The Guestbook (6 page)

Out of her bedroom window, Lily saw the mail truck pull up and deposit something in her box. 9:00 AM, right on time. She tied her shoes, grabbed a sweater, and headed outside. A priority mail packet from an attorney in Los Angeles was waiting for her. Just what I need this morning, something to spoil my breakfast. There was a plain white envelope with no return address on it addressed to her. She brought the mail inside and opened the anonymous one first.

Don’t get too comfortable in the house, it doesn’t belong to you.

No signature, just a veiled threat. It was not Brad’s style to do something like this. Was it a prank? It was obvious someone did not want her in this house. Should she tell someone about the note or just ignore it? There were more important things to deal with for now like the big envelope. She ripped it open. With shaky hands, she pulled out the contents, a list of debts and assets for her to review from Brad’s attorney. “How dare he!  How
dare
he!” Her heart pounded so loud she didn’t know which frightened her more, its racing sound or her gasping breath. She crumpled the pages and then shredded them into tiny pieces. Fists clenched, she paced the floor.

“The bastard! Didn’t he already take enough?” Lily said to the ceiling.  I need to sit down. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed her mother as she walked toward the parlor.

“I received paperwork from Brad today, he wants everything. Wait until he hears I inherited property from Grandma, he’ll probably want half of that too.”

“Lily, he doesn’t have a chance of taking your inherited property. He is just bluffing to force you to come back.”

“I don’t know why he would want me back. Probably he doesn’t want to part with any of his possessions, including me.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been there more for you these last years.”

“It’s alright Mom, I was pretty distant myself.”

“When you married Brad, the irony of all my choices and where they led us hit me hard. I didn’t want you to make the same mistakes I did.”

Lily laughed. “The joke, I think, was on both of us. Here, all this time I thought you were proud of me marrying a man like Brad. I was afraid to tell you what my life with him was really like. I thought you would blame me.”

“Never, Lily. It takes a lot of guts to walk out on a marriage that provides financial security and looks so perfect from the outside.”

“I wish I could take credit for walking out on my own volition before all the ugly lies were rubbed in my face.” The text messages, the pictures, how could she tell her mother? “He cheated on me. I found out and he didn’t even care.”

The only sound was the hum of the furnace.

“Don’t look back, Lily. You did your best to hold a marriage together, certainly. I understand that.”

Her mother’s words hit deep. As a child, Lily had resented Katherine ripping her
away from her home and her grandmother, but now she understood what it was like to be in an abusive marriage. Her mother took them away to start a new life. “I love you, Mom. Thanks for being here. I know it hasn’t always been easy for you, either.”

“It’s going to be all right,” Katherine said. “He can threaten all he wants. I found a good divorce attorney who will see us right away. When can you come down?”

“Go ahead and make an appointment. The sooner the better.”

“Can you be ready to fly out Monday morning Lily?”

“Absolutely.”

“Good,” Katherine said. “I will take care of the flight arrangements and email you a confirmation. I’ll see you at LAX.”

The kindness of her mother’s act reminded her she was not alone. “Thanks, Mom. It’s not just about just the money anymore. For once, I’m fighting for me.”

✦✦✦✦

After the morning mail, weeding was proving to be very therapeutic. Lily pulled out a tall weed, roots soaked in mud, and tossed it in a bucket. From behind the hedge that led up from the sisters’ cottage, she heard a low whistle. A woman appeared, dressed for a magazine shoot with a perfectly matched teal-blue pantsuit and shoe combination, white camel coat, silk scarf, and a double strand of pearls peaking over the collar of her blouse. The golden haired, perfectly coiffed, and made up woman looked to be around 80. She was startlingly out of place in this rustic setting. Shirley, Lily surmised with a smile. Lily waved and watched the woman precariously balancing a basket as she stepped over the mud puddles and onto the steppingstones leading up through the dormant garden to Lily’s house. She reminded Lily of a regal mother lion.

