I glance at my watch. It’s after noon. I want to check in on Gabe and Henry and I also need to find Ash, to see if he needs any help.
Shaking away thoughts of dried leaves and toxic tea, I wind my way back through the house into the front hall, where standing in a circle are Ash, all four sons... and also, with her back to me, Hannah. Exactly the person I’m trying to avoid.
She turns at the sound of my footsteps and to my surprise I discover it’s not Hannah, after all, but Ash’s executive assistant, who must have driven out here from the city this morning. Her hair is similarly dark and chin-length, and she’s Hannah’s height. Though her looks are striking, as well, she doesn’t dazzle quite the same way Hannah does. Even I have to admit that.
“Sorry to interrupt,” I say, beginning to retreat from the impromptu family conference that seems to be happening.
“No problem, dear,” Ash says. “We’re talking over plans for the service tomorrow.”
“I’ve already discussed a menu with Bonnie,” I say. “Is there anything else I can do?”
“That’s kind of you, Summer. We seem to have things under control otherwise. You remember Jillian Herrera, of course.”
“Yes, hi,” I say, and she smiles in greeting. I’ve only met her a handful of times and know little about her beyond the fact she’s in her early forties, recently divorced, and is supposedly very, very good at her job.
“Keira just took Henry down to the tennis court to hit a few balls,” Gabe says.
“I’ll relieve her in a bit,” I tell him. “I want to head out to the patio and take care of one thing for the luncheon I promised Bonnie I’d do.”
“Why don’t I go with you, Summer?” Jillian says. “I can review a few details with you about the service.”
She follows me out to the patio, where we have the space to ourselves. I motion for her to have a seat at the table.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Summer,” she says. She touches my arm, a warmer gesture than I’m used to with her. “I know everyone must be devastated.”
“Yes, it’s been brutal.”
“I’m helping Ash coordinate as much as possible—writing the obit, alerting colleagues, inviting people to the service—but if there’s anything you can think of, please let me know.”
Though Jillian’s title is executive assistant, her job is apparently broader than that. She not only ensures that Ash’s work life runs smoothly, but I’ve been told she has her eye on the business, too, making certain that none of the spinning plates is about to drop and shatter. During the times I’ve been in her presence, she’s been polite but no-nonsense, the kind of woman who seems to like everything just-so. I’m sure she keeps her panties rolled like little sausages in a paper-lined underwear drawer, but they’re probably sexy, empowering panties from brands like Agent Provocateur.
“Nothing off the top of my head. How many people do you expect?”
“It will be only family and several friends of Claire’s whoAsh felt we needed to include. And she has a cousin who apparently wants to fly in from Pittsburgh. I’d tell Bonnie to plan on about twenty-five people, not including the musical quartet we’ve hired.”
Thirty.I understand the desire to keep the service intimate, and yet it seems like such a paltry gathering to celebrate the kind of life Claire led.
“And it’s set for elevenA.M.?”
“That’s right. After a short welcome from Blake, Claire’s meditation teacher is going to do a reading, and then any friends or family members who wish to speak may do so.”
“Um, okay.” I hadn’t even considered that there would be such an opportunity. I’m sure Gabe will want to say a few words. Should I do the same?
Before I can really think about it, Jillian asks what Bonnie plans to serve at the luncheon.
“Cold roast turkey?” she says with a wrinkle of her nose after I run through the menu.
“Bonnie does a great aioli sauce on the side. It’s a really delicious combo.”
Her expression is unchanged. “You know what might be lovely to add?” She taps her perfectly manicured nails on the wood table twice for emphasis. “Cold-poached salmon.”
That seems like a pain for Bonnie, but Jillian works for Ash so I have to act reasonably receptive.
“I’ll see if there’s time for Bonnie to order or prepare one.”
“Good. As for the event tomorrow afternoon, there’s no need to make a fuss. But it might be nice to have coffee in the room.”
“What’s tomorrow afternoon?”
