The View from Alameda Island - Robyn Carr Page 0,99

with a laugh.

“I’m just saying, I’m sure when I’m not in town, you have a much more interesting private relationship. I like Beau. He has a nice family. And I’m glad you found someone like him.”

“It’s a complete surprise,” Lauren said. “I wish I’d met him after the divorce was final, but at the rate we’re going...”

“When exactly did you meet him?” Cassie asked.

“Back in March. On the very day I put down a deposit on the house and asked my lawyer to have your father served right before my July first move-in date. I was prepared to stay with Beth but the landlord gave me the keys a few days early.”

“But he had nothing to do with—”

“Of course not,” she said. “He never made any such overtures. I ran into him the first day I shopped at Stohl’s and that’s the first time he told me he lived in the neighborhood. I had no idea. I invited him over for a glass of wine and he came back the next day, without being asked, to install new locks and that camera doorbell.” She was quiet a moment. “He helped me move some furniture, hang some shelves...and he kissed me four months later...”

“I wouldn’t say you’re rushing things,” Cassie said. “I made out with Jeremy on our first date! Made out like a rock star!”

“I’m trying to be sensible and cautious,” Lauren said. “And so is he. He’s going through a divorce, too. The difference is, he’s been separated over a year now. It should be over but...”

“But you both have spouses who won’t let it go?” Cassie said.

“And why?” she asked. “I don’t know what’s going on with Beau’s ex, but I do know she left him. And what’s up with mine? What does he want from me? All evidence suggests he despises me. Why doesn’t he want this over with?”

“He wants to win,” Cassie said.

“What would he win? A beaten-down, unhappy woman?”

“I didn’t say it was logical,” Cassie said. The pub came into view as did Lacey’s little BMW, parked out front. “Oh good, we’re not going to have to wait for her today.”

Lacey had herself a spacious booth and was already sipping a glass of white wine. She smiled when Lauren and Cassie came into view and that was such a relief. The girls had done well over the holidays—no squabbling, no taking sides. Of course they avoided the subject of the divorce, and for that Lauren was relieved.

“Are we late?” Lauren asked Lacey, giving her a peck on the cheek.

“Not a bit. I might be early. This is a great little hole in the wall. l love it. Walking distance for you, too.”

“I love this neighborhood,” Lauren said. “I’ve been known to walk down to do a little light shopping or grab a breakfast sandwich at Starbucks or a salad right here.”

They chatted while Cassie and Lauren looked over the menu and ordered; Cassie invited Lacey to come to Boston for a visit, though all she could offer was the couch and a door that closed. They even managed to laugh at Lacey’s complaints about Christmas with her father and grandmother. “I can’t believe you have left me to deal with him!”

“Hold on, sister mine! You did that to yourself—you don’t want to give up the allowance and for that luxury, you’re going to have lots of family dinners.”

“Lord, I hope not. Cassie, be a sport and make up with him! Then we’ll at least have each other and you’ll probably get back on the payroll!”

“What have I done to you two?” Lauren said, resting her head in her hand.

“I admit it, I’m a little spoiled,” Lacey said.

“A little?” Lauren and Cassie said together.

Their lunches were delivered, they laughed through lunch and Lauren felt a glimmer of hope. She’d filed for divorce right about June 28th. Today was December 28th—six months had passed and they were making crude and somewhat evil jokes about their parents throwing them into poverty.

“Not me,” Lauren said. “I just want to live a life free of control and meanness. And I’ll help you all I can while you both finish your educations, but that’s one of the reasons I wanted us to get together before we’re separated again. I have another challenge ahead. I was fired from my job.”

“What?” Cassie said. “You’ve been there forever! What was their reason?”

“They said that I hadn’t done anything wrong, but they were taking product development in a new direction and my position was no