Lily wiped her hands on her jeans. “Hello,” she called out as she walked down the hill to greet the woman. “You must be Shirley. I’ve already heard so much about you.”

“Nothing good, would be my bet!” Shirley said with a hearty laugh. “Here, take this darn basket I brought you before I drop it all out on the ground.”

Lily took the wicker basket and peered in. It looked like enough food for a family of ten. “Why, thank you, Shirley. People sure are nice around here.”

“Well, some of us are anyway,” she said glancing back at her cottage.

Lily led the way back to the house, opening the door for Shirley to enter the warm kitchen.

“I presume you’re Lily.”

“Yes, of course.”

With a dazzling smile and a strong booming voice, Shirley proceeded, “Good to meet you in person. You
are
a pretty one.” Her crystal blue eyes seemed not to miss anything. “Looks like there’s still some city left in you. I’d have been over here sooner, but my hip’s been giving me some trouble.  Getting old is no fun at all.”

Lily took Shirley’s arm and guided her into the parlor, then placed the basket on the coffee table. These sisters couldn’t be more different.

“Here, have a seat by the fire, I’ll put some more wood on,” Lily said, helping Shirley into the club chair nearest the warm flames.

Shirley observed the pile of fresh kindling in the corner. “Looks like my sister’s already been here this morning. Leave it to her to be out early getting dirty doing something.”

Lily laughed. “Can I get you something warm to drink?”

“Well, actually, the thermos in the basket is filled with super-rich hot chocolate, and the Tupperware has fresh cinnamon whipped cream.”

“Yumm,” Lily said opening the lid and taking a sniff.  “A woman after my own heart. And what’s this? Looks like banana bread. I’ll go get us some cups from the kitchen and slice some of the bread.”

Shirley yelled in after her, “The butter pickle potato salad probably needs to be refrigerated, but the chicken can stay out.”

As Lily emptied the basket, she knew one thing for sure–she’d never go hungry around here. She carried in the cups of hot cocoa and a plate of the bread and sat down beside Shirley. “Thank you for your wonderful welcome. What more could a woman ask for?”

Shirley’s smile lit the room. “I would have brought flowers too, but none are blooming yet. It’s too early in the season, and there’s been too much damn rain.”

The parlor filled with the sweet aroma of warm chocolate and the faint scent of cinnamon. Shirley glared at Lily. “Are you single?”

Lily was taken aback by this direct inquiry about her personal life, and she paused for a moment before answering.  “I’m filing for a divorce, actually.”

Shirley didn’t miss a beat. “Have you seen that cute grandson of John McPherson’s next door? He’s a real looker if you ask me. That Ian McPherson doesn’t need a purse or a nurse like some of these single old men here on the island.”

Lily had to think for a minute—a purse…a nurse? Oh she got it—men looking for money or someone to take care of them. Pretty clever, she thought. “I’m not looking for any man right now. I think I’ve had just about enough of them in my life, thank you.”

Shirley eyed her again. “You’re young, you’ll get over that quick enough. Don’t let a good one get away, especially when he’s right next door!”

The thought of that handsome young man right next door was a bit close for comfort.

“So, Lily, what do you plan to do with your time? It can get pretty dull around here, especially in winter.”

Dull sounded fine to her right now. “I haven’t got that far in my plans yet. I’m mostly just getting through each day.”

“We’ll have to fix that,” Shirley said finishing off her last sip of cocoa. “You young people should be having some fun too, unlike my sister, who just can’t stop working. Darn stubborn Betty, still climbing up ladders at her age. Her idea of shopping is a nice trip to the hardware store!”

They heard a knock at the door and Betty poked her head in. “Did I hear someone say my name? I bet that’s you, Shirley, in there talking so loud.”

Lily stood. “Come on in, Betty.”

“She’s already let herself in, uninvited, I might add,” Shirley said.

