Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
F or the day’s painting session, Frankie had music playing on her laptop, soft instrumental sounds mixed with rain and a gentle breeze. It fit the portrait. She couldn’t explain why, it just did. Maybe because it worked with the mood she was creating. That was the best she could do.
The volume was down low, so the music served as background. It didn’t stop her from hearing the door open and close. She looked up as Harper walked into the rec room. Her face was splotchy, and her eyes were red and puffy.
Frankie put her brush down. “What’s wrong?”
“I guess you didn’t get my text. It’s okay.” Harper let out a deep sigh, her chin crumpling. “My mom died.”
Frankie sucked in a breath, tears immediately forming as Harper began to weep. She ran to her sister and hugged her. “Oh, Harper. Oh, honey. I’m so, so sorry.”
Harper hugged her back, sniffling as they separated. “Thanks. I’m doing all right. I’m sure I don’t look all right, but the initial shock has worn off. I mean, I knew this was coming. I just didn’t expect it so soon.”
“No, of course not.” Frankie ran a knuckle under each eye, wiping away the dampness. “What can I do? What do you need? You want to talk? Cry? Drink? I’m here for whatever.”
Harper smiled. “I know you are. And thank you. I don’t really need anything right now. I’m going out to Nevada to deal with everything, probably leaving tomorrow morning. Mitch is going with me. He’s making the travel arrangements.”
Frankie nodded in approval. “That’s really good of him.”
“He was great today.” Harper took another breath with the kind of effort that made it seem like she was actively working on staying level. “All I really need is for you guys to look after Archie while I’m gone.”
“We can do that. He’ll be the most well-cared-for dog ever.”
“Thanks.” Harper rubbed her sister’s arm. “I’m going to lay down for a bit. I’m just worn out, you know?”
“I bet,” Frankie said. “You need anything, you yell or text or whatever.”
Harper headed for the steps, then paused. “Willa upstairs?”
“I think she’s in the guest house with Jack. He’s teaching her to knit. They found a ball of string and some chopsticks.” Frankie laughed.
“Okay. I need to tell her I’m not up for the beach now.”
“Listen, don’t worry about that. I’ll let them both know. You go rest.”
“Thanks.” Harper trudged up the steps like she was on autopilot.
Frankie stood a moment, watching her go, her heart breaking for her sister. Losing the only real mother she’d known, even with Annie’s dementia, had to be incredibly painful. How prepared could anyone be to lose a loved one?
She went back to her canvas. She had a lot of work left to do today, but it could wait. She’d take a break to let Jack and Willa know about the change in plans. She cleaned her brushes so they’d be ready to go when she got back, turned her music off, then went upstairs.
The house was quiet, and Harper’s door was shut. No sign of Archie, either. He was probably in with Harper. Dogs had a way of sensing when they were needed.
Frankie went across the breezeway to the guest house and knocked on the door. The sheers were pulled across the windows, keeping the paparazzi from getting photos. She turned to glare at the boats still anchored in the river inlet.
Willa opened it. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”
“Sorry to interrupt,” Frankie said as she came in and closed the door behind her. The guest house smelled like coffee and men’s cologne.
“No worries,” Jack said. The throw hanging from his needles had tripled in size since the last time she’d seen it.
Frankie took a breath. “Harper’s not going to the beach today. She’s had some bad news. Her mom passed away.”
“Oh, man.” Jack shook his head. He rested his knitting on his lap. “I know that pain. My heart goes out to her.”
Willa looked stricken. “Is Aunt Harper okay? Does she need anything? I can run to the store or wherever, if she wants something we don’t have.”
“No, sweetheart, thank you. She’s laying down right now. She’s going out to Nevada to take care of things soon. Mitch is going with her.”
“Good man,” Jack said softly. He rubbed his chin, his gaze distant and heavy with sympathy.
“Obviously, you guys can still go to the beach if you want to. She’s just not up to it.”
“Are you coming?” Willa asked.
Frankie shook her head. “I wasn’t planning to. I’m trying to make some headway on the portrait.”
Jack looked up. “You should come with us. The negative ions in the air that comes off the waves has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve creativity, man. It’s an actual fact.”
Frankie wasn’t quite sure what to say to that.
He spread his hands. “Not only that, but negative ions are like nature’s antidepressants. You sure we couldn’t get Harper to come with us? Might be good for her.”
“I don’t think she’s in the mood.”
“Even if you came along?” Jack asked. “I don’t care how long the painting takes. We need to take care of Harper.”
She was touched by his concern. “I’ll ask her.”
Willa smiled. “Does that mean you’re coming with us? Please say yes.”
In the depths of the moment, with Harper mourning her mother, Frankie couldn’t deny her daughter’s request. What kind of mother would she be to choose work instead of time with her daughter? She nodded. “I’ll come with you. But we have to bring the umbrella. I don’t want to get burned.”
“Willa and I will take care of everything,” Jack promised. He extended his fist to Willa, who bumped her fist against it. “All the beach supplies are still in the storage closet in the rec room, right?”
Frankie nodded. “They are. We might have to take Archie.”
“Even better,” Jack said. “You talk to Harper and Willa and I will get to work making sandwiches.”
“Cool,” Willa said.
Frankie held her hands up. “Hang on, now. I’m not sure Harper will go. Don’t get ahead of yourselves.”
Jack shrugged. “Man, we still need to eat.”
“Right,” Frankie said. “Just don’t go nuts with the food prep yet.”
She went back to the main house. Harper was in the kitchen, getting water. She looked at Frankie but took a long sip before speaking. “Did you tell them?”
“I did. They still want you to come to the beach with them. Well, with us. I’m going, too, now. Jack thinks the negative ions from the ocean air would be good for you. And if you want anything, Willa said she’s willing to run to the store to get whatever you want.”
“Of course he thinks that.” Harper gave a quick smile that didn’t last. “I’m just not in the right head space for the beach. I appreciate the concern, though, and Willa’s offer, but I’m good. Mitch just texted. There’s a red-eye out to Vegas tonight. He’s got a rental car reserved for us and everything. I’m going to nap a little more, then pack. He’s coming to pick me up around six thirty.”
“He works fast.”
“He does.”
“Do you want us to take Archie to the beach? Or are you good with him here?”
“He can stay here.” Harper glanced toward the bedroom. “He’s keeping me company. You’re really going to the beach with them?”
Frankie nodded. “Willa asked and in light of everything, saying yes felt more important than work.”
Harper smiled. “You’re a good mom.”
“Thanks.”
Harper took her water back to her room, closing the door again.
Frankie wished there was something more she could do, but maybe going to the beach with Jack and Willa so that Harper could be alone was good enough.
Being with Mitch might help, too. It was clear he loved Harper, even if they hadn’t reached the stage of their relationship where such declarations had been made. He would take care of her and help her through this difficult time.
For that, Frankie was infinitely grateful.