Recap of Chapter 1: Miriam Walker awaited her large family’s arrival to her mandatory monthly family dinner. This one was special for two reasons: it fell on Christmas Eve and was also her 85th birthday. Plus, she had a big announcement that would rock the family.
Charlotte was sitting at her dressing table applying lotion to her face and neck. Careful to use fluttering upward strokes to minimize wrinkles, she recounted the night to her husband. “Why does she insist on calling you Frankie?” she complained. “She knows I can’t stand it.”
“She’s always called me Frankie,” he said with amusement, planting a kiss on the back of her exposed neck. “We’ve been over this. And besides, I like it.” He began removing the artfully placed pillows from the bed and turning down his side. Sitting on the edge in pajama pants and a soft T-shirt, he unclasped his watch, dropping it in the silver box on the nightstand, as always. “Outside of calling me Frankie, what did you think about Mom’s behavior tonight?”
Charlotte turned to face him. “What do you mean by her behavior?”
“Do you think she’s slipping?”
“Slipping? Good God, no! She’s sharp as a tack. What about that bit with the scientifically proven soil in the little vial? It was brilliant! She is far from slipping! She’ll probably outlive us all.”
“What about her big announcement? Did you think that was out of the blue?”
“I think she’s finally doing something for herself. What’s the big deal?”
“I suppose you’re right,” he conceded. “It’s just that she has never done anything like it. I wonder if it’s even safe. I also wonder at her age how long we can count on her being brilliant.” He eyed Charlotte’s crossed legs that forced the hem of her slip high on her thighs. Suddenly, his thoughts went in a new direction. With lust in his eyes, he flipped open the covers. “How about you come to bed and we discuss something else?”
Across town, Josie was in the kitchen putting together the dough for her Christmas morning cinnamon rolls so they could rise overnight. While she kneaded the dough, she chatted with Marianne on the phone, who was in her own kitchen putting together an overnight breakfast strata. Both their houses were quiet, their husbands having gone upstairs to bed to fall asleep to the television.
“What did you think of Mom’s announcement?” Marianne dished.
“A European river cruise? When did Mom get so adventurous?”
“I know. And all by herself too?” She buttered the big glass bowl, dropped the dough in and rubbed the top with her buttery hands. Giving it a final pat, she rinsed her hands and laid a flour sack towel over the top. “Do you think she hopes to meet someone on the cruise? You know, a distinguished gentleman who loves to travel?”
“Maybe just a bootie call.” And they laughed uproariously. “Seriously, though, it’s been 15 years since Dad. Why shouldn’t she meet someone?” Then they giggled over the type of man her mom would go for. Still, they had to admit that their mother was beautiful, despite being an octogenarian.
“If she doesn’t go now, when would she?”
“You’ve got a point. Okay, I’m done here and ready for bed. See you all tomorrow,” Josie said, signing off. “10 am with everyone, right?”
“Yep, all three generations. It’ll be a madhouse.”
Callie had very different ideas of how she would be spending Christmas day, or at least the evening. She was dating a delicious man—a few years younger and full of energy. Okay, he was 10 years younger, but who’s counting? He would be returning Christmas Day and she planned on being his best present under the tree. She smiled wickedly at the thought of letting him unwrap her and what would follow. Her own kids, nearly grown, were spending a ski holiday with their dad in Aspen, so she was free of hosting anything but a sultry date. Oh, she had presents for them that she passed out early—especially since they were all related to their ski holiday. She had no work pressures since the offices were closed until after the new year. She stretched out on the bed like a spoiled cat. And then she remembered that before she could have an indulgent evening with that yummy man, she’d be spending the morning with Josie and Marianne and their kids and grandkids. It would be complete bedlam. Oh, they all loved their Aunt Callie. She had a knack for coming up with the best, most coveted gifts for the kids. And, although she wasn’t much in the kitchen, she could be counted on to bring a pink box from the Italian bakery that everyone would pounce on. It helped to have a longstanding flirtation with the owner, who picked out the best pastries and packaged them up for her. All in all, she was looking forward to a successful and fun Christmas.
Miriam turned out the lights in the dining room. They had all pitched in to clear the tables and load the dishwasher. The family had long ago learned to bring their own to-go containers to cart off the leftovers, so there wasn’t much left to do. She poured herself a brandy and settled into her favorite wing chair by the fire, its embers glowing in the softly lit room. She glanced at the family photo from that day that was sent to her phone by Charlotte. It showed a large group of healthy, festively dressed men, women and children all gathered around her, the matriarch of them all. How could anyone not swell with pride at such a sight?
The family seemed to take her announcement about traveling well enough. It was a good thing, too, since she had already purchased the tickets. The most alarming part was that she would be gone for the January family dinner, which was a first. She wondered if the family’s true feeling would be one of relief or one of being lost without that monthly tradition. Well, regardless, it was happening and let the pieces fall where they may. She would finish her brandy and then go to bed. She needed her rest before tomorrow’s busy day. Since losing her husband, Miriam spent Christmas day in the assisted living facility, visiting with men and women who had no one else. It helped that she played the piano, too, so she could play Christmas tunes to create a festive atmosphere. Typically, when she wasn’t at the piano, she circulated among all the residents, holding their hands and listening to their stories and memories. Some were well enough to gather in the common room, but some she visited in their apartments. All were glad to see her. With her favorite residents, she would share the most recent family photo on her phone, and discuss her upcoming trip and promise to share photos when she returns. All in all, it would be a lovely day spent well. She secured the fireplace doors, put her glass in the kitchen and began the ascent to her bedroom. As she had every year since his passing, she spoke to her late husband, whose presence seemed to be everywhere in the house.
“Well, Frank,” she began, “that’s another one for the books. Another successful birthday and Christmas Eve with our growing family. You should see those precious great-grandchildren. Little Ralphy reminds me most of you. It’s his kind eyes. And little Emmie—what a spitfire!” she spoke as she climbed, sharing everything that came to mind. “And those sons-in-law. You would love playing pool with them. They’re a fun bunch.” Once in her bedroom, she readied for bed, all the while sharing the details of the evening with her husband as if he was in the room. She was under no illusion that he was actually present, but sharing her day kept his memory alive. “Everything was so wonderful, my love. I know I should be used to it by now, but I can’t believe you’re missing it all.” She sighed and turned out the light.
“It would be complete bedlam.”
