She’d known people would figure out who she was sooner or later, but she’d been foolishly hoping for the latter.
“What a surprise!” Mrs. Bailey crowed in delight. “I never thought I’d live to see the day you walked back into town and all grown up. Why, I hardly recognized you.”
She hadn’t recognized her at all, Olivia thought sourly. If only it could’ve stayed that way.
“I mean, being back in town, the memories must be so painful,” Mrs. Bailey continued. “After all, what with you seeing what your father did to your poor mother and grandmother.” She leaned across the counter offering the card and receipt, but when Olivia reached for them, her grip remained firm as her gaze narrowed. “You did see it, didn’t you?”
Olivia chose not to answer. Instead, she gave a good tug on the card, forcing the older woman to let go. The woman didn’t pull any punches, Olivia would give her that.
“Murder is such an ugly business, and you being so young. All that blood and fire must have been so traumatic for you, poor lamb. I expect you needed professional help after that, what with your father being locked up for murder. It was probably too much for you to cope with. I suppose that’s why Evelyn didn’t take custody of you. You were probably too much to deal with, poor thing, and what with her sister and niece being murdered and all…”
Olivia wasn’t sure if her participation was required in the conversation as Mrs. Bailey seemed to be doing fine on her own. The woman was relentless. It was like being slowly battered to death with a crocheted baseball bat that smelled faintly of sweet-pea and lavender.
Once more, Olivia ignored the question, which she wasn’t sure she was expected to answer anyway. Mrs. Bailey seemed to be on a roll. She tucked her card back into her purse.
“For heaven’s sake, stop pecking at the poor girl.” Mr. Bailey rose from his crouched position, his knees cracking. “Dear little Olivia.” He smiled and drew her in for a hug.
It was so warm and unexpected and filled with sincerity that she didn’t pull away. Instead, she breathed in the scent of old spice and tobacco.
“I’m so pleased to see you.” He smiled as he released her. “I expect you’ve inherited the house from Evelyn?”
Olivia nodded, unable to find the words.
“I did wonder about that.” He patted her hand fondly. “I’m glad that you found your way back. It’s just not Mercy without a West at the lake house.”
“Um,” she cleared her throat. “Yes, well, thank you.” She slid the paper bag from the counter into her arms. “I should really get going.”
“One moment.” He held up his hand. “I have something for you.”
He popped out of sight for a moment, coming back with a cheerful-looking houseplant in a pretty blue and yellow pot.
“Here.” He smiled. “That’s the last one. They’ve been very popular, just the thing to cheer up a room. A little housewarming gift for you. Welcome home, Olivia.”
“Thank you.” She smiled, swallowing the little knot of sentiment caught at the back of her throat despite Mrs. Bailey’s dour expression.
With the little plant carefully in one arm, her bag of groceries in the other, she gave a small smile of farewell and headed back out into the cold.
She set the bag in the passenger seat and slid into her car and stared at the little pot plant that she still clutched in her hands. It was a little lopsided, but she found herself genuinely touched by the gesture. She was about to settle the plant in the seat alongside her groceries when her gaze snagged on a small object tucked into the pot. It was Tootsie Roll Mr Bailey always used to give her, Louisa, and Jake one when they came to the store. A sudden laugh bubbled in her chest and let loose, easing the tension in her gut and making her feel foolishly sentimental. Her fingers tightened around the small candy, and with a smile tugging at her mouth, she started the engine.
Yeah, she thought to herself, being back in Mercy wasn’t all bad.
4
By the time Louisa knocked, the lake house was clean and welcoming, with the scent of red sauce simmering on the freshly scrubbed stove. Padding down the hall in thick socks, Olivia opened the door, tugging her sweater tighter against the sudden rush of cold, damp air.
“God.” Louisa laughed. “You’ve gotta love Massachusetts in the fall.” She stepped in and pulled down the hood of her raincoat, shaking loose her hair.
“Uh-huh,” Olivia murmured, distracted as she noted the water pool at Louisa’s feet on her freshly polished floor.
Louisa followed Olivia’s gaze. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean it up. Anyway, these are for you.” She held up a bottle of wine in each hand. “I didn’t know which you’d prefer, so I bought red and white.” She inhaled deeply and her stomach let out a loud rumble. “Is that spaghetti I smell?” Her eyes rolled in pleasure.
“Yes.” Olivia nodded. “It used to be your favorite.”
“Still is,” Louisa grinned. “Okay, red it is. I’ll just go uncork this bad boy and let it breathe before dinner.” She headed for the kitchen. “Oh, and by the way, your surprise is on the porch.”
“Er… thanks?” Olivia frowned as she turned to look out of the open door.
“You’re welcome.” Louisa wandered down the hallway, trailing raindrops in her wake.
