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Like all the houses in this little development, the “Mansion” was up on pilings.
Caitlin bounded down the front steps to greet her with hugs as she stopped the car and stepped out.
“It’s so great you’re here,” Caitlin exclaimed. “Look at you, you’re nothing but skin and bones. Wait until Mom sees you.”
Jenni’s face heated up again.
They called it the divorce diet, and in the past year, she’d not only lost interest in the world around her but in food as well.
She knew that since Caitlin had last seen her, she had lost probably twenty pounds, pounds she really didn’t need to lose.
They had both played tennis at the University of South Carolina and had always been in good shape.
“I guess I just don’t eat much anymore,” Jenni admitted. “But I can assure you that your mom’s cooking will no doubt entice me. And I am starving.”
Caitlin gave her friend a knowing look. “I realize this past year has been hard for you, but you’ve got to start living again. Where’s my old Jenni?”
When Jenni didn’t answer, and just looked at the horizon, Caitlin quickly retreated. “I’m sorry. I know I’m pushy. Let’s get your stuff upstairs and get ready to eat. I’m anxious to hear about the crazy adventure you mentioned.”
“And the surprise?” Jenni asked.
“After dinner,” said Caitlin as she grabbed one of Jenni’s bags and headed up the steps. “Come on. Time for a glass of wine before dinner.”
Barb Thomas met them at the door and gave Jenni another huge hug. “It’s so good to see you, Jenni,” she exclaimed. “My word, you’re thin. I’m so sorry about, well, about what happened, but I am glad you’re here now. Caitlin has been counting the hours.”
“Thanks, Miss Barb,” Jenni said as she took a deep breath returning the hug. “It has been rough for sure, but I’m working on things.”
Barb stepped aside, and Jenni saw a woman who looked a lot like Barb, just a bit older.
“Jenni, this is my sister, May Ellen Randall. She’s here for the weekend as well.”
Jenni reached out to shake May Ellen’s hand and wondered what had precipitated her visit here at the same time. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Randall.”
“Please, just call me May Ellen. And it’s time you started calling Barb by her first name. None of that Miss Barb stuff. Makes us feel ancient,” May Ellen said, winking at Barb.
“It’s just so hard for me to make that change,” admitted Jenni, laughing. “Upbringing and all, I guess. But I’ll try.”
True to form, dinner was ready in a few minutes, and Jenni and Caitlin moved from the porch, where they’d been enjoying a glass of wine while looking at the sound, to the dining room table.
Jenni thought she’d never tasted anything as good as Barb’s lasagna and was happily lost in a food reverie when Caitlin asked her about her “adventure” on the drive down.
After asking for a second glass of wine, Jenni began to tell them about getting stuck in the sand.
“You are so lucky that you didn’t have to call a tow,” Caitlin exclaimed. “That’s really expensive. But more importantly, tell us more about your knight in shining armor.”
“Well, I think his shining armor was a Ford F-150, but I honestly can’t tell you anything about him,” Jenni replied, pushing a stray bit of noodle around on her plate. “He was OK, I guess.”
“Hmmm.” Caitlin looked carefully at Jenni. “I know you really well, and I just get the feeling you’re not telling us everything.”
“Not much to tell, honestly.” Jenni looked up. “He and his buddies are here for some sort of big deal fishing tournament.”
She noticed that glances were being exchanged among the three other women in the room, and Caitlin took a large gulp of wine before looking directly back at Jenni.
“Yes, well, about that tournament,” she began. “You see, I knew it was going on this weekend, but I figured it would be OK because while Mom, Aunt May Ellen, Aunt Liz, and I were fishing, you could just relax here at the house. Then we could regale you with our fishing tales when we got home.”
“But…” said Jenni slowly, noting that Aunt Liz apparently was not in the house. “What?”
Caitlin grinned sheepishly. “My Aunt Liz, Mom’s other sister, has Covid, and so there was no way she could make the trip. Mom just found out yesterday. So, we thought you could be our fourth angler. We have to have four.” Caitlin tried to finish with a positive flourish. “And that’s my surprise!”
