Page 23 of Justified Lies

Chapter Eight

On Sunday morning, Lianna stood on Tim and Diane’s front porch. Fresh-baked banana bread in hand, she decided now was as good of time as any to apologize for the confrontation last weekend. She had been delaying, but this morning she put on her big girl pants and refused to be intimidated.

Shifting the still warm bread, she knocked. Lianna was in a particularly good mood. Lately she was willing it, forcing herself to be happy despite a growing number of reasons not to be, but not today. Last night had been a blast, allowing her to temporarily forget her troubles.

When no one answered, Lianna knocked again. She smiled, willing her nerves away. Nerves and the guilt over the sense of completion that overtook her last night. When Gabe and Jacob were with her little family everything seemed to fit.

But she didn’t have time to think about that now, so she shoved it all back and tucked it firmly behind her breastbone. She’d save it for an anxiety attack later. Deciding that her neighbors must be out, she bent to leave the bread when the door opened. Diane stood there, eyes wide, looking startled by Lianna’s presence.

“Lianna, what are you doing here?” the woman asked breathlessly.

“Hey, Diane, I’m sorry to startle you.”

The neighbor was a small mousy woman, so slight, a strong gust of wind might blow her away. Fairy-like, dainty features comprised a pale face, framed with hair so blonde it appeared white. She wore a sky-blue blouse with khaki pants that did nothing to add color to her bland complexion. Diane was neither attractive nor unattractive, just very meek looking.While innocent in appearance, nothing about her screamed friendly to Lianna.

Diane’s voice squeaked. “I was just on my way out. Can I help you with something?”

Lianna gathered her thoughts and prayed her smile wouldn’t fail her now.

“Last weekend my friend gave Tim a hard time. It was a misunderstanding. I wanted to apologize. Is he here?”

Diane looked confused. Maybe Tim hadn’t mentioned Gabe’s brutish behavior.

“He isn’t. He went into the interior earlier this week to fish with his brother.”

“That sounds nice. Well, here.” Lianna extended the plate holding the banana bread.

Diana brought her arms into her chest as if the plague were being held out before her.

“It’s banana bread,” Lianna quickly supplied. “The kids helped make it, hopefully you enjoy it.”

Diane’s demeanor softened with the mention of the kids.

“How are the children?” she asked as she reached out to accept the olive branch.

“They’re doing well. Now that they are both in school hopefully it’s a lot quieter during the day for you.”

Diana worked in customer service for a telecom company from home. Based on the slamming windows in the summer, she preferred the school year better.

“Oh, Anna’s in school already?”

“Annie, yes, she’s in preschool, four days a week. It’s at Harris’s school so it makes things easy.” Lianna smiled.

“All that free time must be nice.”

If Diane wasn’t smiling so innocently, Lianna would have thought her comment was a jab. They both stood awkwardly,Lianna not knowing where to take their forced conversation from here. Her skin itched with her eagerness to end this chat.

“Well, anyway,” Lianna cut the silence at the same time Diane said, “She’s such a sweet girl.”

“Oh, thank you, she is. Anyway, I won’t keep you, just wanted Tim to know how much I, we, appreciate him. Please tell him sorry for the confusion.”

Diane nodded, “Be careful. You know, with Justine missing, we all need to be extra careful.”

Lianna sighed. “I know, I heard they found her watch down by the ocean.”

“Oh, I hadn’t heard that. Sad, that doesn’t bode well for her. Any who, enjoy your morning.” Diane turned on her heels and disappeared into the house without another word.

Lianna retreated towards her home, glad she had dodged a bullet with Tim being out of town. She hummed to herself as she walked. Even that strange bird wouldn’t ruin her good mood.

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