“We really aren’t in a rush, honey,” I say, still second-guessing the decision to come here at all.
There were so many other things we could have agreed to do this weekend. We could’ve gone to the medical conference in Miami, where I was invited to speak with an all-expenses-paid mini vacation. I could have spent the time catching up on my research. As a cardiologist, I always have some new medical news to review, new treatments and trials to consider. I’m committed—some, like my husband, would say I’m too committed—to my work, to saving lives.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Since college, or really since I was a kid growing up in the Valley. I knew what I would become. And here I am. All my dreams have come true. Sort of.
“How much farther?” Greer asks, perfecting his grumpy husband routine. He doesn’t want to be here either. I open the app on my phone.
“Looks like about five miles,” I say. “Let’s try to make the best of this, shall we? Roxy gets on everyone’s nerves, not just ours. But I need her in my circle. I need her funding, her fundraisers. And heck, she thinks I’m a…and I quote,Top Doctor Rock Star.”
Greer laughs. “She does always introduce you that way to big groups.”
“Huge rooms full of donors, don’t forget. I have a wing at the hospital with my name on it thanks to Roxy,” I say.
“You two are the most unlikely friends,” Greer says, shaking his bald head. “I mean, she’s the blond bombshell life-of-the-party gal, and you’re, well, you. Serious, committed, professional.”
“We were never friends,” I say. “We were sisters. That’s what brought us together. Good old Theta Gamma.”
“We’re here,” Greer says, punching a button on a keypad. We watch as the giant gate swings open, and he drives inside. I feel my shoulders tense, as if something is going to jump out of the bushes at us.
I tell myself to calm down. This is a celebration weekend for Zach and Celeste, and for Roxy, Ryan, and Beth. Nothing to worry about. And before I know it, we’ve arrived.
Ryan stands in the driveway greeting us and hurries to the car, pulling open my door and offering his hand. “So glad you could be here, Top Doctor Rock Star.” We hug and air-kiss as Greer climbs out of the Volvo.
“It’s a thousand degrees out here,” Greer says to Ryan as they shake hands.
“It is,” Ryan agrees. “Let’s get you inside to the air-conditioning. Everybody else is here.”
Greer pops the trunk, and I watch as the two men grab our suitcases. I grab my doctor’s kit and my purse.
“I can’t believe this is all the luggage you brought. Roxy filled a small moving van,” Ryan says.
“Well, she did move in here recently, right?” I say in her defense.
“She arrived a little before you did. I just finished the project, and yes, it’s been a labor of love,” Ryan says, his eyes gleaming as he leads us down a winding, lusciously landscaped path. What must this cost in upkeep? I wonder as I follow him. We reach a magnificent front door, and a chill runs down my spine. It can’t be.
“Ryan, is this…” I begin but he holds his hand up, shaking his head.
“No, that place was demolished. This is my place. Welcome to Gentry House. Let’s get inside and cool off.” He opens the door, and I’m swept into the home.
I scan the grand living room, the stone fireplace anchoring one wall, the layout familiar and haunting. Of course, this is not the same place, not the hotel of my nightmares, I remind myself. That hotel was miles away from here, I assure myself, and now, according to Ryan, it has been demolished. But still, when I look around, I’m transported back there. I take a deep breath. Thefurniture and decorations are different, and that’s what I try to focus on.
All the furnishings are new and I’m sure very expensive. The framed black-and-white photography from the 1920s is stunning and sets a cool retro tone. I imagine old movie stars, some from the silent picture days, hanging out, enjoying cocktail hour. My shoulders begin to relax. I take a deep breath.
“Nice place you have here, Ryan,” Greer says. “Feels like a celebrity should be living here, a Frank Sinatra–type guy.”
“Actually, one did live here a long time ago. It was originally built for the actress Gloria Swanson. If only the walls could talk, if you know what I mean. Legend has it that Joe Kennedy slept here. Now it’s only us Gentrys,” Ryan says. “And the ghosts of the past.”
Ryan smiles at me as another chill sweeps down my spine. Must be the air-conditioning, I tell myself.
Roxy walks into the front foyer and squeals. “The rock star has made it!” She rushes to me and gives me a bony squeeze and an air-kiss near each cheek.
“Thank you for inviting us,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster. I see Beth behind Roxy. “Hey, Beth! So great to see you!” Even though we live in the same area, Beth and I run in completely different circles. Her nonprofit work, like my practice, takes precedence in her life.
“So happy to see you, Jamie,” Beth says, and we share a genuine hug. Compared to Roxy’s over-the-top greeting, Beth’sfeels like home. Like college. Like sisters. I decide I’ll try to relax and enjoy this weekend. I wrap my arm around Beth’s shoulders.
“Congratulations, mother of the bride. Who would have guessed two Theta Gamma offspring would find each other in Chicago?” I say.
Beth’s expression says she’s still getting used to the idea too.
