Page 4 of The Summer Request
“Did you just get to the island today?” Lisa asked.
“No, I arrived last week. I’ve been busy planning the memorial and getting things in order. Justine designated me the executor of her estate. I need to talk to you later, actually. You, Michelle, and Valerie.”
Lisa raised an eyebrow, but didn’t ask any questions. “No problem.”
To Lisa’s slight disappointment, Zora took the most direct route to Roche Harbor. It was the sensible thing to do, but her favorite route was more scenic, with glimpses of the ocean through trees and past rocky bluffs. She wouldn’t be on the island long and wanted to enjoy the short time she had. Her car was probably getting a ticket as she sat there, daydreaming.
The last time she’d been on the island was when her mom had passed away. Life had gotten too busy, between the kids and work, and she’d never had a moment to sit down. It seemed like she was always telling herself things would slow down after this, or that, or the next thing. It never did.
“The weather is perfect here,” Zora said as she took a curve a little too quickly. “Justine always talked about it being perfect, but now I really get it.”
Another benefit over Seattle. Lisa leaned forward. “Yeah. Justine was right.”
They arrived at the memorial with a few minutes to spare. Zora disappeared and Lisa debated if she should grab a snack before sitting down.
Before she could make up her mind, Michelle called out to her.
“Lisa!”
She beamed. “Shell!”
Michelle looked as beautiful as ever. She had a few wrinkles and a whisper of gray hair, but her skin was as dewy as ever, and she looked toned and fit in her understated black dress.
What did people think when they looked at Lisa? Probably that she was fatter than they’d remembered. That’s what Lisa thought every time she caught herself in a mirror, or saw a picture of herself.So many bad angles,she’d laugh.
Not that Michelle would agree. She was always kind.
Lisa pulled her in for a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
“You too. I’m glad you could make it. You look great!”
Lisa shook her head. “Don’t start lying to me now, Shell. I’ve somehow turned into one of my mother’s frumpy hats.”
“You have not,” Michelle said firmly.
But she had. Lisa knew it was true. It bothered her, of course it did, but there are more important things in life. She was thinking of trying Weight Watchers again, and her daughter kept nagging her to go shopping for a new wardrobe.
A new wardrobe would be a bit much. She could maybe agree to buying a few key staples.
Michelle spoke again. “Have you heard from Valerie?”
Lisa snapped her attention back to Michelle. This memorial was beautifully done. That Zora was an expert. “I talked to her, and she said she’d try to make it. I’m sure she’ll be here.”
“Are you?” Michelle asked, a half-smile on her face.
Just then, the sound of a helicopter approaching filled their ears.
Lisa pointed up. “I’ll bet you a doughnut Val’s on that helicopter.”
Three
The pilot landed and yelled at her through the headset. “You’ve gotta go. I’m running late.”
“Not until the blade stops spinning,” Val said, shaking her head. “It’ll mess up my hair.”
She carefully removed her headset, missing his grumbling response.
It wouldn’t kill him to wait one more minute. She pulled a mirror out of her purse and fixed her hair before dabbing on a touch of lipstick.
