Chapter 17
“Stop talking like that, Lily! Of course, we’re really sisters!”
Violet had been assuring her for at least half an hour already, but the sick feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach wouldn’t disappear no matter how often Violet said it.
“I can’t even believe she would say something so horrible to you. I’m starting to wonder if Camellia’s a lot more wicked than we give her credit for. I’ve been suspicious of the sudden turnabout in her attitude from the very beginning,” Violet fumed.
But as much as she wanted to, Lily didn’t believe their new sister was wicked. She was blunt, just like Violet. And therein lay the problem. Camellia was very much like Violet, yet she wasn’t. All Camellia had done was tap into the doubts that Lily had already been trying to bury—and not just since they’d found out about their father having another wife and daughter. Growing up, it had been a running joke among their friends about which of the two sisters was adopted and just how opposite they were.
Violet was taller and stronger. With her dark hair and brown eyes, she had been a compelling figure ever since her teenage years, and when Violet spoke, others generally tended to listen. Lily, on the other hand, had been small, blond, and meek. There was nothing commanding about her demeanor, and she was generally overlooked whenever she did speak.
Lily wanted her sister to really consider the possibility, not just dismiss it like there was no chance. “Come on, Vi, you can’t tell me that you’ve never thought about it yourself. I mean, we are complete opposites, and we don’t look alike. And Camellia is right—there’s no denying the two of you are sisters through and through. Maybe she’s right and I’m the odd one out.”
She could hear Violet’s derisive snort through the phone. “Oh, you’re an odd one, all right, sis. I won’t deny that. But you’re my sister, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Don’t forget, I was there when you were born. I remember you as a baby and being jealous at having to share my things with you.”
Lily rolled her eyes, even though Violet couldn’t see her. “You were only two when I was born, Vi. I doubt you remember too much about that time. And, of course, you were there. I’m not saying I was adopted or anything like that. I look too much like Mom for that to be a coincidence. But what if Dad wasn’t my biological father? Like he is yours and Camellia’s? I mean, you both look a lot like him, and let’s face it, your personalities are more like his as well. What if Mom knew he’d cheated, left him for a while, and was with someone else?” Lily wailed into the phone. “Our whole lives and who we are could be nothing more than a complete and utter lie, Violet!”
Violet was silent for a moment, and when her voice came back, it was more subdued. “I don’t know, Lily, I really don’t. I’m as shaken up about all of this as you are, but I’m not willing to jump to a bunch of crazy conclusions, either. I guess if it makes you feel better, we could all do a DNA test. They have those now, but I’m not sure I want to go down that road. As far as I’m concerned, you’re my sister and always have been. I don’t care about what happened with Mom and Dad. If I have to accept that we have another sister and have to bring her into our circle, then fine. But I’m not about to replace her with you, Lil.”
Lily sniffled, knowing Violet was right. There was no sense in getting herself too worked up. After all, at that point in her life, did it really matter who had actually fathered her? She was who she was, regardless. She exhaled loudly and tried to get a hold of her emotions, but the nagging unease in her chest persisted.
“Why don’t you take the time to snoop around the house as long as you’re there all by yourself?” Violet suggested. “After all, if Mary Ann kept a secret stash of brandy from Dad, maybe she has some other stuff hidden away somewhere as well.”
Lily looked around at the light, spacious room she was sitting in. It was far from the dark, dusty mansions one might envision when thinking of hidden crevices and secrets, but she supposed even this place offered its share of hiding spots.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll take a look around,” she agreed. “When do you think Lawrence will be well enough for you to travel? I don’t mean to be selfish, but I really miss you and need my sister right now. I’m actually thinking of driving back to Santa Rosa to see you for a few days instead of staying here.”
“No, don’t do that,” Violet answered a little too quickly.
Lily was a bit surprised and slightly hurt by her sister’s sudden response. “I… Okay. No problem.”
“Sorry, that came out a little harsh,” Violet laughed uncomfortably. “It’s just that you know how I am about my privacy, and right now, I’m busy getting the one guest room ready for the home care nurse we’re bringing in. There wouldn’t be anywhere for you to stay other than the pullout in the sunroom.”
