Page 49 of Rumors in Bayberry
But where did that leave them?Her future was globe-trotting the world while his was back in Chicago.It wasn’t like she could tell him to wait for her.How long would he be waiting?She didn’t have an answer for him.
Even if he was willing to wait around for her, and she knew that was abigif, what then?She’d come back between assignments.They’d fall into a comfortable routine, only for her to get called out on her next assignment.She didn’t think a part-time relationship would be enough for him.It wouldn’t be enough for either of them.
And so letting Reed go was for the best—even if it didn’t feel like it.She wished he was here with her for this dinner.While her mother finished preparing dinner, Sadie had set the table.Her father sat at the table without speaking to her.The frown lines on his face were deeper than they used to be.His hair was getting thinner, and he’d lost a lot of weight.
She thought of trying to make conversation with him, but she didn’t know what to say.Bringing up anything to do with the paper would just start an argument over new ways versus the old ways.There would be no way of winning as far as he was concerned.
If Reed was there, she could imagine him making small talk about an article he read or some such thing.Reed was a people person.Some might say that about her, but the difference was that she could talk to strangers, but she had problems when it came to her own father.She felt as though she’d been letting him down all of her life.
Of course, her mother was forever the peacemaker.And this evening, she’d been talking about the Pumpkin Festival, which was going to have a rain delay that evening.
“It’s a shame about the weather because they were really drawing in a big crowd.”Her mother carried the food over to the kitchen table.“Hopefully the rain will pass over quickly.”
Sadie followed with a couple glasses of water that she placed at her mother’s and father’s plates.She was having a cola.She needed the little boost of caffeine to help get her through the rest of the evening.“Hopefully, it’s just tonight.”
She looked at her father to see what he had to say, since he usually stayed on top of the weather forecast, but he just quietly sat there.
Her mother spoke up, as though to fill the silent void.“According to the forecast, the rain will end tonight.”
She and her mother joined her father at the table.She kept glancing at her father.She didn’t know if he was still angry with her over the numerous changes at the paper that she’d made during his absence or if he somehow blamed her for his deal with Reed falling apart.
She turned her attention to the meal.In the middle of the table was a big steaming pot of corned beef and cabbage with potatoes.Her mother had cooked her favorite meal.Sadie’s mouth watered at the aroma.
Outside the wind rattled the windows.The forecast had warned of a cold front moving in.The turbulent weather outside resembled the emotions churning within her.
When she went home, she would have to say goodbye to Binx for the second time.She was not looking forward to it.Since Binx had run away from Kate’s house, he’d been extra purry and snuggly.It was like he was trying to coax her into staying in Bayberry with him.She couldn’t deny it was tempting.
Through the kitchen window, she saw a bright bolt of lightning light up the sky.For a split second, it was like daylight outside.Then the pitch-black darkness once more descended upon the small town.A crack of thunder reverberated through the house.
Sadie’s thoughts went to Binx.He didn’t like storms.She felt bad for leaving him home alone.He was probably scared to death with a big bushy tail while hiding under her bed.Poor baby.
The fire siren sounded.That wasn’t good.Hopefully, it was a false alarm.
“It sounds like it’s getting bad out there,” her mother said.
“It’ll pass.”Her father filled his plate.“This meal looks delicious.I can’t remember the last time you made this.”
“I save it for special occasions.”
An awkward silence fell over the dinner table.Sadie wanted some clarification.Were her parents happy about her new assignment?Or was this comfort food because the newspaper was closing?
She wanted to ask them how they felt about all of it, but her mouth wouldn’t cooperate.Still, she was an international correspondent.She was trained to ask the difficult questions, but these were her parents.And her father had a damaged heart.The rules didn’t apply here.
And yet, she needed to say something.She couldn’t just leave with things so awkward between them.
“Are you okay with me leaving?”The words came rushing out before Sadie could stop them.Her heart pounded as she waited for the answer.
Her gaze moved back and forth between her parents.Would they answer her?If so, what would they say?
Her mother plastered on one of her forced smiles.“Of course we’re happy for you.”Her mother’s gaze moved to her father.“Aren’t we, Samuel?”
Before her father could answer, the power went out.The darkness that had shrouded the outside was now blanketing everything inside the house.Sadie couldn’t even see her hands in front of her face.
“I’ll find some candles,” her father said.
Sadie continued to think about her parents’ reactions.At least her mother tried to act happy for her.Her father—he was never good at expressing his emotions.Why should tonight be any different?
The lights flickered back on.More thunder rumbled through the night.They settled back down to eat dinner.Sadly, her favorite meal tasted like cardboard.Why didn’t anything feel right?