Betty shook her head dismissively. “What are you girls having, a tea party?”

“It’s cocoa, can’t you smell it?” chirped Shirley.

“Now, now, girls,” Lily said with a laugh. “Would you like some cocoa and banana bread, Betty?”

“Oh no, I’m not staying. No time. I’m off to town to pick up supplies and thought I’d check in one more time to see if you needed anything.”

“You think this nice girl needs a wrench or a screwdriver?” Shirley griped. “You just
about live at that hardware store, and buy your wardrobe from it too.”

Betty flipped her hand at Shirley. “Don’t mind her, someone’s got to keep us from floating away or trippin’ down those front steps. Speakin of which, I better check that leak under your kitchen sink again too.”

Leaky sinks, fading paint, Lily hoped the house was not going to turn out to be a burden. “Thanks Betty, whenever you have time.”

Lily held up the picnic basket still filled with goodies. “Shirley brought me enough food to cater a wedding.”

Shirley let out a loud laugh. “No weddings around here with us old maids and you, young one, not even divorced yet.  The hapless dog that always hangs around here will help you with the leftovers.”

Betty zipped up her parka and pulled her hat down over her ears. “I’ll be off then.” She stared at her sister, “We can’t all be fashion plates. I happen to like my parka and work boots, thank you.”

“I don’t know why you can’t just sit down and take a rest for a while,” Shirley complained. “Just call a plumber. Dad left us enough money to buy that old hardware store if we wanted to.”

“Rest, what’s that?” Betty asked coyly. “Plenty of time for that when I die.” With a wave, she left the house.

Shirley started to rise from her chair, and Lily offered her a hand. “Well, don’t be a stranger, Lily. We’re right next door if you need anything.”

“So good to meet you, and thanks so much for the goodies.” Lily gave Shirley a warm hug.

Shirley beamed. “Now make sure you do something fun today,” she said as she headed down the front steps hugging the banister.

“You know,” Lily said, “I think I will bake up some cupcakes and cookies and then take them into town next week and see if Jude is interested in selling them in her café.”

“Great idea, I bet she’ll be very happy to do just that.”

Uplifted and motivated, Lily headed to the kitchen to experiment with some baked goods that might appeal to Jude for the café. But first she would check her email on her cell phone and see if her mother had secured an appointment yet with a lawyer.

Lily was glad John was coming to Sunday dinner tonight.  Cooking gave her something to focus on, and keep her mind off her meeting with the lawyer on Tuesday. For this dinner party, there would be no Brad leering over her shoulder, making demands, and commanding perfection. This would be a friendly dinner with the neighbor.

A knock at the door had her wondering who might be coming for a visit now. She opened the door to find John McPherson with Gretel at his side.

“I wasn’t expecting you so early. Come in,” Lily said.  “You too, Gretel.”

The dog wagged its tail and sat at Lily’s feet, tilting her head up with an expectant gaze.

“Gretel’s trained to do that for a treat, I’m afraid. Maggie always had a jar of biscuits waiting.”

Lily moved toward the kitchen. “Well, let me see what I can find, then.” She took out a slice of cheddar cheese and rolled it into a ball. “Here you go, girl.”

Lily motioned for John to sit down at the table with her. “Can I make you a cup of coffee?”

“No, had my fill this morning, but thanks. We’re just stopping in for a minute with a question for you.”

“How can I help you?” she said.

John hesitated for a moment. “I didn’t realize Ian and the boy were staying an extra day this weekend because of winter break, so I thought we might do our dinner on Monday instead?”

All the food was prepped and there was so much. She hated the thought of eating alone again tonight. “No problem, I told you I have enough food for the whole neighborhood.  Just bring them along for dinner as well.”

“You sure?” John asked. “Don’t want to impose.”

Lily laid her hand on his. “I’m happy to have you all over.”

“Much thanks. See you at five o’clock sharp then.” He stood and whistled for Gretel to follow him out the back door.

