The Summer Getaway: A Novel(10)

“I’ve been busy, Harlow. I’ll get to it.”

When? But she knew there was no point in pushing. Her father moved at his own pace.

“Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said before walking out of his office.

She collected her handbag, then joined Enid out front.

“What?” her friend asked. “You upset?”

“It’s just my dad. He’s dragging his feet on the purchase.”

“Of the business you want him to buy?”

“Yeah. But I’ll let it go. Come on, you. We’ll have the best girls’ night out ever.”

Enid laughed. “That’s a very high bar.”



* * *



“So, yes on the eighty-inch TV?” Austin asked hopefully, as he helped clear the dinner dishes.

“No.”

“But you never use it.”

“Your apartment comes with a TV already.”

“A tiny one. It’s the size a mouse would buy. Please, Mom? I’ll be careful. You know I’m a responsible kid.” His eyes brightened. “I’ll wash your car every week in exchange. How’s that?”

“I’m interested in getting my car washed, but I want a set time. No texting me and saying you’ll get to it soon. Every week you have to make an appointment with me and keep it. Otherwise you bring the TV back.”

He considered her offer, then held out his hand. “Deal. I’ll wash your car this Saturday morning before I move in.”

“And vacuum the carpets.”

He made a low noise in the back of his throat, but kept his hand in place. “Sure.”

She shook hands with him. “Then you have yourself an eighty-inch TV for the four months you’re gone.”

He whooped and jumped up to touch the light fixture on the ceiling. “You’re the best, Mom.”

“I’ve heard that before. It’s starting to go to my head.”

Austin was still laughing as he took the stairs, two at a time, to the second floor. Robyn had just started for the family room when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and smiled.

“I miss you,” she said by way of greeting.

Her great-aunt Lillian laughed. “Then come visit me, darling.”

Robyn sank onto the oversized sofa. “How are you? Feeling all right?”

“Never better.”

“Salvia is taking good care of you?”

“You know she is.”

Salvia had been with Lillian a decade, but still, Robyn worried. Lillian was ninety-four and getting more frail by the year. Her mind was as sharp as ever, but there had been a fall three years ago and a bad cold she’d taken months to shake.

“So how are you?” Lillian asked. “How are Harlow and Austin?”

Robyn hesitated before saying, “They’re good. Harlow seems to be enjoying working for her dad, and Austin’s loving his summer after high school.”

Which was all true, but somehow missed the spirit of what was happening in her life, Robyn thought, ignoring the surge of guilt.

“Have you listed the house?”

“Not yet. There are considerations. Austin for one.”

“He’ll be happy as long as he’s with you.”

Robyn smiled. “Probably. But Harlow still wants to have her wedding here.”

“She’s too young to get married.”

“Feel free to tell her that. She won’t listen to me.”

Lillian laughed. “Tell her to call me and I will. Oh, I know. Sell the house, but explain to the new owners they have to let you host a wedding in their backyard.”

“I wish that were a possibility.” She switched the phone to her other ear. “I really do miss you.”

“Then come see me. I’m old, Robyn. I could die tomorrow.”

Icy hands clutched her heart. “Please don’t say that.”

“It’s true. Fly out for a few weeks. The weather is perfect, and your room is always waiting.” Lillian’s voice turned teasing. “I’ve made a couple of changes you’ll find interesting.”

“What does that mean?”

“Come visit me to find out.”

“Now I’m intrigued.”

“Excellent. I mean it, darling. I want to see you.”

“Let me work on it.”

“All right. I’m off to watch the sunset. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”



* * *



Harlow and Enid scored a corner table on the restaurant’s patio. Overhead fans stirred the humid air just enough to make sitting outside tolerable.

“Tonight’s on me,” Harlow said, studying the specials listed on the blackboard by the bar. “We’re still celebrating you getting into medical school.”

Enid shook her head. “That’s old news. I leave in eight weeks.”

Harlow looked at her friend. “Nervous?”

“Terrified. The first year is supposed to be so hard.”

“But you’re the smartest person I know. You’ll be fine.”

“What if I fail?”

Harlow reached across the table and grabbed her hands. “What if you get all A’s?”