Nantucket Weddings - Pamela M. Kelley Page 0,45
is time for me to do the same thing. I still think of Mary all the time, and I’m struggling a little with feeling guilty for even thinking about wanting to get out more. The other part of me thinks it’s overdue, and she’d want me to do it. What do you think?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about it, too. And I understand feeling guilty. I wasn’t with Mark as long as you were with Mary, but we were just two weeks away from getting married. It’s been hard to let go of that and to even think about moving on. It feels disloyal, scary even. But I’m not as scared as I used to be by the idea of it. Maybe that means we’re a little closer to taking that step?”
“We might be. I’m glad you’re coming to the group. The group has really helped me a lot. And I look forward to going out afterward.” He grinned. “That bereavement group is the closest thing I have to a social life these days.”
“I’ve only gone a few times, but it has already helped me. Just listening to everyone and knowing we all have similar struggles. And that it really does get easier. It’s a good group.”
“So, I’ve been also thinking, maybe we should do something together? It might be good for both of us.”
“It might be. What did you have in mind?”
“Well, I saw that Monday is trivia night at the Nantucket Culinary Center. I thought that might be kind of fun—something to do. Looks like they serve a simple dinner at six and then trivia starts at seven.”
“That could be fun. I do like trivia.” It had been over a year since she’d been, and she missed it.
“Good. So, we’ll plan on a week from tomorrow, then?”
“Daddy, look what we found!” Becky and Sarah came running over, breathless and all excited about what Becky had cupped in her hands. She opened them slowly, and a tiny frog hopped out.
“Very cute!” Sam approved.
“Is it time to make the s’mores yet?” Sarah asked.
“I’m not sure. Why don’t you girls go ask Kate. She’s in charge.”
“Ok, let’s go,” Becky said and raced off with Sarah close on her heels.
“They have so much energy,” Mia said.
Sam laughed. “Don’t I know it. They keep me on my toes.”
Mia looked up and was surprised to see Rick walk across the lawn. She hadn’t realized that he wasn’t already there. She looked around and saw Izzy sitting with Will, Kristen, and Tyler. Rick made a beeline for them, and even from a distance, Mia could see that his expression was stormy. She immediately tensed, worrying about Izzy. Sam noticed it and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. It’s just my sister. Her boyfriend just got here and doesn’t look like he’s in a great mood. They’ve been having some issues lately.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Mia watched as Izzy stood and went to talk to Rick, heading off a possible scene. They spoke for a few moments and whatever she said calmed him down. She led him to where the food was. He made a plate and joined them.
“Oh, looks like the girls are waving me over. Time to make s’mores. You interested?”
“I’ll be over in a few minutes. I want to go say hello to Izzy first.”
“You want to make sure she’s all right.”
Mia smiled. “That, too.”
She watched Sam head off to meet the girls and went to visit with Izzy and the others. She’d really enjoyed talking to Sam and was looking forward to their night out Monday night. She knew neither one of them were ready to think of it as a date, but maybe it was a step in that direction.
She pulled up a chair and joined the conversation at Izzy’s table. She was relieved to see that things seemed fine. Izzy was smiling and Rick was even talking and laughing with the others. Will looked like he was having a good time, too.
“How are you doing?” Mia asked Will when there was a free minute and the others were laughing about something.
“I’m good. I think honestly, our breakup was long overdue. I thought I was going to be more upset and not want to do anything for a while. But I’m actually feeling better than I have in a long time. Life is pretty good, I have to say. And I might even be ready to get back out there, which surprises the heck out of me.”
“Really? That’s great news. Do you have anybody