that these days life is very different around here. With the changes in our building,’ Elaine said in a faintly accusatory tone.
‘Dory told me that Chris Ennis moved out to be near the prison where Joy is waiting for her trial, and the group home where Therese has been placed,’ said Alex.
‘Yes,’ said Elaine tartly. ‘We have some very noisy students upstairs now.’
‘That’s too bad,’ said Seth. ‘Although, after what happened, I can’t imagine you all living in the same building any longer.’
‘No, of course not,’ said Elaine.
‘I imagine you miss Therese though,’ said Alex.
Elaine looked at her indignantly. ‘Miss Therese? After what she did to Lauren? I hardly think so.’
‘I know, but after all those years of treating her like a granddaughter . . .’
Garth’s face seemed to lose all its color and he quickly, furtively wiped his eyes with the heel of his hand.
‘Therese is dead to me now,’ said Elaine angrily. ‘I never think about her.’
Just then the front door opened and slammed shut again, and the heavy thud of boots being kicked off could be heard upstairs.
‘I’m home!’ Dory cried out. She appeared at the top of the steps in her stocking feet. Her strawberry-blonde hair was pinned up in a messy knot, and she could have passed, from a distance, for a teenager. She was wearing an old, shapeless sweater and jeans, the colors of which were dulled by a gossamer layer of animal fur. She was carrying a bouquet of flowers. ‘Mom, I brought you . . .’ She stopped short when she saw Alex and Seth sitting with her parents in the great room.
Alex was actually surprised at how happy she was to see her. ‘Dory,’ she said. She stood up and reached out to embrace her.
Dory looked anxiously at her mother, and then back at Alex. ‘Oh, no,’ she said, pulling away. ‘I’m covered with dog hair.’
‘So am I,’ said Alex, insisting on a hug. ‘Remus is missing you.’
Dory’s smile was painful. ‘That’s good,’ she said. ‘I mean, good that he still thinks of me.’
‘Regina called me the other day. She said she’s got a beauty of a pup and she’s hoping for someone to adopt him.’
‘Are you going to take him?’ Dory asked.
‘Not me. I meant you.’
‘No. Not in this house,’ Elaine said immediately.
‘I thought the only reason you couldn’t have pets was because of Lauren,’ said Alex.
‘I’m not adopting anyone else’s problems,’ said Elaine. ‘Thank you very much.’ If Elaine was sorry for how cruel her remark sounded, given Dory’s origins, she gave no indication of it.
Dory’s gaze was blank. ‘I don’t need a dog,’ she said.
‘Maybe when you get your own place,’ said Garth encouragingly.
‘Are you moving?’ Alex asked.
Dory looked taken aback. ‘No,’ she said.
Alex nodded. ‘Oh. Well, never mind.’
‘Mom, I brought you these flowers,’ said Dory. ‘Down by the Back Bay station.’
Elaine looked at the flowers without expression. ‘There’s a vase under the sink, Dory. Put them in water or they’ll die.’
Dory obediently went to the sink and rummaged around for the vase. Alex walked over to her. Seth, understanding his mission, began to talk to Garth about an old church which was being demolished in Dorchester.
‘Hey,’ said Alex. ‘How are you doing?’
‘Good,’ said Dory, nodding. She took out two vases and compared them, holding the bouquet against each one.
‘I haven’t seen you in so long,’ said Alex.
‘I know,’ said Dory. ‘Which one do you think?’
‘This one,’ said Alex.
Dory put the other vase away and began to fill Alex’s choice with water. ‘So, you just decided to drop by? My mother always says to call first.’
‘Your mother’s right. I should have,’ said Alex. ‘But there was something I wanted to ask you. Seth and I have set a date for the wedding.’
Dory nodded, unsmiling. ‘Congratulations.’
‘Thanks. It’s only going to be a small affair, but I still need a maid of honor. I was wondering if you might want to do it. Be my maid of honor.’
Dory looked surprised, and then a smile broke slowly in her eyes. ‘Really? You want me to do it?’
‘Yes,’ said Alex. ‘You’re my sister.’
Dory glanced over at Elaine, who was watching her. ‘Wow. That’s really nice of you,’ she said.
‘Will you do it?’
Dory sighed, and then squared her shoulders. ‘Sure. I’ll do it.’
‘You may have to go shopping with me. Try on dresses.’
‘I guess I can do that,’ said Dory.
Alex embraced her once again, and Dory endured it stiffly.
Elaine came over and took the vase of flowers from the side of the sink.