Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  As she sat on her favorite piece of driftwood and let the dogs scamper along the shore, she breathed in the salty air and snuggled into her jacket and scarf. The feelings of guilt she had harbored about not trying harder to connect with Wendy had been replaced by the old resentment that always followed an encounter. How could two sisters raised in the same way be so different?

  Her mom and dad had never had much, but had been comfortable in a middle-class neighborhood. The girls hadn’t been raised with the finer things in life, but were never shortchanged on time with their parents. They always had dinner together as a family, homework was a priority, and although Lily thought Wendy got off a bit easier than she did, being the baby of the family, both girls had chores and responsibilities. Like most of the kids, they had new coats, shoes, and clothes for school, but nothing extravagant in the way of material goods.

  Their parents always saved for a trip during the summer, usually to somewhere educational as well as fun. They had all the books they ever wanted and tons of quality time with their parents during the summer. She closed her eyes at the memory of riding their bikes around the neighborhood all day and the smell of grilled burgers wafting from the backyard, signaling it was time for dinner. Their dad loved to barbecue and always planted a huge garden. She could almost taste the fresh tomatoes she loved to pluck right from the vine.

  Only after they were both gone, did Lily realize and treasure those times. She ran a finger under her eye, dismayed at the tears. Holidays were the roughest and had her mind working overtime, pondering all the should haves. Brushing those memories aside, she focused on the dogs, wrestling with each other.

  Today, Mel would be at the library, leaving Lily alone with Wendy. She shuddered at the thought of ten hours with her. She still hadn’t ordered her blender for her. If she was set on returning home this week, what was the point? The dogs gave her a funny look when she laughed out loud at the memory of Mel giving Wendy advice about a debit card. Wendy had been so rude and dismissive, but it didn’t deter Mel.

  She took several deep breaths, concentrating on her posture and exhaling completely. After playing several rounds of fetch with the dogs, she felt better, looser, and mentally prepared to tackle a day with her sister. Maybe they could take a ride and do lunch. As she led the dogs back to the house, she held onto a tiny string of hope that Wendy would actually go back to Texas this week.

  After getting their paws wiped, the dogs were anxious for breakfast and wolfed it down. She relegated them to the deck, while she hurried to take her shower. They could relax and not bother Wendy, if she appeared before Lily finished.

  As she showered, she decided she’d take Wendy downtown and stop by Cyndy’s store. She had to remember to work in some time with Bodie today for more exposure to new noises and places before his training tomorrow, but she could take him on a field trip of his own this morning.

  She and Wendy could do some window shopping, go to lunch, and take in the view along the waterfront. Driftwood Bay didn’t have much else to do, or at least much else that would pique Wendy’s interest. This weekend, the season kicked off with the tree lighting and all the festivities, but with any luck Wendy would be home by then. She and Mac were looking forward to their evening and dinner after the tree lighting and Wendy tagging along with her unpleasantness, was not how Lily intended to spend the weekend.

  Lily let Wendy choose the restaurant for lunch and after several specific instructions to the waiter, she was pleased with her salmon salad and even commented on the lovely view. Her grace was short-lived. As soon as they left and walked down the street, Wendy made several disparaging remarks about the lack of real shopping. However, she loved Cyndy’s store. It was bustling with activity and fully decorated for the season with Christmas goodies and decorations tucked into every corner. The subtle scents of the homemade soaps she carried mingled with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and clove coming from the table set up with hot cider and cookies.

  As Lily wandered through the space, admiring the unique and beautiful ornaments and housewares, she listened to the instrumental holiday songs playing in the background. It was like being inside a Christmas snow globe, a cozy space that made her want to spend the whole day in the glittery world.

  Cyndy was her sweet self, visiting with customers, her infectious laugh bringing a smile to their faces. Wendy lingered over all the trees decorated with hundreds of different ornaments. When Cyndy finished with her customer, she made her way to Lily. “Wow, we’ve been so busy since Friday, which is great, but also tiring. How have you been? Did you and Kevin have fun on Whidbey Island?”

