Page 45 of Axel

“Mother is always in her element whenever she has to entertain.”

The woman under discussion, came forward with outstretched hands, a smile on her face.

“My dear, how lovely you look.” She exclaimed admiring the teal blue sweater and faded denims.

“Thank you. Something smells wonderful.”

“Rosemary chicken. I made my own sauce and everything.” Taking her hand, Caitlin led her to the table that was set just inside the painted wooden gazebo. “I hope you are hungry.”

“I am. My goodness! You must spend most of your time out here.”

“Mom does. She personally cultivated the various gardens.” Cathy pulled out a chair and sat. “If it was up to her, she would spend all her hours tending to her plants.”

“I strongly believe that being among living things is being near to the Almighty.” Being the perfect hostess, Caitlin prepared plates for all of them. “How have you been?”

“Wonderful.” Ellie told her with a laugh. “I am almost finished with the article and am pleased with the direction it’s taken.”

“So, you will soon be leaving us.” Cathy murmured.

“I should.” She hedged as she dug into her baby potatoes. “It’s funny,” She laughed softly. “I always swore I would never be caught dead in a small town. I am used to all the bright lights, not the iridescent glow from the moon,” She glanced over at the slats where the full moon was shining through the leaves of the trees.

“But coming here has made me a believer. It’s so peaceful and breathtaking here.”

“I would never want to live anywhere else.” Caitlin admitted.

They were almost at the end of the meal, when Ellie mentioned Axel.

“Will he be here, do you think? I wanted to go over some last-minute details with him.” She had bent her head to spoon the delicious raspberry tarte into her mouth and missed the glances exchanged between mother and daughter.

“How about some coffee?” Cathy sprang up from her chair.

“I don’t…,” Ellie’s voice trailed off as she stared at first Cathy and then Caitlin. Both faces revealed what wasn’t said. What she feared.

Caitlin broke the silence, a look of regret and anger on her lovely face.

“He said he had an emergency business meeting.”

“He left.” Putting down her spoon, Ellie stared at the woman. Sliding back the chair, Cathy sat back down.

“This morning.”

“I see.”

“We had hoped…,” Cathy looked first at her mother before staring at Ellie. “My brother is an idiot.”

“When is he coming back?” She did not recognize her own voice.

Caitlin busied herself with the utensils and avoided her eyes. “He said a few weeks, he wasn’t certain.”

“I see.” Ellie was hanging onto her control by her fingernails. She could not – would not break down in front of his family.

“My dear, I am not making excuses for my son, but he has trust issues…”

“I have some more questions- “She broke off foolishly, realizing that they already knew what had transpired between her and Axel. It was obvious. They had left together after dinner that night. She had to leave. She couldn’t stay here.

She had been a fool, and the two women were aware of it. It was obvious that she was in love with him. That she had been hoping…

Pushing back her chair, she stumbled to her feet. Both Cathy and Caitlin sprang up as well.

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