Chapter 19
Summer
When I talked to Zander about flying to Virginia for Sue and Mal’s birthdays, he was happy to accompany me.
I decided to skip school on Friday so I could spend three days with everyone.
My grades have been good, so Zander didn’t have any issues with it.
He booked flights for us while I texted Sue and Mal about the plan.
Thursday after school, Seb and Nick drive me home to run and train.
I’m enjoying Krav Maga so far. After training, dinner, and a shower, the guys hang out in my room as I pack for my trip to Virginia.
I got Mal a paranormal book and some local snacks.
While getting Mal’s book at a local bookstore, there was an author signing her new book about South Carolina plants, so I picked up a copy for Sue and bought her an azalea.
Nick insists on driving us to the airport on Friday morning, and he waits until we're through security before leaving. We don’t run into any issues and are soon in our rental SUV heading to town.
This place, my home, once overflowing with happiness, feels strangely muted.
One catastrophic crash, and the beautiful tapestry of years is reduced to a frayed edge.
Unconscious stress pulls at me when we arrive, but I focus on the celebrations to come.
After dropping our stuff off at the hotel, Zander drives us to visit Sue.
She comes outside for hugs before ushering us into the house.
“I’m so happy you’ve come to visit, sweetheart,” Sue smiles.
“Me too. I’ve missed you.” Looking around the kitchen and dining area, I see it’s mostly the same except for a new tablecloth on the table. “The house looks wonderful. What are you going to renovate this year?”
“I was thinking of the living room this year,” Sue says, walking that way. “The room needs a fresh coat of paint and a new rug. Perhaps I can update the fireplace too and hang the tv above it. What do you think?” She asks both of us.
Zander walks over to inspect. “Are you thinking of covering up the brick or painting it?”
“I don’t mind the brick, but I was thinking of covering it above the new floating mantle I want. I’d like to get rid of the brass, too.”
“That would be really nice, Sue.” We discuss colors and furniture choices, and Zander suggests a new window.
We wind up at the hardware store that afternoon looking at paint colors and figuring out the best way to cover the brick.
After the hardware store, we drive to the next town to look at furniture.
It’s an unexpected but fun afternoon. We drop Sue off back at home to rest and get ready for dinner.
Zander made a reservation at a fancy restaurant for the four of us tonight.
Once we have freshened up at the hotel, we stop at a florist for the two bouquets Zander ordered, then go see Mal and Jake. I have a quick visit with Jake before we go grab Sue. It’s a half-hour drive to the restaurant, so Mal catches us up on the local gossip.
The restaurant is quite fancy, but lovely. We share appetizers before our dinner is served. The pasta dish I ordered is a riot of vine-ripened tomatoes, capers, olive oil, and fresh basil over handmade pasta. E would like this place, I think.
With each glass of wine, Mal and Sue’s conversation grows more animated, their smiles widening.
Laughter fills the room as the two recount their youthful escapades.
I have a feeling the details are getting embellished with each retelling.
A small, round cake, adorned with flickering candles, is brought out for dessert, filling the room with a sweet vanilla scent.
Zander and I sing "Happy Birthday" to both of them before we dig in.
Both ladies are tipsy by the time Zander pays the cheque.
I take Sue’s arm while Zander escorts Mal outside.
When we get back to the facility, Zander helps Mal upstairs to her apartment.
He presents her with the colorful bouquet he ordered, and I hand her the gift bag with my presents.
She loves everything and immediately rips open a bag of Benne wafers and starts snacking. I’m chuckling at her non-stop talking.
We eventually get back out the door when she gets distracted by a phone call. “Wow. Mal is always outgoing, but she’s hilarious when she drinks,” I smile.
“That she is, sweetheart,” Sue laughs. “She and I will have to go out again soon.” When we get to Sue’s house, we go inside to give her our gifts.
Zander got her a beautiful bouquet of pink roses, which she immediately sets in the middle of the table.
I present her with the azalea and book next, promising to come over in the morning to help her plant it.
She loves both, telling us she’s going to head to bed to read her new book.
I check in with the guys after taking a shower at our hotel. There’s no response from E, but he had a social event this evening, and everyone else is doing good. Zander comes out of the bathroom freshly showered and turns on the television. “Thanks for this weekend, Zander. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course, darling. I enjoy visiting up here too, especially when it’s not winter,” he smiles.