Nowhere but Home A Novel - By Liza Palmer Page 0,115

Cal. Cal stands and is immediately enveloped by Reed. I look up and see Cal close his eyes and then, embarrassed, hide his face in the crook of Reed’s neck. Reed puts his hand on the back of Cal’s head and smooths his hair, comforting him. I hear Dee sniffle and ask Shawn to pass her her purse. She needs her tissues, she says when the boys ask her why. Fawn just leans on Pete, watching as Cal and Reed hug. I look from Cal and Reed to Merry Carole. She’s officially crying, dabbing at her mascara to no avail.

I look over at Rose and she just smiles.

“Cake,” she says, lifting up her hand (and mine) to point at the decadence she feels is being ignored in the center of the table.

“Who wants cake?” I ask, to Rose’s delight. Reed takes his place next to Merry Carole and they share a kiss only when they think they’re not the center of attention. I see Merry Carole whisper “I love you,” as they stand together. He wipes her tears and says he loves her, too.

“We’d love some,” Dee finally squeaks out, as her boys begin to revolt against all the gushy stuff that’s clearly taking time away from the important things in life.

Like cake.

24

Inmate #8JM-31245:

Barbecue, vegetable plate, baked beans, sweet tea, fried cherry pie, and an apple

I load my canvas bags filled with groceries, other supplies, and the barbecue into my car the next morning after my run with Cal and West. Cal is getting back to his old self, although he’s still a bit fragile. From the normalcy of West’s conversation, I’m guessing that Whitney hasn’t talked to him yet. I hope she does. I trust she will. I saw Everett and Arrow this morning. We made small talk as I wheezed and tried to catch my breath, all the while screaming in my head, “Why didn’t you tell me what your mother did?” Instead I just begged for water and told him I’d see him tomorrow.

“You heading out?” Merry Carole says, coming out of her bedroom cinching her robe. Last night’s party went on until a little after eight thirty, but with the kids there were baths and bedtimes for all. I, on the other hand, set timers and checked on my brisket all night. I am worn out as I pour coffee into my travel mug and look forward to coming home right after this meal. Pure exhaustion is the only thing that’s keeping me from getting melancholy about not driving over to Everett’s beautiful home for a drink after.

“Yeah, I just want to get this day over with,” I say, twisting the lid tight on my travel mug.

“I’ll wait up for you,” Merry Carole says. She reaches up to the cabinet for a coffee mug and I catch a glimpse of a sparkle.

“Well, look at that. Are you wearing your engagement ring?” I ask, walking over to her and grabbing her hand.

“Yes,” she says, downright defiant. She holds out her hand, finally flashing the diamond proudly. It’s a beautiful ring, and more beautiful that she’s finally letting herself wear it—even after Whitney’s little cubic zirconia dustup the other day.

“And are you going to keep it on outside this house?”

“Yes. And I’m going to meet Cal over at the Homestead for breakfast. Then I might just pop on over to the post office for absolutely nothing at all,” Merry Carole says, giddy.

“Damn right you will,” I say, the emotion of yesterday still near at hand.

“Okay, you’d better get going. I’ll tell you how far Piggy Peggy’s mouth dropped open, don’t worry. I’ll also make sure she knows how you had to dump Hudson for being too clingy, not to worry,” she says.

“You’re a genius,” I say, grabbing my keys off the counter. Merry Carole walks over to the door and opens it for me. She stands aside as I walk out into the morning air.

“I’ll be here when you get back,” she says, shielding her eyes from the already glaring sun. I nod and she gives me a quick wave before closing the door behind me. I climb into my car, put my key in the ignition, and . . . the Starburst. Gone. I turn the key and remember that my keys were next to the door when I left this morning on my run. They were on the counter when I returned. As I back out of Merry Carole’s driveway I imagine my sister sneaking out