Page 10 of Wisteria Winds
Danielle groaned. “Oh no, what did he say?”
“Only that he’s planning the most spectacular event Wisteria Island has ever seen in its history, complete with fairy lights and a dance floor right by the ocean. Your mother was surprisingly receptive.”
“Really? That doesn’t sound at all like her.”
“Well, let’s just say not immediately dismissive might be more accurate. But let’s take that as a win.”
They walked to the guest cottage to pick up Cecilia, who walked out looking elegant in a simple black dress that somehow made Danielle feel underdressed despite being in one of her nicest outfits.
“You look nice, Mom,” she said.
Cecilia Wright remained strikingly beautiful at sixty-five, with her silver hair cut in a bob that framed her still-youthful face. She wondered what her mom had done at that esthetician’s office, because she didn’t have a wrinkle anywhere. Danielle was already starting to see the formation of crow’s feet around her own eyes, so she would have to ask her mom for all the secrets as she aged.
“Thank you, darling. This island air seems to agree with me.” She linked arms with her daughter as they walked toward Bennett’s waiting golf cart. “Now tell me a little about this restaurant we’re going to. Bennett said it’s the best on the island.”
“Well, it’s also the only one on the island,” Danielle admitted with a laugh. “Besides the cafeteria, which I didn’t think you’d want to go to. But Esther’s cooking is genuinely excellent. She was a chef in New Orleans before she retired here.”
The Wisteria Restaurant occupied a charming building overlooking the water, with its interior warm and inviting. Wooden tables, soft lighting, and large windows captured the sunset views beautifully. Several residents were already dining, and their heads turned as Danielle, Bennett, and Cecilia entered.
“Danielle! Bennett!” Esther called from behind the counter, her ample frame draped in a colorful apron. “This must be the famous Dr. Wright. Well, welcome to my humble establishment.”
Cecilia smiled graciously. “Oh, do please call me Cecilia. And it’s hardly humble. What a charming space you’ve created here.”
Esther smiled at the compliment. “Your table is ready by the window, as requested, and I’ve prepared something special tonight. My signature seafood bouillabaisse.”
As they were seated, Danielle saw several residents watching them curiously. Of course, news traveled fast around the small island, and everybody knew just how significant Cecilia’s visit was.
“Your island certainly has character,” Cecilia said, looking around the restaurant. “And characters,” she added, nodding toward a table where Morty was deep in an animated conversation with Dorothy, who looked glamorous as always, wearing a silk scarf and oversized sunglasses, as if she was being hunted by paparazzi.
“Well, that’s part of its charm,” Danielle said. “Everyone here has a story, a lifetime of experiences. It makes for an interesting community.”
The server brought a bottle of wine that Bennett had ordered in advance, a crisp Sancerre that Danielle knew was one of her mother’s favorites.
“To family,” he proposed once their glasses were filled, “and new beginnings.”
They clinked glasses, and Danielle felt a moment of genuine optimism. Maybe this evening would go smoothly after all. Maybe she was overthinking everything.
“So, Cecilia,” Bennett began, “Danielle tells me you’re working on a new book about pandemic preparedness.”
Cecilia’s eyes opened wide. “Well, yes, actually. After COVID, it became clear that despite all of our advances, we remain woefully underprepared as a country when it comes to a large-scale public health emergency. My research focuses on creating more robust early warning systems and response protocols.”
Cecilia launched into a passionate explanation of her work, and Danielle watched as Bennett engaged with what seemed to be genuine interest. He asked thoughtful questions and then talked about his own knowledge on the subject. Her mother was clearly impressed with him, warming to him as they talked about global health security and the challenges of coordinating international responses.
While Danielle was interested in these topics typically, all she could think about was what her mother was cooking up in that little brain of hers.
The appetizers arrived - locally caught shrimp with spicy remoulade sauce - and they momentarily paused the conversation.
“Well, this is delicious,” Cecilia said. “Your chef is quite talented.”
“Oh, wait until you try her main courses,” Danielle said. “Esther could have had a Michelin star if she’d wanted one.”
The conversation flowed as they enjoyed their meal, talking about everything from Bennett’s technology ventures to Danielle’s medical experiences on the island.
When the coffee and dessert arrived - a delicate bread pudding with bourbon sauce - Cecilia steered the discussion toward wedding plans.
“While I’m beginning to see the island’s appeal,” she said, “I do wonder if a beach wedding is the best choice, dear. I mean, have you considered the practicalities of something like that? Weather is unpredictable, and many of your medical colleagues from New York would find attending something so far away difficult.”
Danielle took a deep breath. “Mom, I appreciate your concern, but my closest friends will make the effort if it’s important to me. As for my colleagues, well, my life is here now, and the people who matter most to me are currently sitting right here on this island.”