“But isn’t that exactly why you dragged me around the city, looking for that very pullout? So that it would be there if you needed it?” Lily asked, remembering the hours and multitude of stores she’d traipsed through to find just the right sleeper sofa.
“Well, yes, I guess so. But the thought of so many people sleeping in my small condo already makes me feel claustrophobic and edgy. I need my space, Lily—you know that. I’m used to Lawrence being gone a lot and having the entire space to myself. Two people around me all the time is already more than I can handle.”
Lily stood up, suddenly impatient. “Okay, okay, I get it. I’ll stay here and snoop, and you can have your space. Just get here as soon as you can, promise?”
“I promise. As soon as Lawrence is home and settled, I’ll be there.”
After hanging up with her sister, Lily wandered around the house for a bit. It was smaller than the house she’d shared with Scott and the kids during her marriage but much bigger than the tiny apartment she’d been living in for the last two years. The views were amazing, and although it was cold out, she decided to bundle up and take a walk along the lake. She wasn’t really in the mood to do much chitchatting, but it was the middle of the week and cold. Hopefully, not too many people would be out and about.
Her breath created a small cloud in front of her as she wandered around the frozen lake, and she amused herself by watching it form and dissipate over and over. Marveling at the feeling of peace and contentment she felt at the moment, she wondered if maybe Dakota had been right. Scott had found the little apartment for her, insisting the neighborhood had everything she needed within walking distance and that it was all they could afford right now. She hadn’t realized how dangerous the area was until she’d been living there for a few weeks and discovered that the sounds of sirens, loud yelling, and hoodlums were regular occurrences. She’d learned quickly to keep her head down, not linger outside too long, and never, ever be out after dark. Now, breathing in the cold, still air, she wondered how long she’d been holding on to the tension she was finally releasing.
It felt good to be out and about, and she vowed to do more of it. “I’m going to take a moonlight walk tonight,” she promised herself aloud, feeling excited and somehow free at the thought.
“Excuse me?”
Lily looked up to see a woman leaning slightly in the shadow of a tree. She hadn’t noticed her until she spoke. “Oh, uh, nothing. I was just talking to myself. Sorry if I disturbed you. It’s a bad habit I have,” she stammered.
The woman smiled kindly. Her dark-gray hair was in a messy bun high on her head, and she wore an old, loose-fitting dark-green coat with a pair of galoshes. Despite her quirky outfit, there was something exotic about her that sparked Lily’s curiosity.
“Nonsense. Speaking to oneself isn’t a bad habit at all. I do it all the time.” The woman smiled and held out a mitten-clad hand. “I’m Sherry Martin. I live just on the other side of the lake. You must be new around here. I usually recognize most of the regulars.”
“Regulars?” Lily asked, holding out her own hand in response. “I’m Lily McCann, by the way.”
“Pleased to meet you, Lily. What I mean is that most of the houses on the lake have been owned by the same people for a long time. Even though a lot of them are vacation homes, the same families usually visit all the time. Since I live here full time, I’ve gotten to know most of them. I like to think of them as my regulars,” she said with a smile. Sighing, Sherry glanced at the well-kept houses lining the lake. “Of course, now, with all the short-term rentals, we have more and more strangers milling about.”
Lily listened as the woman spoke, but she didn’t really have much of a response.
Sherry looked at her apologetically. “Oh, I didn’t mean there was anything wrong with others visiting the area. I just kind of miss the intimate atmosphere the place used to have. I certainly didn’t mean to offend you.”
Lily smiled. “No offense taken. Although, you’re right; I’m not a regular. This is my first time here, and I’m finding it’s a lovely place.”
Sherry nodded. “It is, isn’t it? A lot of people come here to ski and hike, but personally, I just like to stay close to the lake, take long walks, and meditate.” She laughed. “Of course, at my age, I don’t think there’s much more I could do anyway.”
Lily smiled back. “That sounds wonderful,” she agreed. “It’s funny, but I didn’t even realize how much I needed to unwind until I started walking around the lake myself this morning.”
Sherry’s eyes wandered across the landscape as a gentle smile lifted her lips. “This place does have a magical way of helping you shed all those worries we tend to carry,” Sherry agreed. “Are you staying in one of the houses nearby or closer to the town?”
