“Nothing’s changed for me. I never had any face time with Jack,” Maggie said. “But Roger’s happy not to be his errand boy anymore.”
We turned when we heard the screen door slam.
“Marilyn, hi! How can I help you?” Maggie asked.
Abby and I looked at each other. We both had uh-oh expressions on our faces—caught in the act of doing nothing.
Marilyn had an unnaturally big smile on her face. “I hoped you could set me up on the potter’s wheel. I haven’t done it in a while.”
“You do pottery?” Maggie asked.
“I used to love throwing pots more than anything.”
“Would you like an iced coffee?” Abby asked.
“No, I’d be up all night if I had one now, and I had the best night’s sleep . . .” Her face turned red.
Abby and I exchanged another knowing look. Over the course of the summer, we’d discussed in detail how miserable their marriage must be.
Since I didn’t want to be reprimanded for sitting down on the job, which was exactly what I was doing, I got up and said, “Well, I’m going to check on the Cubs to make sure no one’s melted. But before I go, how’re you holding up?”
Marilyn twirled her hair around her finger. She seemed lost in her thoughts and then said, “So far, so good, I guess.”
“Good to hear. See you later,” I said.
Abby followed me out the door. “She does seem like a different person today.”
“I was afraid she’d see how relieved I am that her husband’s not here,” I said.
“Are you kidding? She’s the one that’s relieved,” Abby said.
There were murmurs of Marilyn sightings all day. With Jack MIA, she became a completely different person. She smiled. She spoke with the entire table while we ate, not only in secretive tones with Mindy and Bethany. She even surprised Mindy and me by joining us at the lake to kayak.
Mike personally helped Marilyn pick out a life vest and a Funyak. He was courteous and respectful, not only to Marilyn but to Mindy and me. When Marilyn paddled off, I said to Mike, “Look at you, being chivalrous. Showing off for the boss?”
“What can I say, I offer different talents to different women.” He winked at me.
“I set myself up, didn’t I? Don’t answer that.”
Smirking, arms akimbo, Speedo the same neon yellow as my Funyak, he watched as I paddled away.
The three of us met up at the sweet spot in the middle of the lake.
“I can’t believe that it’s taken me more than half the summerto take advantage of this beautiful place. I love being on this lake.” Marilyn exhaled loudly, as though she’d been holding her breath until that very moment.
I knew I shouldn’t say anything while she was enjoying some serenity, but that wasn’t who I was. “What took you so long?”
Mindy flashed me a look that said,Shut up and don’t spoil this. I wasn’t looking to make trouble, but Marilyn had never come to my defense or even given me a word of encouragement, just some subpar sushi and a plate of brownies.
Marilyn looked up at the clear blue sky. “When I’m at camp, I feel so much pressure to be at my desk to deal with parents, vendors, and . . . my husband.”
“Visiting Day has come and gone. Enrollment is healthy for next summer. It’s literally smooth sailing for you until the end of camp.” Mindy held up her paddle for emphasis. “You should take time to appreciate your hard work and the surroundings.”
Marilyn smiled. “That’s why I’m here.”
I decided to let her relish her day in the sun. But I didn’t have to remain in her company. “I’m going to paddle to the ski dock to watch the Cubs knee boarding.”
“Wait, Lori, before you go, I want to apologize on behalf of Jack.” Marilyn looked sad. “The way he’s treated you has been rude and inconsiderate.”
