Page 46 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“She misses them,” Maisie says. Then she walks over to place her letter next to one tree and the flowers next to the other. She looks at me. “So Daddy doesn’t feel left out.” She shrugs.

We walk back to the car together with Maisie’s hand in mine. “I’m proud of you both,” I say. I look at Kara in the rearview mirror. She scoffs quietly but I heard it. She continues looking out the window. I let it go because I know she’s lashing out in pain. I get it.

“How about we all go out for a nice dinner to celebrate Annie tonight?”

“Yes! Mom would like that.” Maisie turns to look at Kara. “Don’t you think she would?”

“I don’t know,” Kara says softly.

“Where was Annie’s favorite place to eat?” I turn right onto the highway.

“Umm…” Maisie thinks aloud. “Olive Garden?”

“No,” Kara speaks up. “It was The Courtyard.”

“You’re right,” I say, surprised that Kara engaged with us. “Let’s go there tonight. We’ll get spiffed up and have dinner and dessert. What do you say?”

“I vote yes!” Maisie’s response is immediate.

“Sure.” Kara surprises me again.

I call the restaurant and get a reservation for three people at six o’clock. It’s not a fancy place, but it gets busy around dinnertime.

I’m glad we’re doing this for Annie. The girls deserve to celebrate their mom and keep up with traditions. Hell, I need this as much as they do.

* * *

The downtown area looks straight from a catalog promoting small-town life. Street lamps on every block, a monument in front of the courthouse and buildings all around the square that have been here since the early days. There are places to eat, shop, or get a lawyer. It’s quite charming. I always loved coming here with Annie.

I parallel park on the street in front of the restaurant. Music fills the air from speakers nearby. It’s modern pop. Maisie starts singing as she dances on the sidewalk.

“You look like a dork.” Kara shakes her head.

“I love it,” I say, motioning for her to come along toward the restaurant. Maisie skips ahead of us. Kara walks along my side. “You look very pretty, honey.” I smile at her, but she looks away without a word.

Maisie opens the restaurant’s big wooden door. I hold it open for Kara to go ahead. It’s already busy, with few free tables left. Booths line each wall, looking out over the dining area. Near the screened front, by the raised garage doors letting in fresh air, are four round tables that seat two. It’s cozy but modern, with exposed brick, wooden ceiling beams, and white holiday lights strewn overhead.

“Hi there,” the hostess greets Maisie.

“Hi!” Maisie smiles.

“We have a reservation for Allie Tatum at six,” I say.

“Right this way.” The hostess picks up the menus and walks us to a half-round booth. Maisie hops in first, sliding to the center, putting me and Kara on each side of her. She places the menus in front of us. “Your server will be with you shortly.”

“I forgot how lovely this place is.” I smile at the girls. “Want to get an appetizer?”

“Mozzarella sticks?” Kara asks.

“With ranch please,” Maisie adds.

When the server stops by, we place our drink and appetizer order. It doesn’t take long to get our drinks. I look over the menu, unsure of what I want. It’s been a while since I’ve been here.

As I look up to ask the girls what they’re getting for their entrée, I see a familiar face walking through the door. Sam is stunningly beautiful, wearing her hair long and straight. A green cardigan coupled with a white undershirt stops at her elbows. Her ankle-length jeans fit perfectly above the brown open-toed wedges. She’s certainly eye-catching.

I haven’t seen or spoken to her in over a week. I lift my hand to wave when she turns to smile at another familiar face walking behind her. Ginger. Ginger is with Sam. I watch unnoticed as they are led to a small table in the front corner. Ginger pulls the chair out for Sam, and my stomach churns in disgust. Wow! That’s about the extent of my shock. This sweet tea I’m drinking isn’t strong enough for what I’m seeing right now.

“Mozzarella sticks with ranch and marinara sauce,” the server says, placing the food in the middle of the table and handing us each a plate. “Would you like to order now, or should I come back?”