Lib Novel Page 6
“Hey, Lauren, it’s Brea. I’m answering Michael’s phone because he’s with his therapist and never takes his phone inside.”
“Is that because the doctor requires it or is that just Michael’s preference?”
Brea laughed. “I think he worries that he might butt dial someone and his conversation with the doctor would get recorded.”
“That sounds like Michael. Tell him I said he’s paranoid. Anyway, I thought I’d check with you on when it’s a good idea for me to stop over. I haven’t visited in a while and I’d love to bring the girls with me so they can visit with their cousins. How about this weekend?”
“That sounds great. I’ll run it by Michael but I think that will work.”
Lauren didn’t want to be an alarmist, but she felt Michael’s absence in her life meant that he was struggling.
“How’s he doing, Brea, really?”
Brea sighed. “He has good days and bad days. His good days are really good and his bad days are getting better. It’s a process. The therapy helps for sure, but…”
Lauren didn’t want to press Brea for details but she also didn’t want to visit her brother without knowing his state of mind.
“How are you handling everything?” Lauren asked.
“Me? Oh, I’m fine. I’ve got the kids to keep me busy and little Willa is a handful. I grew up with dogs but forgot what having a puppy around is like.”
To Lauren, Brea’s cheerful response felt forced.
“Listen, Brea, if you ever need to talk or get a coffee or hang out, I can be available at a moment’s notice. Please reach out. I know how difficult life can be but how much better everything feels when you have someone to talk to.”
Brea’s hesitation was revealing. When she finally responded to Lauren, she sounded rushed.
“Thanks, Lauren. I’ll do that. I’ve got to go now though. Michael should be out any minute now. I’ll let you know about this weekend. Bye.”
Lauren hit the end call button on her car’s console and continued her drive to the market. Whatever was going on with Brea, it was obvious to Lauren that her sister-in-law wasn’t ready to share with anyone.
* * *
Beth arrived ten minutes early to her fitting and Lauren walked in exactly at one o’clock.
“Sorry, traffic was brutal,” Lauren said.
“You’re not late. You know me, I’m always early to everything.”
A woman came from the back of the store carrying Beth’s bridal gown.
“I can’t wait for you to see it. I know everyone was mad at me for not letting you all come with me to pick out the dress but I didn’t want anyone’s opinion. Now, you can say whatever you like because I don’t care. I said yes to this dress and I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”
Lauren smiled and shook her head. It was so totally like Beth to do her own thing.
“I’m sure I’m going to love it. Get in there and put it on.”
Beth went into the dressing room and within two minutes was already perched atop the pedestal waiting for the tailor to make the adjustments.
Despite her best efforts, tears welled up in Lauren’s eyes. “Oh, Beth. You and the dress are beautiful.”
Beth’s face lit up. At that moment Lauren understood that no matter her sister’s attempts to appear indifferent to other’s opinions, Beth cared more than she let on.
When the tailor was finished, Beth twirled in front of the mirror a few times before going back into the dressing room.
“What do you say about getting something to eat before we head home? I’m starving and all I’ve done today is run one errand after another,” Lauren asked.
“Sure. There’s a nice restaurant on Boylston Street that Gabriel and I go to all the time. Their sandwiches are to die for.”