She turns to look at the house, and her gasp is audible, her emotions undeniable. This is the first time she’s seen the house in which she raised a family and the house from which she escaped. Or tried to.
Danny pointed out to me how the roof color changes depending on the light, and I’m glad she’s seeing it at sunset. The black tin has a warmth that is incredible, and the wood on the porch is lit up, showing how rich and inviting it is.
“I know it’s a lot. All the changes,” I blurt out.
She nearly stumbles forward as she takes it all in.
“Mom?”
She looks to the water, the repaired dock, and she moves her hand to grip my arm. “That view.”
I let her catch her breath for a minute. “I felt the same way when I first saw it again.”
Danny’s and Mary Ann’s voices carry our way, and she stands up straight and smiles. “You have friends here. Again, I’m sorry for interrupting.”
“It’s no problem. I’d love for you to meet them.”
Together, we walk toward the fire. Mary Ann stands up first and introduces herself.
My mom shakes her hand. “Wait.” She thinks for a beat. “Did your family own a farm here? One that rescued animals?”
“That’s us!”
“We loved that place. Such beautiful produce from spring through fall. Are you still operational?”
“We are,” Mary Ann confirms. “And thriving.”
“I’m really happy to hear that.”
“We’d love to have you come for a visit while you’re in town.”
Mom looks to me.
“Of course,” I confirm. “That’d be great.”
Then, Danny puts out his hand. “Ma’am? I’m Danny—”
But she cuts him off, “Oh my God. Daniel Schroeder.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t you call me anything but Cindy, kiddo,” she says with a soft smile. “I remember you like it was yesterday. I could pick you out of a lineup.”
“Fortunately, I’ve never been in a lineup.” He chuckles. “Cindy. You must want to sit after traveling all day. Please.” Danny points her to a chair around the firepit.
“Thank you. I do need to relax.”
“Can I get you a drink?” I ask. “How about vodka tonic?” I know there’s some vodka left from the night I first flew into Wake and even after the Bloody Marys.
“That would be lovely.”
“And you must be hungry. No airline has ever fed anyone well. I have leftover coq au vin with French bread from the other night.”
Mary Ann jumps in when my mom looks moderately confused. “Callie cooked it herself, and it’s awesome.”
“Yes. Yes, that sounds wonderful.”
“We’ve got this. Sit with your mom,” Danny says.