  “It was great and I think Kevin had fun. We did some shopping and the tree lighting was fantastic. I made reservations to go over to Victoria right after Christmas, which I’m excited to do. Not sure how much Kevin will like it, but it will be something different.”

  Wendy wandered back near them and Lily introduced her. “Cyndy is Mac’s sister and not only runs her gorgeous shop, but is the talented decorator who helped me with the cottages.”

  Wendy smiled and nodded. “Your store is exquisite. It’s like finding a rare gem in…well, a pile of rubble. I was beginning to think my sister moved to a ghost town. There is just nothing here. I’m not sure how you all survive.” Only Wendy could manage to wrap a compliment in an insult. Cyndy’s smile faded and she excused herself to help a customer at the counter.

  Wendy turned to Lily, holding a shopping basket filled with ornaments. “I’m trying to decide if I should even bother with new ornaments this year.” She sighed and shook her head. “I still haven’t heard from the lawyer. I haven’t organized the designer who normally comes and puts up the tree and decorates. I’m afraid it’s going to be too late if I don’t get on his list soon.”

  Lily grimaced. “Since you’ve got a limited amount of cash, it might be wise to wait. I’m sure Cyndy would hold these for you for a few days, and let you decide if you want them.”

  Her eyes brightened. “Oh, that would be fabulous. That’s a good idea.” She turned to walk toward the counter. “You’re so sensible, Lily. Whatever you lack in panache, you make up for in practicality.”

  Lily pasted a smile on her face. Another underhanded insult was no surprise. Why couldn’t Wendy just dial it down and be nice? And did she actually buy new ornaments every year?

  After Cyndy promised to keep the ornaments in the back room, Lily mouthed a silent thank you to her and followed her sister out the door. She was fresh out of suggestions on where they could go, since everything in Driftwood Bay was well beneath Wendy’s standards.

  The sunny sky had disappeared behind gray clouds, and the chilly breeze made Lily shudder. “Oh, my gosh, I’m freezing,” Wendy hollered as she clutched at her stylish suede jacket.

  Once they were in the car, Lily turned up the heat. “The weather is supposed to turn rainy for the next couple of days and clear out for the weekend.”

  “With any luck, I won’t be here this weekend.” She turned and glanced at Lily. “No offense, of course.”

  Lily kept her eyes on the road, hoping with all she had, that fate would grant her sister’s wish to return to Texas. She had just made the turn for her street when Wendy’s cell phone rang. “It’s the lawyer,” she shouted, before tapping the screen.

  Lily pulled into the garage, trying not to eavesdrop, but catching the drift of the conversation from her sister’s exasperated sighs and pleas. She left her in the car to finish her conversation and went inside, greeting the dogs and plugging in the kettle. Lily took her steaming cup and settled into her chair, under her warm blanket, staring at the beautiful tree, as she basked in the few moments of peace before Wendy and her drama returned.

  She had only shut her eyes for a few minutes when the sound of the door slamming jolted her awake. A low growl came from Fritz as he hurried to investigate, and Bodie followed. When the dogs saw Wendy, they wagged their tails, doing their best to greet her.

  She kicked at them. “Get
away from me.”

  That did it. Lily sprang from the chair. She motioned the dogs to the door and out to the deck. “You have crossed a line,” she said, her voice stern and clear. “You will never kick at or hit my dogs. Do you understand me?”

  Wendy’s eyes grew wide and she gasped. “I don’t like dogs and they were coming at me.”

  Lily held her hand up. “Enough. I’ve had enough of your attitude. All you have done since arriving here is complain and belittle. I can take it, but I will not tolerate you mistreating my dogs or being disrespectful to Mel or Mac or anyone else. If you can’t handle being polite and can’t deal with the dogs, you need to get your stuff and get the hell out of here. I’m done with your selfishness and arrogance. This is my home and you will respect it and me.”

  Her sister said nothing, staring at her with her mouth open. Then, she burst into tears.

