greeted her.

  It was Christian.

  “Oh…what are you doing here?” Her nerves kicked into high gear seeing him. He looked impeccably put together as always, wearing a gray pinstripe suit and a violet tie. She pulled her bathrobe a little tighter, feeling severely under-dressed for this unexpected house call. She steadied herself against the doorframe, her knees weakened from the faint smell of his aftershave.

  “Brian was tied up this morning, so I told him I’d deliver the news to you about the baby.” Adrian stood at the door, waiting for him to say more, but he didn’t. “Do you mind if I…?”

  “Sorry.” She moved out of the way as he walked over the threshold. She felt queasy, her body surging with caffeine and adrenaline. He shut the door behind him, and they stood there awkwardly for a moment. Damn, he looked good. But seeing him felt premature, and she had too many open wounds to deal with the possibility of another. “Do you want coffee?” she asked, filling the void.

  “No, let’s just sit down.” They walked toward the living room, a sense of dread washing over her. It must be bad. A house call and not cutting to the chase? She felt faint.

  She turned around, steadying herself on his arm. “Just tell me. Is the baby Brad’s?”

  “Doubtful.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Brad wasn’t black, was he?” She shook her head. “Well, the baby has dark skin, taking after whomever the father is.”

  “Seriously?” He nodded. She couldn’t help but laugh with relief, cackling a bit like a hyena. “But she was so sure it was Brad’s.”

  “Apparently, Celeste conveniently forgot about a one-night stand.” He smirked.

  “That’s very convenient”

  He shrugged. “Yep, I’m pleased to say you’re off the hook. She’s dropped everything.”

  Adrian couldn’t believe it. She’d dodged a serious bullet, the Universe seamlessly tying up her loose ends. She could finally move forward with her future plans, making the next phase of her life whatever she wanted without interference from anyone else. The house was under contract, and now there wasn’t a lien or a baby standing in the way.

  “Wow, thank you.” She went to hug him in all the excitement, but stopped short, her arms flailing nervously like she was directing aircraft. “Um...is that all?” She ran a hand through her hair and looked down at the ground, trying her best to play it all off.

  “No, that’s not the only reason I’m here.” He stepped closer. Her pulse raced at their proximity. “I’m really sorry about your mom. I should have been there for you.” His eyes looked dark, heavy with remorse and sympathy.

  “Oh, thanks, but I’m okay. Just need to take things one day at a time.” She forced a smile.

  “Look, I messed up. I’m an idiot for not calling you sooner. I haven’t felt these feelings for someone in a long time, and the last time I did, my heart was broken.”

  She crossed her arms. “What about Sarah?”

  He sighed. “She came to my office that day to tell me she’d made a mistake in letting me go. What you missed when you left was that I told her she had no chance. Nothing is going on or ever will be going on between Sarah and me again. Besides, I’ve fallen for someone else.” He paused, waiting for Adrian to say something, but she stood there in silence. “If you’ll let me,” he continued, “I’d like to take you to dinner tomorrow night.”

  Adrian could barely hold back her smile. He was so adorably nervous, and it melted her
heart. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind: A pair of twos is always worth betting on. Was she ready to ante up?

  Christian was worth the risk, and he was the only man she’d consider betting on. “It might take more than dinner.” She smiled.

  Relief spread over his face. “Good, because there’s so much more I have planned than just dinner.” He pulled her into his arms.

  “Oh yeah, like what?”

  “You’ll have to wait and see,” he whispered, and his lips touched hers. They stopped talking, getting lost in each other’s embrace until they merged into one.

  Margaret would have approved. They gathered in her honor on a Thursday evening at sunset on the beach, the sky painted with vibrant shades of pink and purple. The bright light of the sun illuminated the sky as it began its descent, ready to retire for the evening. The whole scene looked like it had been touched by Heaven, and perhaps in more than one way, Margaret was with them.

