Page 26 of The Estate
Some of her thoughts must have shown, because Jess frowned at her. “What?” Jess’s shoulders were tense and her face closed off. Rachel kicked herself for ruining what was a splendid dinner with her sister.
“Nothing,” Rachel said. When Jess glared at her, she added, “I’m certain you have a lot on your plate, and I’d rather not add to that.”
“Rachel.” Jess’s tone was clipped. “If I offer to help, that means I can help. If I couldn’t handle it, or the timing wasn’tideal, I wouldn’t offer. It sounds like this is a significant project for you, and I want to support you. So, please,” she sighed exasperatedly. “Please call on me if you need any information. I mean it.”
“Thanks,” Rachel replied, torn by how she was feeling. For the millionth time, she wished her mom was still around for advice. Would her mom approve of her protecting Jess? Or would she agree with the obviously annoyed Jess that Rachel was overstepping?
Even though she had to confess, she loved the way Jess had her back. It made her hopeful that one day they would regain the easy, close bond they’d once shared. Still, a large part of her was reluctant to lean on Jess too much or make many demands on her. Not only to protect her, but because Rachel prided herself on being self-sufficient. This was her project and her problem; she’d handle it.
Seeing her sister’s scowl, she added, “I promise I will reach out with questions or to ask your opinion. And Jess? I really appreciate the offer.”
Jess smiled, which drained some of the tension out of Rachel. She’d have to give this some thought. Asking Jess some questions could help them become closer, provided that it didn’t embroil her sister in anything. There had to be a way to balance that.
Tabling that for later, Rachel focused back on Jess who was asking, “Are you caught up withGreat British Bake Off, or do I need to be sure I don’t spoil it for you?”
Nothing beat aGBBOdebrief with Jess. Leaning in, she used her fork to accent her words. “Matilda was robbed! Her cake looked delicious. No way she should have gone home already.”
“But what about that soggy bottom pastry? And we both know she would have never survived bread week.”
Rachel laughed, relieved the strain between them dissipated quickly. “Please. You’re just upset Carl wasn’t star baker.”
“Oh, he will be. Mark my words. That man knows his way around puff pastry.”
Neither one of them could contain their laughter at that. The remainder of the night passed in a blur of laughter and great conversation. Rachel stored every moment in her heart.
Chapter Ten
Dream vs. Reality
At this rate, she should just move to Jennings Township, Rachel thought as she drove into the MacDonald Dry Cleaner parking lot. She normally used the one near her office in Hartford, but she was spending another day out at White Hall. She didn’t want the stain on her blazer to sit that long, so she was stopping here.
Granted, supporting her friend Lottie’s boyfriend Adam and his parents was no hardship. She’d enjoyed getting to know them all. Rachel had spent a wonderful evening with Jackie MacDonald, Adam’s mom when a sewing circle was formed to help save Lottie’s work on Alex’s wedding gown. While Rachel didn’t sew, she helped where she could and very much enjoyed the stories the group regaled them with. Back in the day, Mrs. Mac and Mrs. S had been quite the hellions. Although, seeing the glint in their eyes, Rachel thought that perhaps their mischief-making wasn’t entirely in the past.
Pushing open the door, she spotted Mrs. Mac seated at a small table to one side of the counter. If Rachel’s guess was right, that plate in front of her would hold some sort of treat from Pie. This was turning out to be quite the week. First Mrs. S and now Mrs. Mac.
Smiling, she waved as she walked over, “Hi Mrs. Mac.”
“Hello… Rachel, right?”
“Yes. I haven’t seen you since the sewing circle. Dang, what was the name that Ethel gave it?”
Mrs. Mac laughed, “LACE. As if Ethel would let us forget. I swear she reminds us once a week. Operation Love and Care Extraordinaire.”
“That was it,” Rachel replied, snapping her fingers.How could she have forgotten?Ethel had planned the sewing circle with the precision and command of a five-star general. It was a secret they kept from Lottie until the last minute, so Ethel had insisted on a code name for the black ops operation. She was so pleased with the acronym she’d come up with. Love and Care Extraordinaire was right.
Rachel grinned. Ethel was a hoot and a half. Since she was in Jennings frequently these days, maybe she’d swing by and visit her.
Mrs. Mac stood and went to the counter. “How have you been?” she asked. “I heard you’re working at that estate by the shore where Alex had her wedding.”
“You know about that already?” Rachel exclaimed.
“Oh, Marilyn was over for dinner last night and told me you stopped in the bakery for a coffee. The Jennings Township gossip train is good, but it’s not quite that good,” she laughed. “Although we do keep an extra special eye out for our own.”
Rachel warmed at the insinuation she belonged to them. With her parents gone and her sister out of state and not in communication, she’d been on her own for what felt like forever. It felt good to be a part of something; knowing that people like Mrs. S and Mrs. Mac were looking out for her. No wonder Lisa and Lottie enjoyed living in Jennings so much.
“Yes, I’m working at White Hall Estate for a little bit,” she replied. “It’s a beautiful property.”
“I’ve heard that. Sounds like a great place. That’s owned by the Fitzgeralds, right? I believe it’s been in their family for years.”
