47
RILEY
“Oh my goodness, what a difference!” Lindsey’s eyes widened as she got out of her car. “The yard looks beautiful, just like it used to.”
“Thank you. Gareth has done a great job, I’m so happy with him.” Riley smiled as they passed the fountains and walked toward the backyard. They were finally working, and she loved the gentle sound of the water and seeing birds drink from them. The lawn was pristine; the cobbled paths that spiraled through the yard had been cleared and cleaned, the hedges were tidy, and the flower beds along the surrounding walls were filled with daffodils. Her outdoor furniture had arrived this morning, and she’d set up a seating and dining area by the water’s edge in the shade of the wooden pergola Gareth had brought back from the hardware store. Soon, climbing roses would spiral their way up over the trellis and cover the roof, but for now, she’d used white linen to create shade. On a sunny day like today, it was the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunset over food and drinks.
“I love that I can see Quinn’s barge from here,” Lindsey said, shading her eyes from the sun as she glanced over the river. “Do you think she’s home?”
“I’m right here.” Quinn turned the corner with a tray in her hands and laughed at Lindsey’s baffled expression. “Do you mind if I join you guys?”
“Quinn!” Lindsey grinned as she looked from Riley to Quinn and back. “Wow…okay. No, of course not. Why would I mind?” She shook her head and stared at Quinn, who placed the wooden tray with bread and dips on the table before pouring them wine. “You’re here.”
“I finished work early,” Quinn said, focusing on the food and rearranging everything like it was of huge importance. Behind her confident smile, Riley detected a hint of unease, and she suspected Quinn wasn’t used to having Lindsey around when she was with women she dated.
“She offered to cook us food,” Riley said. “Isn’t that sweet?” She and Quinn had seen each other most nights since their second date, and it felt so natural to have her here.
Lindsey shot Quinn an incredulous look. “You never finish early, and you never cook forme.”
“I do now.” Quinn shrugged. “It’s a beautiful evening and—”
“And I’m sure you’d prefer to spend it together,” Lindsey finished her sentence in a teasing tone. “So…let me know if you’d rather have some privacy. I can come over anytime.” She made herself comfortable in one of the chairs and propped her feet up on a bench. “Actually, no, I take that back. That ciabatta looks yummy, and I’m really craving a drink, so you’ll just have to put up with me.”
Riley laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of sending you away. Wine?” Lindsey nodded eagerly, and Riley handed her a glass. “How was your day?”
“Busy. Thank God it’s Friday.” Lindsey stretched her arms over her head and yawned. “I’ve literally been on the go nonstop. The beginning of spring is our high season, and the bookings for long-term rentals especially are going mad right now.”
“That’s good for your commission though, right?” Quinn asked.
“True. I shouldn’t complain, but I’ve hardly had time to chat to Marcellus.”
“Marcellus the catfish?” Quinn shook her head. “Let it go, Lindsey.”
“No.” Lindsey sipped her wine, then helped herself to a piece of bread. “I like talking to him. He gets me. It’s like we’ve known each other forever.”
“He probably looked you up so he could pretend to have the same interests as you.” Quinn frowned and looked at her intently. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be negative, but I’m worried.”
“Don’t be. I trust him.”
Riley didn’t interfere but she wholeheartedly agreed with Quinn. From her short stint on a dating app, she’d seen more potential fake profiles than she could count, and she knew there was a good chance Marcellus wasn’t who he said he was. She was about to change the subject to cut the tension when Lindsey beat her to it.
“Anyway, let’s not talk about Marcellus. How are the renovations going, Riley? Have you decided what you’re going to do with all those rooms in there?”
“I’ve done so much already, I’ve surprised myself,” Riley said, scooping a piece of bread through the delicious tzatziki Quinn had made. “I’ll show you my progress later. I’m curious to hear what you think of it. I’m currently busy getting two bedrooms ready because my sister and my niece are coming to visit in a few weeks.”
“How lovely!” Lindsey smiled. “How old is your niece?”
“She’s five. She’s really cute.”
“You should bring the kids over when they’re here,” Lindsey said to Quinn. “It would be nice for Riley’s niece to have friends to play with.”
“Yes, bring them over.” Riley met Quinn’s eyes, and Quinn gave her a shy smile. “I want you to meet my sister and Mindy, and it would be nice to get everyone together.”
“Does your sister know about Quinn?” Lindsey asked.
“No, I haven’t told her I’m dating a woman. I think she’ll be shocked, and not just about Quinn.” Riley shrugged. “My life is so different now, I don’t think she’d get it if I tried to explain it.” She winced against the lowering sun as she glanced over the river and realized she felt no more regrets over buying Aster House. She was in her backyard with her new lover and her new friend, and before her was a view so beautiful and serene; a view that was hers alone. She was able to relax without the constant thoughts of next steps in the back of her mind, and to simply take the days as they came.
Perhaps that was the biggest lesson she’d learned: the simple things were often the best things in life. Little moments, fleeting but meaningful ones like tonight, were the ones she’d cherish when she was older and looking back on her life. She wouldn’t relive the global launch of a beauty brand or a commercial for a new sneaker, but she’d remember tonight, with the scent of spring in the air, her blooming yard, Quinn’s hand around hers, Lindsey’s sweet smile, and the sky that turned crimson over Mystic River. This, she thought, was what it felt like to really live.
