Chapter 21
Emily might have accepted Dalton’s offer to grab a drink if Jenna hadn’t already asked her over to her and Daniel’s house, where close friends of Til were gathering.
Dalton then said he’d give her a ride to the Graces’ house. Though the home was within easy walking distance, Emily felt exhausted. She wasn’t sure going to this gathering was a good idea with her emotions so close to the surface, but she felt as if it was where she was meant to be.
“That’s an honor that they invited you to join them.” Dalton opened the car door, then shut it once she’d slid inside.
Emily shrugged. “I was surprised, but flattered.”
“If you need a ride home once you’re done, give me a call.”
“If I need a ride, I bet someone will give me a lift. Or I can call an Uber.”
“Please call me if you need a ride.”
“I will.” Promising seemed like such a small thing. The last thing she wanted was for him to worry about her. “Could you do me a favor?”
“Anything.”
“Don’t be so quick to agree.” Emily’s tone turned teasing. “You don’t know what I’m going to ask.”
“Whatever you ask, I’ll say yes.”
Emily laughed. They both know that wasn’t true. She gestured with one hand toward the back of the car where she’d stowed her violin case. “Would you mind taking my instrument case to your grandmother’s house? You can just set it outside the door to my bedroom.”
“I can do that.” He inclined his head. “How’s the apartment hunting coming?”
Emily just shrugged again.
“You know there’s no rush.” When he stopped at a light, Dalton shifted in his seat to face her. “Gran loves having you around.”
The light changed, and Dalton’s eyes returned to the road.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know your grandmother,” Emily said, with emotion. “And you.”
She expelled a sigh.
Dalton pulled the BMW to a stop in front of the Grace home. His expression turned serious. “You make it sound so final. You’re not getting rid of either of us that easily.”
Hearing the concern in his voice, seeing the worry in his eyes, Emily reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “I need to do what feels right to me.”
His blue eyes met hers. “Only if you’re sure.”
There was something about the concern, the protectiveness, that touched a raw spot deep inside.
Impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed him gently on the mouth. “Thank you.”
Though his eyes remained serious, he smiled. “What was that for?”
“Let’s just say, in honor of Matilda Beemis, I’m seizing the moment.” Emily opened the door of the convertible and stepped out. When she shut it, she leaned over the side. “You’re a good guy, Dalton Edwards. You are definitely not someone easily forgotten.”
Emily knew that she shouldn’t have been surprised that the gathering at Jenna’s home was a lighthearted, festive one, instead of a somber affair. These were her friends, and they were well aware that she wouldn’t want them to be draped in black and sorrow.
Her heart gave a little leap when she spotted Chloe across the room speaking with Geraldine.
While she watched the two, Hannah stepped to her side, drawing her attention away.
“It was a lovely celebration. You and Lola’s rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ brought tears to my eyes.”
“To mine as well.” Just thinking of seeing all her friends gathered together honoring her had been humbling.
Hannah handed her a glass of punch. “Tropical passion. I seem to recall it’s one of your favorites.”
It had been Til’s favorite, but as far as Emily knew, she’d never expressed a liking for it. Unless, maybe, she had. “Thank you, and yes, the celebration of life you and the others organized, well, I think your friend would have approved.”
Hannah’s smile lit her entire face. “I’ll let everyone know. It will mean a lot to them.”
Chloe came in and made a beeline straight for Emily. She wrapped her arms around her in a fierce hug. “Thank you so much.”
“What did I do?” Emily asked when she stepped back.
“‘Amazing Grace’ performed by you and Lola was the perfect way to cap off Til’s perfectly amazing life.” For a second, Chloe’s eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away. “I think our goal should be to live a life where, in the end, people say the same wonderful things about us.”
“While I agree that it’s nice to be remembered fondly, the real prize is having the chance to meet all the people Matilda knew, to share in their triumphs and their trials, too.” Emily spoke softly, as if to herself. “It’s easy to think of opportunity as only applying to the big stuff—the opportunity to travel, to get the dream job, to meet the perfect partner. But Matilda’s life gave her the opportunity to fill the world with goodness and love. We should all be so lucky.”
Why was it that the decision she needed to make suddenly seemed so very easy?
One month later, Chloe officially took possession of Til’s bungalow. When she moved in, Emily moved in with her.
“You really should have the primary bedroom,” Emily told Chloe. “It’s bigger.”
“Not by much. Besides, this was always my bedroom. I like it better.” Chloe glanced at the sewing machine by the window. “Do you know how to sew?”
“I do,” Emily admitted, glancing at the vintage Singer purchased decades ago.
“Even on a machine as ancient as this one?”
“It’s still got a lot of good years left in her.”
“Speaking of ancient, Jaclyn mentioned that you’re playing cards with the old ladies this week.”
“Lisa had plans so I was invited to sub. It’s at Myra’s house this week.” Emily’s lips curved. She couldn’t wait to play cards with her friends again. “And for your information those ladies are awesome, and they’re my friends. It makes no difference how old they are.”
“I suppose,” Chloe conceded then changed the subject. “Are you excited about your new position?”
Emily hung up the dresses in her hand, then dropped to sit on the daybed. “I really am. Myra really came through for me. Because of her call to the headmistress at Crestwood, I have a teaching position in their music department.”
