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“I head to the clinic in the mornin’, and I don’t know what he does all day, but he makes delicious meals every night.”
“His dad’s been helpin’ him cook,” Willow said.
“And he’s been stockin’ the pantry. It’s almost full. And it’s just… it’s just sogood, Will. It’s perfect. Except that he’s leavin’.”
“He say when?”
Maria glanced across the yard at Harry. He was chatting it up with Bubba and Baxter. The guys had really bonded. “He’s doing a private demo tomorrow for several ethical companies that are truly working for the common good. This time, they’re coming to him. Uncle Garrett said they could set up the demo out in the lower meadow.”
“And?”
“And after that, I guess he can do whatever he wants. He’ll get a big fat check, and royalties, which will be split with his partners’ survivors, and probably offers from all his dream jobs at universities and research facilities and the like.”
“Sounds like his life’s right back on track, then.”
“It is.” Maria sighed, then deliberately changed topics. “What’s gon’ happen to Carrie?”
“She’ll do some time. Less than she would have, because Harrison says she saved his life, at risk of her own.”
Maria hoped Carrie’s share of income from the solar tile would be enough to get excellent care for her husband, John. The poor man.
Lily was weaving her way toward them. She was wearing a pretty sun dress and a big straw hat over her silver-blond hair, holding a longneck bottle of beer, and smiling as if it wasn’t her first.
“Do you see my father?” she asked as she got closer. “Look at him!”
Maria looked where Lily pointed, to the horseshoe pit where the uncles were taking turns. Hyram was up, and his throws were impressive.
“It’s the dry heat,” Lily said. “His cough has all but stopped since he’s been down here.”
Willow raised her eyebrows very high and looked at Maria. Maria said, “Really? Wow, Harry didn’t tell me that. Or, um, doesn’t he know?”
“Oh, he knows,” Lily said, and tapped her bottle to Maria’s pop can.
“What doesthatmean?”
“Nothing.” But she said it in that up-pitched way that meant something.
“Lily?”
“Oh, your aunt Chelsea needs a hand. Coming, I’m coming!” she called as she ran away toward Aunt Chelsea, who had apparently turned invisible.
“Well, what in the all-fired heck was that about?” Maria asked.
Willow shrugged. “Why don’t you try to relax and enjoy yourself while they’re still here? Maybe do what Harry said, don’t give up on him. And let go of that need of yours to know exactly what happens next before it happens.
“I don’t do that.”
“You totally do that.”
“You do,” said Drew, who had sidled up beside them.
Maria frowned, reflecting. “Maybe I do. A little.”
“Let’s help clean up. It’s gettin’ dark. The boys are fixin’ to start a bonfire.”
Maria threw herself into helping out. They had it down to a science, these weekend family barbecues. Leftovers were boxed up and put away, dishes were rinsed and loaded, kitchen counters were wiped down.
The guys took care of washing down and folding up the outside tables, cleaning the grills, and starting a small fire, which was done with extreme care, due to the hot, dry conditions.
