Page 7 of State of Grace

In one corner sat a baby grand piano, and Blake let her hands graze over the keys as she walked by. Vaguely, she could remember her mother teaching her how to play on that piano, and Blake tried not to let her emotions get the best of her, especially if she was going to meet her mother’s wife. Walking through the living room to the kitchen, she let her hand run over the back of the couch and along the molding on the pillar as she imagined what life would have been like if she’d been able to grow up with Isla and Vera in their gorgeous farmhouse.

“Blake?” She turned toward Isla’s voice as she entered the kitchen with a gorgeous blonde trailing behind her, whom Blake knew was Vera. When Vera’s eyes met Blake, she gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. “Vera, this is Blake. Blake, this is my wife, Vera.”

“It is so great to meet you.” Without any hesitation, Vera closed the gap between them and pulled Blake into a tight hug. Blake was unsure how to respond; she wasn’t used to people being genuinely happy to see her when they weren’t waiting in line at a fan convention. Slowly and uncertainly, Blake put her arms around Vera and hugged her back. Vera pulled away slightly as she framed Blake’s face with her hands. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“Um, yeah. Me too.”

“Are you hungry? I can fix you something to eat if you are.”

“Baby,” Isla came up behind Vera and wrapped her arms around her waist, “it’s almost midnight. I’m sure Blake is tired, aren’t you, honey?” She nodded a few times as Blake grinned.

“I am tired. It’s been a long day.”

“Ok, well,” Vera clasped her hands together. “We have a guest room downstairs that is already ready for company, and you’re welcome to use that. Or,” she looked at Isla, then back at Blake, “we have an apartment over the garage we can clean out if you want to stay longer.”

“Baby.” Playfully, Isla put a hand over Vera’s mouth as she kissed her cheek. “Come on, Blake. I’ll show you the guest room.” Blake followed behind Isla and Vera, hand in hand, to the surprisingly roomy guest bedroom at the back of the house, off the hallway from the kitchen. It was painted a baby blue color with a navy-blue comforter and matching pillows on the twin-size bed. “The bathroom is across the hall, and there are clean towels in the hall closet. There’re also toiletries and everything under the sink if you forgot to pack anything. If you need anything else, let us know.”

“Yes, we’ll be happy to get you anything you need.”

“Thank you both.” Blake set the backpack on the bed as she nodded. She tucked her hands into her jacket pockets. Vera beamed with happiness as she looped her arm around Isla’s. The three stood in awkward silence for a few moments before Isla clasped her hands together.

“Well, we’ll let you get some sleep. Our bedroom is at the top of the stairs on the left if you need anything. The kids will be up around six to get ready for school so, I’m sorry in advance if they wake you.” She snapped her fingers together. “Oh, and do you like dogs?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Good; we have two retrievers around here somewhere. One is a Golden – Holly – and she’s a pregnant goofball who’s probably lounging around here somewhere. And don’t let her sad eyes fool you. She has definitely already eaten.”

“Noted,” Blake said with a laugh.

“And our youngest, Everleigh, has a service dog. She has diabetes, and the dog notifies her when her blood sugar drops. Her name is Nala, and she’s a black lab.” The news of her youngest sister was so nonchalant that Blake didn’t ask further questions.

“Blake, what do you eat for breakfast?” Vera piped in.

“Um, anything is fine. I’m not a picky eater.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Baby, why don’t you go get one of those warm blankets from our closet and bring it down here for Blake.” Nodding quickly, Vera turned on her heels and was out the door quickly. “I’m sorry about my wife; she can get over-excited, and when that happens, her hostess mode goes into overdrive. She’s spent almost as much time missing you as I have.”

“I think she’s sweet.”

“She’s the best,” Isla’s voice was dreamy. She walked out in the hallway for a brief moment as she pulled Blake’s suitcase into the room. “I don’t know if this is something you’d be interested in, but I usually go for a run or sometimes a walk in the morning around the farm with Holly. It’s quiet and peaceful and gives me a good start to the day. If you’re ever interested in joining me.”

“Do you think you could keep up with me?” Blake teased as Isla laughed.

“Oh, little girl, the real question is can you keep up with me?”

“Here you go,” Vera walked back into the room carrying a large buffalo plaid Sherpa blanket. She handed it to Blake before retreating to the door beside Isla. “Well, you have a good night, Blake. We’ll see you in the morning.”

“Yes, have a good night, honey.” Isla nodded at Blake. Blake could tell she wanted to either hug her or say something else, but instead, she took Vera’s hand as they walked out the door together. Looking back over her shoulder before she pulled the door closed behind her, Isla smiled at Blake.

Once the door was closed, Blake collapsed onto the bed. Her body was exhausted from the emotional whirlwind she’d been on for the last twelve hours, and she needed sleep. Kicking off her shoes and curling up onto the bed, Blake snuggled up with the warmest blanket ever and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 4

Rock N Rolls was nearly empty by the time Alexis arrived at the corner diner. The lunch crowd had dispersed, and it was too early for even the early dinner crowd, which was precisely why she and Sophia often chose three p.m. as the time for their lunch dates. It gave them some quiet time and allowed Sophia to finish up all her classes at the university. As the dean of the English department, Sophia often worked long hours, and it was up to Emily and Alexis to ensure she left the office some days.

“Hey, Lex,” Julia D’Amaro, the owner of the diner, called out to her from behind the counter. She nodded toward the back of the restaurant with her chin. “Sophia’s already ordered yours.”

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