“She said she met you a couple of years ago and started spouting off that you were pretty, but would be beautiful if you lost weight.”
“What the hell?”
“Don’t worry, Doug put her in her place, and when Brandon walked her out, he informed her that she’d burned her bridges with Doug. Told her Doug protects his family fiercely, especially you. He also told her not to call me to try to talk to Doug.”
“Did she?”
“Yep.” Fern grinned and held up a finger to the screen. Willow automatically touched it with hers, their Skype version of a high five. “Four times in the last week. Whining that she was sorry, but if Wanda would only lose weight. Blah, blah, blah. And before you ask, Douglas told her about the medication you’re on. You’re still on it aren’t you?”
“I am. You kidding, after all the shit I went through do you think I’d take a chance with my life?”
“Nope. Douglas said you had a clean bill of health?”
“I did. This visit was extensive. I heard back from the doctors yesterday, I’m still in remission, and the donor's kidney is functioning correctly. I’m good for another year. How are Mom and Dad and Brian and Sarah?”
“They yelled at Emily, saying you were healthy. Mom and Dad are good,” Fern said, and giggled.
“What?”
“Mom reminded us about something.”
“What?” Willow frowned.
“Do you remember what last Sunday was?”
“Easter Sunday?” Willow frowned and shook her head in confusion.
“It was also April 11th.”
“And? Still not understanding here Fern.”
“And it was your twentieth wedding anniversary.”
“Oh my god!” Willow hollowed with laughter. “Oh my god, I barely remember it. Damn if the last twenty years is what marriage is supposed to be like, I had an excellent marriage. No fights, no arguments, no man’s dirty socks all over the place.” She giggled, then frowned. “I wonder where Christopher is now and what he’s doing.”
“No clue.” They talked for a few more minutes, and the last thing Fern asked was when they were going to see her in person.
“Probably not for another six months. Oh hey, before we sign off, I was at a craft fair the other day and saw something I thought you might like. I mailed it to you this last Monday, you should be getting it any day.”
“You mean this?” Fern grinned as she held up a vase that was at least two foot tall. “I love it. I wish I knew where you got it or enclosed a card from the maker. I would love to look at their website. Because this is beautiful.”
“I have their website info. Why don’t I give it to you?” She whipped it off and had Fern repeat it to her. Shortly after they signed off, and once she knew she was alone, she did a happy dance. Her big sister loved her work. Yes, yes, yes. She looked at the clock and swore, then hurried down to her car. She couldn’t drink because of the medication she was on, so she decided to drive to The Pit. She arrived five minutes to eight,parked and made her way to the front. She saw Gary and slowed her steps. She paused next to him, and he looked at her, then looked up and down the street like he was looking for someone.
“I’m sorry,” Gary said. “But I’m waiting for someone.”
“It’s not sequined, but is this color okay?” Willow smiled as she indicated her deep blue shirt.
“Willow?” Gary asked in shock. “Oh my god, you’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“No, I mean extremely beautiful. I always thought so, but you always had that wet clay on you, you clean up really well.”
Willow laughed and reached up and put a finger over his lips. “Stop. You’re babbling.”
“Shit. Sorry.” He paused, then took several deep breaths. “You ready to go in?”
“Before we do, can I talk to you a minute.”