  Lily shook her head and opened the door to let the dogs in. Tension filled the air and they moseyed past and went back into the living room, snuggling next to each other by Lily’s chair.

  “I’m not buying into your drama, Wendy. You’re a grown woman and it’s time you take responsibility.” Lily lifted the lid on the slow cooker and stirred the soup she had put on to cook this morning. It was the potato one Mel favored. Lily ignored Wendy’s tears, except for handing her a box of tissues. She retrieved the cream from the refrigerator.

  The exaggerated sobs subsided, and Lily offered her sister a cup of tea. Wendy nodded and took it. “I’m just destroyed. You don’t understand.” She sniffed and wiped at her eyes. “The lawyer said it’s hopeless. Chad’s partner is blaming him for everything and made a statement. The FBI is involved and everything is gone. The house, the furniture, our cars were leased, our bank accounts, everything. I guess we had a ton of credit card debt.” She shrugged. “Chad never said anything and he handled all of our finances. There’s no money for bail.”

  Lily slipped the fresh bread she had picked up at the bakery out of the paper sleeve. “Did the lawyer have advice for you?”

  Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Not really. He just said I couldn’t have access to the house and I basically have nothing.” She hiccupped. “Chad is sorry and doesn’t know what to do. He’s organizing a time when Chad can call me.”

  Knots formed in Lily’s neck as she listened to her sister. She couldn’t turn her out into the street, but she also wasn’t going to let her destroy the calm haven she had built for herself. She didn’t need the tension and angst and neither did the dogs or Mel. Until Wendy calmed down, talking would be futile.

  “I’ve got potato soup made. You’re welcome to some or you can make one of your smoothies. Mel works late tonight at the library, so she won’t be home for at least an hour.” Lily filled the bowls for the dogs and they devoured their food, then repositioned themselves across the floor. She brought her bowl of soup and a thick slice of bread slathered in butter to the counter.

  After a few spoonfuls, she met Wendy’s eyes. “I’m willing to let you stay here until you figure out what you’re going to do, but I have some conditions.”

  Wendy slumped lower in her chair. “What choice do I have?” She frowned and took a sip from her cup.

  “You could go back to Texas and stay with a friend.”

  Wendy shook her head. “I can’t. I’d be mortified to see any of them. I’m sure we’re already the topic of gossip among all of them.” She slid off her chair and ladled soup into a bowl before returning to the counter.

  Lily didn’t say anything, happy that Wendy was eating. The stress of it all had to be weighing on her. Anyone who didn’t know her would excuse her behavior because of the situation, but Wendy had acted like this for as long as she had been married. Lily wasn’t sure if the gravity of what was happening had actually sunk in yet.

  She reached for a notepad. “I tend to approach things logically and making a list of options can be helpful.” She scribbled some notes and drew several lines across the paper. “You’ve established you can’t go back to Dallas. Do you have any friends outside of the city where you could go?”

  Wendy’s eyes shifted in thought and then she hung her head. “No. Every friend I can think of is connected to Chad’s work or him.” She shoved her bowl away. “How pathetic is that? I don’t even have friends of my own.”

  Chances are they weren’t her friends in the true sense of the word, but Lily just made a mark on her paper. “Unless you’ve forged a relationship with our distant cousins?” Wendy shook her head. “I’m your only family option.”

  With a glance at her notes, Lily continued. “Like I said, you can stay here, but it’s not going to be a vacation. You’re going to have to contribute to helping around the house and you’ll have to find a job.”

  Wendy’s head snapped to attention. “I’ve never worked, except in high school. What could I possibly find here?”

  Lily shrugged. “I don’t know, but the wad of cash you arrived with isn’t going to last forever. This time of year, places are looking for part-time holiday workers. Mel could probably help you. She’s tuned into the online resources.”

  Wendy wrinkled her nose and then flopped her head down across her arms atop the counter. “This is the worst thing. How can I be homeless and have nothing? Part of me wants to wring Chad’s neck and the other part is so worried about him being in jail. He must be scared to death.”