“She’s amazing.”
Emily glanced at Chloe’s closet. “Since you’re nearly done in here, I’m going to work on mine.”
She turned toward the door, then whirled back. “I keep forgetting to ask—what do you want me to do with Til’s clothes?”
“I guess I haven’t thought that far.” Concern furrowed Chloe’s brow. “I really don’t want to trash them.”
“Have you thought about donating? They’re in good shape. I’m betting someone will want them.”
“I like that idea.” Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Let’s do that. I’ll help you box them up once I’m finished in here.”
“No rush.” Emily thought the task would be easy and quick, but discovered clothing held memories. As she carefully folded and boxed dresses, slacks and tops, thoughts of events she’d attended and people she’d been with when wearing the clothing kept surfacing.
Those memories were ones she would hold tight, as well as so many more. She thought of that warm summer day when she’d sat beside Serena Nordine on that park bench and been offered a do-over. She’d seen the elixir as a reward for a lifetime of sacrifice.
It was now clear to her that Til’s life hadn’t been about sacrifice, but about caring. She’d cared for her father and for Chloe and all those needing a hand up, because that’s who she was. She gave, not because she expected anything back, but simply because, deep down, she was a giver, and giving brought her joy.
In turn, she had been blessed with a life that had been incredibly rich and full.
Her new life, her second chance, well, these past months had been a time of discovery.
Emily now realized that life wasn’t all about her, it was about what she could do to help other people make their lives better. By doing that, it made her own better.
She was so grateful to Serena for this opportunity. It had allowed her to help Myra and Chloe and to discover so many unexpected, wonderful things.
Her lips curved as she thought of Dalton and their relationship that was still shiny and new.
A knock at the front door had her calling out to Chloe. “I’ll get it.”
Emily smiled at the sight of Myra, Dalton and Jaclyn standing on the porch.
“I hope we’re not intruding—” Myra began.
“Absolutely not.” Emily stepped back and motioned them inside. “Please, come in. This is a nice surprise.”
“We brought you a housewarming present.” Jaclyn held out a bamboo plant sporting a big red bow.
“Jenna and Rosemary said bamboo symbolizes strength and resilience, which is something you and Chloe have in spades,” Myra informed them with a smile.
“Who was at—?” Chloe’s face lit up when she saw them.
“They brought us a housewarming gift.” Emily handed the plant to her. “Isn’t it lovely?”
“I love it. And I know just where I’m going to put it.” Instead of hurrying off, Chloe paused. “Can I get you all something to drink? Emily made lemonade this morning. Real lemonade, from the fruit of the lemon tree in Jenna’s backyard.”
Myra glanced at her grandchildren. “I have time if you do.”
Jaclyn smiled at Emily and Chloe. “I’ve got time.”
“I see no reason to rush off,” Dalton told his grandmother, before shifting his focus to Emily. His gaze seemed to linger on her mouth.
Jaclyn moved to Chloe’s side. “I’ll help you.”
“How are you liking your new space?” Myra asked Emily, taking a seat on the sofa.
“I like it very much.”
“She has to say that,” Chloe called over her shoulder, “because I’m standing right here.”
Emily laughed, then turned to Myra. “While I already know I’m going to love it here, I miss you already.”
“The house seems empty without you. No dominoes, checkers or late-night chats. And no anagram help.” Myra offered a melodramatic sigh before her expression brightened. “I forgot to tell you. I finally unscrambled that name you gave me.”
Emily pulled her brows together. “Which one?”
“Serena Nordine.”
“What other name does it make?” Emily asked.
“Irene Anderson.”
That night, from the comfort of her new—old—bedroom, Emily sat at the tiny desk by the window and penned her last letter to Irene.
Dearest Irene, or should I say Serena?
You truly have been the most wonderful of friends. When you promised that you would always be with me, you meant it.
Writing to you all these years has been such a comfort. When I saw you in the park, I knew there was something special about you. I trusted you even though I believed you a stranger.
I only wish you could have told me that you were my bosom friend who I’ve missed all these years. I would have given you the biggest hug.
The words “for such a time as this” circle in my head. You came back into my life, bearing your special gift, at precisely the right time. I doubt I’d have been in the position to help Myra and Chloe otherwise. I believe they will both continue to do wonderful things.
Remember our pinkie promises? Well, I pinkie promise that I will consider the world my oyster and aim high.
Emily paused, considering what name to sign.
Her lips curved. It was full steam ahead with a focus on the future.
She brought her pencil back to the paper and wrote:
Much love always,
Emily
Now that you’ve finished The Youth Elixir, I hope you’re ready to see your favorite characters again when you return to this town known for the unexplainable.
Although each book in the series can be read separately, I love bringing back characters from earlier books. This means you’ll see many of these fantastic women (and men!) in the next book in the series, THE NOTE KEEPER.
Taylor Higgs’ father once promised her that, like a compass, he may not always show her the way, but he’d be there to point her in the right direction. During her childhood, he frequently wrote her notes of encouragement, filled with his own brand of wisdom. After his unexpected death, Taylor feels lost and adrift…until notes begin showing up in the pocket of his favorite coat. Notes directed to her, with messages designed to help her navigate the most challenging time in her life…
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this captivating tale of heartfelt love and unwavering devotion.