Lily pointed to the Tahoe house she’d recently discovered she owned. “I’m staying there. My father recently passed and left the house to my sisters and me. The funny thing is, I didn’t even know he owned it.”
Sherry looked at her strangely. “Mary Ann’s house. I’d heard the poor dear just recently passed. I never realized she had more than one daughter, though.”
Lily felt the color flare in her cheeks. She should have realized Sherry would know all the owners of the lake houses. Hadn’t she just mentioned she knew everyone living there?
“Umm, well, no. Mary Ann only had Camellia. I meant my father. Turns out he had three daughters.” She wondered how to get away without being rude or having to explain too much.
“I knew George,” Sherry said, nodding to herself. “He always seemed like a pleasant enough man. He didn’t come as often as Mary Ann and her daughter, though.”
Lily was torn between not wanting to reveal too much to a woman she barely knew and a curiosity about how well Sherry had known her father. Maybe she had some of the answers Lily so desperately wanted. “Yes, Camellia says they spent almost every Christmas here?” she prompted casually.
Sherry looked up at her. “Well, I guess Camellia would know better than I would. Christmas is a busy time around here. Lots of families gather for the holidays, and it’s usually quite busy around the lake. I don’t always know who belongs where and who’s who during that time.”
Lily was disappointed. She’d hoped Sherry would have more information than what she’d already learned from Camellia. “Yes, I can imagine. I would think you’re busy with your own family during the holidays as well.”
Laughing, Sherry said, “No, I don’t have a family of my own anymore. One of the problems with getting to be as old as I am is that you start to outlive all the people you used to treasure.” She sighed heavily. “Ever since my life partner died, I’ve been alone.”
Lily’s heart hurt for the woman. “I’m sorry.” It would be horrible to be completely alone. Even though it sometimes felt like she was on her own, Lily had her children and Violet to lean on if she really needed it.
Sherry smiled. “Oh, now, don’t you go feeling sorry for me. I’ve lived a good life, and I’ve lived it on my own terms.” She narrowed her eyes and looked up at Lily. “I don’t think your father always agreed with me on that, though.”
Lily’s curiosity piqued. “What do you mean? Did you know my father well?”
Sherry looked as if she had already regretted her comment. “I knew Mary Ann much better. She was a sweet woman. Always willing to offer a cup of coffee to any passerby who looked like they needed it.” Sherry smiled. “And as long as George wasn’t around, that coffee sometimes came with a nip of brandy as well.”
Lily grinned. “Yes, Camellia was kind enough to show me where the secret stash was kept.”
“Such a lovely woman, that Mary Ann. I was so sad to hear of her passing so soon after George. I had hoped his passing might help her finally come out of her shell a bit more and live life a little more freely.” Sherry shook her head and stared at the ground as if she had more regrets about Mary Ann’s life ending than her own.
“Why would you say that? From everything Camellia said, Mary Ann was deeply in love with our father. Camellia suspects her mother died of a broken heart because she couldn’t go on without him.” Lily didn’t know what Sherry was alluding to and wondered if there was more to Mary Ann than the mild-mannered wife she’d pictured.
Sherry looked at Lily as if deciding whether to say more or mind her business. But in the next moment, Sherry started dusting off her coat, and Lily knew she wasn’t about to get any more information today. “Well, it’s time I get going,” Sherry said with a friendly smile. “Don’t make too much out of anything I’ve been babbling about. It’s not my business to start gossiping or question anyone’s motives. I’m just an old woman who needs to learn to mind her business.”
She straightened up and started to walk away but then turned back. Lily hoped Sherry had changed her mind and planned to tell her anything she knew.
“Mary Ann was a lovely woman with a huge heart. She would have loved to share it with George’s children. Don’t you find it odd that you never knew about this place?”
Lily didn’t say anything because she didn’t know what to say.
“That’s what I thought. You didn’t know about poor Mary Ann or Camellia, either, did you?” Shaking her head, Sherry started walking away, mumbling, “Poor soul might really have died of a broken heart, but not for the reason everyone thinks.”