Page 56 of The Attic on Queen Street
I stared at her. Then blinked. Twice. “Who are you and what have you done to my mother?”
She reached across the table and placed her hand on mine. “I owe you an apology. We all do. Just because you approach problems differently from the way we might doesn’t make you wrong. Certainly, sometimes you act before you think, but your motivation is never to cause harm. You love strongly and fiercely, and your independent streak should be admired.”
I squeezed her hand. “Are you dying?”
She jerked back with surprise. “Hopefully not for a long time. Why would you ask?”
“Then why are you saying all this?”
“Because I miss the Mellie you are. My warrior daughter who has had to fight for everything in her life and managed to become a strong, determined, and successful woman, not to mention an incredible mother.”
She sat back in her chair. “Most important, you have a forgiving heart. You forgave your father and me for the incredible pain we inflicted on you in your childhood and have even opened your life to include us and share your children with us.” My mother regarded me. “Mellie, you weren’t made to tiptoe through life. I’m glad you’re working on a plan to see your way out of the situation you are in right now. I’d probably feel better if you talked it out with someone—and you know I’m always available—but I’m not going to tell you what to do. You’re a smart woman. I trust you to do the right thing.”
I warmed under her gaze. “And if Jack doesn’t agree with my methods?”
“Then he’s not half the man I’ve always thought him to be.” She paused. “And not the type of husband you need—one who sees what he perceives as flaws but loves you anyway.”
I smiled weakly. “Jack said that once. He may have called them quirks, but I think that’s what he meant.”
Mother squeezed my hand. “Well, then, that’s a good sign.”
A Valkyrie-like shriek sounded from upstairs, startling my mother. “What was that?”
“That’s new. It’s the sound JJ makes when he wakes up and finds Whisk on the floor. Sometimes Louisa puts it back in his crib, but she must have been busy doing something else.”
“Then I’d better go reunite him with Whisk.” She grinned. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that one of your children has a kitchen utensil as a comfort item.”
“And another one who can see dead people,” I added.
We both stood, and my mother wrapped me in a tight embrace. Despite her petite frame, she gave fierce bear hugs. They were some of the happier memories of my childhood. I closed my eyes, reveling in the sanctuary I’d rediscovered within my mother’s arms. And feeling confident that what I’d decided to do was the right thing because it came with my mother’s support and understanding.
“Mellie?”
“Um?”
“Can you just promise me one thing?”
I nodded, my eyes still closed.
“Whatever it is that you’re planning, please think it through. And for heaven’s sake, stay out of cemeteries.”
•••
The crisp morning air signaled another beautifully clear and moderate Charleston winter day. I decided to walk to Washington Square for my meeting with Suzy Dorf, the exercise my olive branch to Jayne for skipping our morning run. And in reparation for bringing a doughnut.
I walked through the wrought iron gates of the park that faced Broad Street, eager to find a bench and use the fifteen minutes before our meeting to eat my second doughnut and drink my coffee in peace. But as I strolled down the brick walkway in the direction of the miniature replica of the Washington Monument in the center of the park, my heart fell at the sight of the pert and perky form of Suzy Dorf sitting on abench beneath one of the matronly oak trees. A heavy swath of Spanish moss hung from a thick branch directly over her head, temporarily blocking me from her view.
I changed my direction and ducked behind the pedestal holding the statue of George Washington while I tried to decide whether to eat my doughnut there or risk finding another bench.
“Melanie—I’m over here!” Her unmistakable voice was as perky as the rest of her, and I stifled a groan as I straightened.
Pretending surprise, I waved and made my way toward Suzy. “Good morning,” I said. “I never have a chance to read the plaques on these statues. So interesting.”
Her look made it clear I wasn’t fooling anyone. “Good morning, Melanie.” She tilted her head. “To be honest, I didn’t think you’d come.”
I sat down next to her, noticing how her toes barely brushed the ground. “Really? Why is that?”
With raised eyebrows, she said, “Are you really asking me that? Maybe the constant avoidance of my phone calls made me think you didn’t want to talk to me. Even though you owe me an interview.”