✦✦✦✦

The doorbell rang precisely at five. Right on time, Lily thought as she finished brushing her hair and adding a quick dash of lipstick. She opened the door to find John McPherson looking dapper, holding a bottle of sparkling cider, and wearing a warm smile. Beside him was Ian, wearing a dark blue sweater that set off his eyes, and Jason, holding a bouquet of carnations.

“Well, come on in,” she said.

“For you, Lily,” Jason said, handing her the flowers.

“Thank you, Jason. How thoughtful of you.”

They wiped their boots on the welcome mat and stepped inside.

Lily took their coats. “Hope you’re all hungry.”

“Sure am, and if it tastes as good as it smells in here, we are in for a real treat,” John said.

Lily led them into the dining room. “Go ahead and take a seat, and I’ll bring out something warming to drink.”

As Ian brushed past her, she caught the scent of cedar. He was taller than she remembered and so far had not said a word.

John ran a finger along the china dishes, embroidered napkins, and sparkling silverware. “I hope you didn’t go to all this trouble just for us boys.”

Lily laughed. “It’s nothing fancy, just some old-fashioned comfort food with a gourmet touch. Believe me, it’s a pleasure to have such wonderful dinner companions.”

“We don’t eat like this at home…ever,” Jason said.

“How about hot chocolate for you, Jason?” Lily asked. “John, Ian, I have planned a Pinot Noir with dinner, but I can get you a cocktail first if you like.”

Both men just stared at her. This was not Brentwood, California. She should probably have offered a beer.

Ian’s gaze was tinged with humor. “I’ll have the Pinot.”

“Me too,” John followed quickly.

After serving the drinks, Lily retreated into the kitchen. She leaned on the counter; just keep it simple, she reminded herself, no pressure. The pungent smell of garlic filled the toasty kitchen. She admired the layered meatloaf; seasoned ground turkey sandwiched a center of goat cheese and spinach. She placed a generous slice on each plate and then added a large mound of garlic mashed potatoes smothered in homemade gravy and a few sprigs of sautéed broccoli. She carried a plate in each hand, serving her guests first and then herself. The only empty seat at the table was next to Ian.

“My goodness, what a feast you made here,” John said as he covered his lap with his napkin.

Ian held up his wine glass for a toast. Gazing directly at her he said, “To friends and family.” Then clicked her glass.

His lips circled the glass as he sipped the deep red wine. For a moment there was no one else in the room. She could not take her eyes off him.

Ian dug into the meatloaf, and the ecstatic look on his face filled Lily with pleasure. She forced herself to look away.

“So, John,” she began between bites. “How long have you lived on the island?”

“My family has been here a long time. You know all the land you can see from your place to the bluff, and past Betty and Shirley’s place to the bay? All of that was once McPherson land. My grandfather bought about 125 acres for a whopping $1,500 dollars in the early 1900s.”

“You couldn’t even buy a garden patch for that much now!” Lily said.

Lily watched Ian joke around with his son over trying the goat cheese filling. The two of them seemed so easy with each other.

John shook his head, remembering. “My, how times have changed.”

“How did you end up in Washington?” Lily asked between bites, fully aware of but trying to ignore the sparks she felt passing between her and Ian.

“Well, Granddad and his brother decided to bring their wives here to live near the ocean teaming with fish. Their first home was a one-room log house.”

Lily tried to imagine what Madrona Island had looked like back then, pretty remote.
Not a place she would necessarily want to settle in. The struggle to survive must have kept the family pretty busy; it could have been what held them together so long.

“Your family has a very rich history alright. Ian, do you live off island?” She said hoping to bring him into the conversation.

“Some of the time,” Jason popped in. “We have a house in Lahomish.”

Ian nodded. “I teach art at the community college there.  But the gallery I primarily show in and my studio are located around the corner from Jude’s café here on the island.”

An artist, she should have known. He had that deep, otherworldly look. She wondered what simmered just below the surface.