  “It sounds like it’s out of your control. You weren’t involved or privy to his business, and right now you’re going to have to worry about yourself. I’m sure the lawyer will do all he can and keep you updated, right?”

  She lifted her head and nodded, tears staining her cheeks. “You just have no idea how hard it is for me to be on my own. My whole world has imploded.”

  “Actually, I know exactly how it feels.” Lily pushed the notepad away and took her dirty dishes to the sink.

  The dogs hurried to their feet and raced to the front door. Moments later, Mel came into the kitchen. Her eyes darted from Wendy, still half slumped at the counter, to Lily. “You made my favorite soup.” She helped herself to a bowl and took the seat Lily had vacated.

  The poor girl attempted to fill the silence between the two sisters, chattering on about her day at the library. “They’re having an open house in conjunction with the tree lighting this weekend, so we were busy decorating and organizing.”

  “Speaking of the library, I told Wendy you might be able to help her find some resources there or online. She’s looking for a job here in Driftwood Bay.”

  Mel’s eyebrows arched, but she didn’t ask any questions, picking up on the almost imperceptible shake of Lily’s head. “Oh, sure. There are a few sites online that post local jobs and I can check the boards at school.”

  Wendy sighed. “Thanks,” she murmured, before slipping from her chair and heading down the stairs.

  Lily tiptoed across the room and shut the door leading to the stairs. She leaned across the granite counter and in a hushed tone told Mel about Wendy’s situation. Mel kept eating, but her eyes got bigger the longer Lily talked. “Bottom line, we’re sort of stuck with her here. I honestly don’t know how long she’ll be here, or how long I can handle it.” Lily collected Wendy’s bowl and took it to the sink.

  Mel finished her soup. “You’re lucky you have a sister. I know she’s a royal pain in the butt right now, but I’d give anything to have a family.”

  Lily stopped rinsing dishes. Mel’s words tugged at her heart. Shame filled her when she realized how ungrateful she must seem to Mel. The poor girl had lost her parents in such tragic circumstances, then her aunt, and had been relegated to the foster system. She was truly alone and here Lily was, complaining about her sister, when she was fortunate enough to still have one. She needed to be a better person.

  21

  True to her word, Mel did some research online and showed Wendy how to navigate the job sites before she left on Tuesday morning. Lily didn’t trust her sister alone with Fritz, so she bu
ndled him into the car and took him to Bodie’s training session.

  Fritz was a good boy and the receptionist took pity on him, letting him stay behind the counter with her. Bodie did great with their trainer, Martha, following every command but then when Lily took over, it was a disaster. After struggling with even the simple task of keeping Bodie focused on her, Martha stepped in and took Bodie’s leash.

  “What’s wrong, Lily? You’re off today. Bodie’s picking up on whatever it is.”

  Lily’s cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry. It’s been a stressful couple of days. My sister showed up, unexpectedly. We don’t exactly have a close relationship and now she’s going to have to stay with me for an indefinite amount of time.”

  “Dogs are very sensitive and pick up on your emotions, which is one reason they are such wonderful service animals. With Bodie being young and not fully trained, his worry about you is overriding his ability to focus.”

  Lily nodded. “Understood. I’m not focused on him like I should be.”

  Martha glanced down at Bodie, sitting patiently. “Go out and take a walk, and I’ll work with Bodie. We’ll try again when you get back.”

  Lily apologized and collected Fritz, who was more than happy to accompany her on a jaunt around the property. Thick pasture grass covered most of the area, but there were gravel walking paths and even a few benches throughout the acreage. As Lily walked, she emptied her mind, trying to be more like Fritz and Bodie and live in the moment. It was harder than it sounded.

  After Gary’s death, her friend, the psychologist, had given her the advice of keeping herself in the present. The quickest way to do that, according to her, was to concentrate on the senses and what you could see, hear, taste, smell, and touch right now. It forced your mind to the moment.