Page 20 of Christmas Rings

With his arm still draped over her shoulders, Jed steered them across the wide patio to a set of outdoor furniture.

His mother, who she recognized from the photos, stepped out from another set of glass doors.

“Hey, Mom,” Jed said.

“Darling, finally.” Mrs. Marsh wore a pair of cropped linen pants and a crisp, white, short-sleeved blouse. “You’re at least thirty minutes later than you said you’d be.” She wore her brown hair just above the collarbones, and her smooth skin had obviously been aided by a surgeon or two.She’s too perfect, Alissa thought.With too many sharp edges.

“We ran into some traffic,” Jed said. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Never mind. This city’s become unbearable that way.” Mrs. Marsh turned to Alissa. “And this must be Alissa.”

“Yes, this is Alissa Mann,” Jed said.

“How do you do?” Alissa asked. Why had she said it like that? Like she was in an old movie or something. Perspiration dampened her nose. Could Mrs. Marsh see the droplets? Alissa kept herself from touching her face, knowing that soon Jed’s mother would shake her hand.

“I’m pleased to meet the woman who seems to have magically made my son disappear.” She reached out a slender, tanned arm. Her nails were painted red. Alissa caught a whiff of expensive perfume.

Mr. Marsh appeared next. He was tall and slender and looked a lot like an older Jed with attractive salt-and-pepper hair. The same blue eyes drifted from Alissa’s head to her toes and back up again. At least he hadn’t stopped at her boobs.

“Good to meet you.” Mr. Marsh shook Alissa’s hand so hard that one of her knuckles cracked.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Marsh.” Her mouth was as dry as the desert. Why hadn’t she thought to drink water on the way over?

Mrs. Marsh’s gaze seemed fixated on Alissa’s shoes, which were scuffed and splattered with paint droppings from her little students.

“Mom,” Jed said. “Should we sit?”

“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Marsh said. “We have champagne to celebrate the warmer weather. And meeting Alissa, of course.”

Jed led Alissa over to the love seat. Mr. Marsh handed them each a glass of champagne, and Alissa took a grateful sip, hoping it would help her dry mouth.

“You’re both so tan,” Jed said. “How was Hawaii?”

“Wonderful, other than the Bleekers bickered the entire time,” Mrs. Marsh said. “We’re almost certain they’ll file for divorce by the end of the summer.”

“That’s too bad,” Jed said. “Isn’t that his second wife?”

“Third,” Mr. Marsh said.

“He’s Dad’s fraternity brother from way back,” Jed explained to Alissa.

“But enough about that,” Mrs. Marsh said, focusing on Alissa. “Jed says you’re a kindergarten teacher?”

“Yes, that’s correct. This is my third year.”

“And you enjoy it?” Mrs. Marsh asked in a tone that sounded like an insult.

“I do. They’re all very cute and sweet at that age. They make me smile and laugh every day.”

Mrs. Marsh nodded, as if she was interested, but her cold, flat eyes told a different story. “Kudos to you, dear. I always found other people’s children to be annoying.”

“Alissa’s special,” Jed said.

Amy came out to the patio with a tray of crackers, each smeared with a pink spread. The spread smelled like bad dog breath.

“Would you like one?” Amy asked her. “They’re Mrs. Marsh’s favorite.”

“Sure, thank you.” Alissa held her breath as she took a cocktail napkin and one of the crackers from the tray. She stared at it for a moment, trying to think of a way of getting out of actually putting in her mouth.

---