business.”
“What happened with Dylan?” Abby asked.
“It doesn’t matter what happened, just that it’s over,” Lisa said quickly. She sensed that Kate didn’t want to talk about it. Kate shot her a grateful glance and then took a big sip of her wine.
“He cheated on me. I had just been laid off, came home to curl up and go to sleep, and he was in our bed with one of his models.”
“Oh, no! Kate, I’m so sorry,” Abby looked horrified. Lisa’s heart went out to her daughter. What a truly horrific day she’d had. She put her arm around Kate’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “I always thought you were too good for him,” she said softly.
Kate’s eyes misted over. “Thank you. To be honest, it was always in the back of my mind, something I’d worried might happen one day. He had a reputation, and he was too good-looking.”
“Hey, now. Not all good-looking guys are cheaters!” Chase said and flexed his muscles. They all laughed. Chase had a way of lightening the mood.
“If you’re serious, Kate. I really could use your help. I think I want to put a website up and I’m not really sure where to start,” Lisa admitted.
Kate perked up. “Oh, I could totally help with that. You’ll need some brochures too. I can write the copy and we can get it up on the web and maybe bring some brochures to distribute on the Cape. Lots of tourists decide to come to Nantucket after staying on the Cape.”
“That’s a great idea.” Lisa turned to her youngest daughter, who’d been very quiet and had barely touched her seltzer water.
“How’s your stomach honey? Are you sure you don’t want a glass of wine?”
But Abby shook her head and sighed. “No, I’m actually not going to have any wine for a while. I’m pregnant and I told Jeff that I want a divorce.”
Everyone stared at Abby in shock, except Kristen, Lisa noticed.
“Congratulations on the baby, honey! That’s fantastic news. But are you sure about divorce? How does Jeff feel about all this? He must be over the moon about the baby.”
Abby was silent for a moment and then said, “He doesn’t know about the baby.”
“You didn’t tell him?” Even Kristen seemed shocked.
Abby shook her head. “I’m not telling him for three months. Until I know the baby is safe, that it’s real. If we’re going to work things out, I don’t want it to be because of the baby.”
“Do you want to stay here? You’re welcome to.” Lisa was overjoyed that Abby was finally pregnant, but she felt terrible that they were considering divorce. She’d always loved Jeff like a son. And he and Abby had been together forever it seemed.
“No, thank you. Jeff moved out yesterday. Besides, you need to rent my room out.”
That stung. “Honey, I’m sure all my rooms won’t rent out immediately. It is winter after all. The off-season.”
“You might be surprised mom. It’s not as busy, but people still come here,” Chase said.
Lisa laughed. “Well, I hope you’re right.” She turned back to Abby. “Honey, we’re here for you. Whatever you need. I really hope that you and Jeff can work things out.”
“I do too.”
After everyone was gone and Kate was in bed, Lisa stayed up, reading in her bedroom and reflecting on how the evening had gone. Somewhat better than expected actually. She’d suspected that Abby would be the one most resistant to change, but she wondered if it was mostly just her being overly sensitive due to being pregnant.
Lisa felt a mix of joy and concern for her youngest daughter. She knew how badly she’d wanted to get pregnant, but to even contemplate divorce and being a single mother. It was such a big decision and would be a huge lifestyle change.
If what was wrong couldn’t be fixed, then she’d fully support the divorce of course and try to help Abby as much as possible. She looked forward to babysitting and being a grandmother. But, she hoped that Abby and Jeff could get past this speed bump in their marriage. Every marriage had its ups and downs. Though as newlyweds, you never expect it will happen to you.
Chapter 4
The next morning, Lisa was up early as usual, and had just settled at the kitchen island with her morning coffee and a bowl of oatmeal when Kate bounced into the room full of energy. Lisa smiled when she saw her.
“Good morning. You’re up early.”
Kate went straight to the Keurig coffee maker and