Ian laid his fork down and pointed to his plate. “You are quite the artist yourself. You might enjoy attending my art opening in town in a few weeks?”

Lily could feel herself blush. “Sure. I can see if Jude would like to come along too.”

“Of course,” Ian said staring back at his plate.

The room was quiet while everyone worked on cleaning their plates.

“Best meal I’ve had in a very long time,” John said swirling his last bite of meatloaf around the plate to sweep up every last drop of gravy.

“How about seconds?” she asked.

“I think I’m just fine.”

“Ok, as long as you save room for dessert.”

Ian lifted the wine bottle and offered to refill their glasses, “Shall we polish off the wine first?”

John placed his fork down and with a wistful look pointed toward the Sound. “See that bay out there? My grandfather used to talk about ships that smuggled rum close in to shore and dropped the bottles in the water. Well, they’d float right in on the tide and land on the beach.”

“Thank goodness the laws and times have changed some since then,” Lily said with a laugh. “I would hate to find bottles of rum floating up on my beach.”

“I’d like that,” Jason said, scraping his plate clean with his fork and licking off every drop.

Ian laughed. “I bet you would, son.”

“Great meal, great chef,” Ian said with a dazzling smile.

She placed her hand on his. “And good company makes it so much nicer.” It was unlike her to touch a stranger’s hand. And for that matter, to hug a neighbor either. She laughed to herself. In Los Angeles, they might sue you for doing something like that.

“If you ever want a tour of the island farms that sell direct, let me know and I’ll be your guide,” Ian said.

“That would be great, just let me know when you’re available.” She wished she had not used the word “available.” It sounded so impersonal. It was such a relaxed dinner, unlike anything she’d experienced in the last few years, and she just didn’t know how to act.

“I’ll be back in a few weeks for the art opening,” he said.

“Sure, just let me know, I’ll be here,” Lily said. She’d almost said, “It’s a date.”

“There’s wild berries in the summer, too, great for pies,” Jason said licking his lips.

John tousled Jason’s hair. “When your gramps was a kid, we used to pick wild strawberries then take the boat out into the bay to fish. It was a great place to spend a childhood. It still is.”

Lily remembered vividly the time she’d spent here as a child. It had been a haven, hanging out with her grandmother in the kitchen baking cookies, making strawberry jam, running along the shore chasing seagulls and collecting shells.

“We’ve taken up the whole evening with our stories, how about you? I’m sure your story is so much more interesting than mine,” John said.

“I doubt that. Moved to Los Angeles, got married, getting divorced, and I’m back now.” Lily regarded the man in front of her. He had history, ancestors, and hardships to overcome, yet his attitude was so filled with humor and grace.

She turned to Jason. “So how does hot-out-of-the-oven blueberry apple crisp, topped with vanilla bean gelato sound?”

Jason scrunched his face in deep thought. “What’s gelato?”

“A really soft, creamy ice cream,” Ian answered. “It’s yummy, trust me!”

John patted his stomach. “Somehow I’ll find room! I can’t remember the last time I had a meal this delicious. I am sure, though, it must have been prepared in that very same kitchen by your grandmother.”

Lily gave him a grateful smile and rose to clear the table. Dessert and coffee followed, milk for Jason.

When it was time to leave, first Grandpa John then Jason gave her a big hug. Ian lurked behind them. Lily hoped he wouldn’t give her a big hug, too; she was afraid of her reaction. He took her hand. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

A jolt shot up her arm as his warm fingers pressed into hers.

“You…you’re welcome,” she stammered closing the door behind them.

Lily hummed while she cleaned up the kitchen. She turned off all of the lights and headed for bed. Tomorrow she would get focused, make some decisions. Tonight, she felt content as she pulled the down comforter up over her shoulders. Her thoughts floated to Ian’s warm touch. She wouldn’t see him for a few weeks; it would give her time to cool down.