But this was Sunday—and back in happier days, she and Martin and Lucas used to sit down together for the bountiful dinners she prepared after church, their table ringing with laughter and conversation and catch-up.
Eating yet another silent, solo Sunday meal held zero appeal.
With a sigh, she closed the refrigerator door.
As she turned away, her phone pinged.
Could the incoming text be from Lucas? Maybe an update on the situation with Martin? Neither message he’d sent this week had indicated whether he’d decided to respond to his father’s outreach.
Hopefully he would. If nothing more than renewed communication between father and son resulted from her dramatic exit, her departure would be worth it.
But when she crossed to the table, picked up her phone, and tapped the text icon, the message wasn’t from Lucas.
It was from Lauren.
Not as good as a ping from her son, but Devyn’s sister was nice, and the two of them had clicked. A text exchange with her would help break up the monotony of this long afternoon before she had to go to rehearsal.
She skimmed the message
Hi, Diane. Sorry to bother you on Sunday. I’ve been reviewing the pix you snapped of items at the resale store you think might work for the show. Are you available for a quick phone call?
Perfect.
A conversation would be even better than a text exchange.
Yes.
When the phone rang fifteen seconds later, she answered at once. “Hi, Lauren.”
After returning her greeting, the other woman got straight to business. “I apologize for interrupting your Sunday, but I’m working on costumes and I had a few questions.”
“No worries. I’m free until rehearsal. What would you like to know?”
“I’m thrilled you found so much usable clothing, but it’s hard to judge sizes from a photo. And it’s difficult to picture the whole item just by looking at the front. Since you’ve seen these pieces in person, could I ask a few questions about each one?”
Diane’s brain began to click.
Spending a couple of hours with Lauren would be nice. Devyn’s sister was easy to talk to, and while their marriages had unraveled for different reasons, their situations gave them common ground.
And she could use a friend.
What could it hurt to broach the idea that had popped into her mind?
“I’ll be happy to answer your questions, but it might help you to see the clothes. If you have about two hours—and enough energy—I could drive us up to Coos Bay and show you what I’ve found.”
A beat ticked by. “I hate to monopolize your Sunday afternoon.”
“To be honest, I’d welcome some company if you’re interested in a short road trip.”
“In that case, I’d love to go. Devyn had a production meeting for the show this afternoon, so I’m here by myself. A drive up to Coos Bay would be not only productive but a pleasant change of pace.”
“Could you be ready in twenty minutes?”
“I could be ready in ten.”
“Let’s plan on fifteen.”
Fourteen minutes later, when she pulled up in front of Lauren’s house, the other woman was waiting on the porch.