  Adrian carried her in a vessel under her arm, her other hand using Christian as a crutch to steady her as they descended to the shore. Her long, violet halter dress rippled in the ocean breeze, hugging her silhouette. Christian looked like he’d emerged straight from a Tommy Bahama catalog in linen pants and a loose white shirt.

  “Slow down,” Gilda hollered behind them. She held a basket with a bottle of champagne and red plastic cups. She’d insisted on bringing the party, since Adrian wanted to carry the guest of honor.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll catch up,” Bev said, waving them on. Adrian looked over her shoulder to see the two of them using each other for support as they removed their sandals, toes digging in the sand. Gilda wore a navy sleeveless dress that grazed her knees, and Bev had on a cream cardigan over her brightly colored floral dress.

  Harold was already playing footsie with the shoreline, his khaki pants rolled up to his calves while his sandals dangled off his fingertips. He looked out toward the horizon, and Adrian saw his mouth whispering something. She suspected he wanted a moment alone with her mother. Her heart ached for him.

  “You want me to carry that?” Christian asked, referencing the container holding her mother’s remains.

  “She’d probably prefer that, but she’s stuck with me.” Adrian smiled, huddling closer to his arm.

  As they approached Harold, she saw him wipe at the corner of his eye. Christian grabbed his shoulders and gave them a quick rub, and Harold smiled. They admired the beauty of the scene, waiting for Gilda and Bev to join.

  “You sure it isn’t too windy?” Bev held onto her knit hat. The wind had picked up a bit.

  Christian licked his finger to gauge it. He nodded his head toward the west, indicating they should scatter her ashes in that direction to be safe. “I think we’ll be good,” he assured.

  “Thank you all for coming this evening,” Adrian said. “I wanted to do something nice to honor my mom with those closest to her. And to me.” She looked at Christian. “I know she’s looking down on us from above with a smile on her face.” At that moment, the wind died down, and they smiled appreciatively at the Heavenly gesture.

  Adrian handed the container to Harold. “Here, you should do the honors first.” He tried to deny it, but she insisted. He held the container close, too choked up to say any words. Christian patted him on the back, and he found his strength again. He cracked the lid and exhaled, ready to scatter some of the remains in the ocean. An emotional lump formed in Adrian’s throat, and Christian pulled her into his arms, intuitively knowing what she needed in that moment.

  As Harold went to scatter some ashes, a gust of wind blew at the wrong time, Margaret scattering all over his face. He stood shell-shocked, his face covered in ash, while everyone else went slack-jawed.

  “Oh, she’s here alright.” Gilda broke the silence. Bev chuckled, and they all laughed. Christian handed Harold a napkin from the basket, wiping his shoulders and chest to remove ashes.

  “She always had a wicked sense of humor.” Harold chuckled. Adrian realized even in death her mother could still surprise her.

  “I think this calls for a toast,” Christian said, and Gilda grabbed the champagne from the basket. He popped the cork, pouring a little into each cup as Gilda distributed them, Harold first.

  “To Margaret,” Gilda started, and they raised our cups. “May she rest in peace.”

  “That’s it? So tame coming from you.” Bev elbowed her.

  “You think you can do better?” Gilda raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, I think I can. To Margaret,” Bev started, and they raised their cups again. “A beautiful light that faded too soon but is shining brightly in Heaven.”

  “Uh-uh, no.” Harold shook his head. “To Margaret,” he started, and Adrian’s arm felt tingly from holding it up in the air so long. “The best lover and friend a man could ask for.” He gave a sly smile.

  “You naughty boy.” Gilda winked.

  “Cheers!” Adrian said, and they all touched cups. The champagne tickled her tongue as it finally passed her lips.

  “Think it’s safe to scatter the rest?” Bev asked, looking at the sky for signs of wind.

  Adrian looked at Christian, who licked his finger again to be sure. “Go for it,” Christian said, pointing east.

  Adrian handed the container to Gilda, and she held up her hand. “No, you should do it.”

