Page 88 of Whirlwind

“So nice ofLenore to have everyone over today. We have a lot to discuss to prepare for the Founding Festival.” Gigi pulled up alongside Lenore’s curb, shifted into park. “Have you ever been to Lenore’s house before? What a lovely porch she has…”

My fingers curled into the handles of my shopping bag as I glanced at Lenore’s flower-filled porch.

It had been a week since Mom and I had left Dad, and all the ladies had wanted to take Mom out to have a good time, to enjoy herself, but she hadn’t wanted to go out. She was juggling sadness and anger, and mostly the thought of going out in town made her feel self-conscious. The news of her leaving Dad and the reason why had spread like a summer wildfire through Meager.

Lenore decided to have the crew over at her house this afternoon for drinks and nibbles to ostensibly discuss the Meager Founding Festival, a celebration of the town’s founding. This year marked 150 years so there would be a weekend long street fair with food stalls and handcrafts for sale, plus performances by local talent.

Gigi was the committee chairwoman for the festival that was scheduled for two months from now. Lenore, Alicia, and Tania, and Mom being local business owners were all on the committee too.

I had a feeling that the ladies decided they wanted Mom to enjoy herself so this was a way to get her to come out and socialize and have some fun. They were the best sisterfriends.

Gigi and I had gotten here a little bit earlier than the others to set up our charcuterie board.

I unfastened my seat belt, my gaze darting up Lenore’s front walk to her door where a new homemade wreath hung from the knocker. I swallowed hard.

The last time I’d been at this very spot, it was super early in the morning, the morning after the most incredible night of my life—well, one of them.

“Nope, never been here before.” I jerked open the car door, heaving the bags of food along with me.

Gigi shot me a look as she rang Lenore’s doorbell.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

The door flung open. “Hello, Georgia.” Lenore hugged Gigi. “Good to see you.” She turned to me, squeezing my arm. “Hey, Violet. Come on in.”

Gigi and I stepped through into the foyer. This foyer where Beck and I had kissed, had gotten naked, gotten wild…

“What a lovely home you have, Lenore,” said Gigi as she took in the living room in its off beat combination of colors, textures, and antique and modern furniture styles.

“Thank you. It’s a forever work in progress, depending on my mood.”

“It’s beautiful.” I took in the long, purple, velvet curtains hanging from iron rods which I’d noticed that night I was here. I put the food bags down by the the antique bench in the foyer.

Dear Lord, that bench.I squeezed my legs together against the memory of Beck’s mouth in between my thighs on that bench, his hands gripping my leather boot clad legs.

“So sweet of you to do this,” said Gigi. “You and all the gals have been so good to Erica this past week.”

“That’s what friends do. I’m so sorry she’s going through this, but she’ll make it. It’ll take time, but she’s got it in her.” Lenore took the small bag Gigi held.

“Yes, she does,” agreed Gigi.

“We don’t need to go out to have our quality girlfriend time.” Lenore’s blue-green eyes flashed, her dark red lips curved into a satisfied grin. “I want Erica to be super comfortable, to relax and have fun. Plus, I want to show off my backyard. I have yet to have a get together out there.” Lenore led us to her kitchen where sun flooded the room, the large picture window offering a view of her small but lush backyard.

“Beautiful,” Gigi murmured as I put the food bags on the kitchen counter.

“I’m finishing up decorating the tables outside. Whatever you need, grab. The knife block is here, and I took out a chopping block for you.” Lenore placed a pile of flowery fabric napkins on a tray filled with cocktail forks.

“You’re the best, honey. Thanks.” Gigi took her favorite apron out of her tote bag, and I emptied the food onto the counter. We started unwrapping the salami, the ham, the smoked cheeses, the sharp cheddar.

“Let me know if you need anything else.” Grabbing her tray, Lenore headed out her kitchen door.

Gigi was already chopping. I took out the grape tomatoes, the gruyere, the havarti, the walnuts, the cashews, and set them up on the counter for her.

“What a lovely woman.” Gigi sliced the salami.

“She certainly is.”

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