  “You sure?” Gilda nodded. The wind nowhere to be found, Adrian opened the lid. Goodbye, Ma. She tipped the container, watching her mother’s ashes fall into the ocean. They exploded like a mushroom cloud when they hit the water, and Adrian watched in awe as her mother merged with the waves. And just as quickly as they touched the water, her remains blended and disappeared in the wake. A single drop returning home to its true essence. Tears welled in Adrian’s eyes.

  Christian came up from behind, wrapping his arms around her. She squeezed his arm as he nuzzled her neck. “Think she’d approve of all this?”

  She turned to kiss him. “Without a doubt.”

  Epilogue

  Adrian dreamt of a night like this her entire life. Words failed to describe her excitement, and adrenaline-laced butterflies swarmed her body. The hum of idle chatter filled the Salt Grass Gallery as people imbibed and admired her highly anticipated collection. She still couldn’t believe all those people had gathered in her honor.

  She’d developed quite a name for herself in the art community in the panhandle. It didn’t hurt that a lot of people knew and loved her father, but that night, she’d planned to officially step out from his shadow and stand alone in her talent. She’d bared her soul through a collection five years in the making: Portraits of Heaven.

  Seeing her paintings contrasting the white walls in the gallery felt surreal. Nothing in the room could distract anyone from the beauty of the art she’d created. She never would have guessed that her life would have taken such a turn, but there she was, surrounded by love and art. How did she get so lucky?

  She searched the room and saw Gilda’s arm locked with Harold’s, Bev following behind them as they admired one of her pieces. Harold and Gilda had become an item three years previously, and he’d agreed when Gilda said she and Bev were a packaged deal. “There’s no way I’m leaving her singled out,” she’d told Adrian at one of the poker nights they still held once a month. “She’s my soulmate, Harold is just for fun.” She’d winked. Bev continued the tradition of bringing baked goods to their monthly gatherings, and they both still cleaned Adrian out of nickels.

  Christian held her hand as people congratulated her and praised her work. She fiddled nervously with the gold and diamond necklace around her neck. She’d had it made from her parents’ wedding rings a few years back, and she never took it off. Christian squeezed her hand every time someone said kind words, a physical echo of agreement. She couldn’t ask for a better partner, lover, and friend.

  Christian and Adrian were married about six months after Margaret died. “When you know, you just know, and there’s really no point in delaying,” he�
��d said when he proposed to her in the same spot they’d scattered her mother’s ashes. They held a small service on the beach at sunset, with a few close friends and relatives in attendance. Adrian knew her mother was present for the ceremony in spirit, nodding her head approvingly at Christian.

  They were inseparable, their whirlwind romance consummating in a pregnancy shortly after their nuptials. She beat the odds when the doctor said her pregnancy was high-risk due to her previous injuries, and they’d welcomed a baby girl, Isabelle, with open arms. Parenting came naturally to both of them, bringing them closer together over the last five years.

  The usual suspects from group therapy waved to them from across the room, although sadly, Henry wasn’t in attendance. He’d died the previous year, finally reunited with his sweetheart in Heaven. Karen and Gina were standing next to the painting Adrian had made of Henry and Betty, giving her an enthusiastic thumbs up. Frank was arm in arm with his new partner, and Susan frantically chewed nicotine gum, having finally kicked the old habit. They still got together with each other once a month for old times’ sake, although everyone had happily moved on with the next phases of their lives.

  Laura and Zach approached them, looking impeccably sharp in a black satin knee-length sleeveless dress and matching wool suit. Laura had convinced Zach to move back to Pensacola. Thankfully, his employer had offered him a consulting role so he could work from home. At least she and Laura were only thirty minutes apart now. They’d always been inseparable, figuring out a way to stay together when life threw them curve balls over the years.

  “Congrats, kid,” Laura said, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She looked around the room approvingly. “I’d say this is your best work yet.”

  “Thanks, now why don’t you show your appreciation with your wallet,” Adrian joked, and they all laughed. Their attention moved to their children chasing each other through the gallery. She and Laura often mused about their kids being each other’s best friends. “Maybe we’ll be in-laws,” Laura beamed when they joked about them getting married someday.