Page 57 of The Wish List
“This is not what I expected. What is ‘the return to her heart’? How much did you add to the book?” she asked, looking between Greer and her mother. “I thought it was only a new introduction.”
May gave a lopsided smile. “It’s more. Big change. I change.”
“You’ll understand when you read it,” Greer said. “This isn’t how May or I planned things to go, but perhaps it’s better this way. You should read the entire book before sharing it with Beth and Freya. You might understand more than they do with regards to what your mother was feeling.”
Trinity breathed out a laugh. “That would be a first. You carry this around with you?”
Greer’s mouth tightened as he ran a hand through his thick dark hair. “I’ve been reading it to May when I visit, and she’s been reading sections to me as her speech returns. She is adamant about not pushing back the publication date, and I want to give her as many chances as I can to understand what that means as far as the content of the book.”
“I know.” May pressed a hand to her chest, shiny new nails glinting in the lamplight. “I undstand,” she said softly. “My words. I know them.”
She looked at Trinity. “I know you. You des-serve nice man. New, strong, Trinny.”
Trinity could have burst into tears right there but managed to hold herself together. “Your lips to God’s ear, Mama.”
She glanced at her watch. “I need to go. I’ll read it as soon as I can,” she promised Greer, “but you don’t get to dictate when or what I can share with Beth and Freya. I’ll make that decision.”
A look of respect flashed in his gray eyes. “Your mother is right, Trinity. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“I right,” May said with a nod.
“Thanks.” She dropped a quick kiss on her mother’s forehead. With a last nod at Greer, she hurried out of the room, clutching the book to her stomach with one hand and her purse that held Freya’s manuscript close to her side with the other.
Once in the parking lot, she took a few cleansing breaths of the evening air and then got in her car. She shoved the book between her seat and the console, not wanting to be distracted at the moment.
It was only a ten-minute drive to downtown, and she found a parking spot in front of the Italian restaurant, which she chose to take as a sign. She could use all the good karma signs she could get.
As she opened the door to Il Rigatone, a young boy rushed around her and into the restaurant.
“Andrew Thomas Guilardi,” a feminine voice called from behind her. “Where are your manners?”
The boy stopped and backed up with almost comically slow steps. “Sorry, lady. I’m real hungry. Let me hold the door for you.”
“Thank you, kind sir,” Trinity said with a smile. “You have lovely manners. Your mother raised you well.”
“That’s a work in progress,” the woman who had called out to the boy said as she followed Trinity into the restaurant. “I see you’ll soon be doing the same.” The woman gestured to Trinity’s stomach.
“With my own son.” Trinity felt her heart stutter as she said the words to the dark-haired stranger. They felt more comfortable rolling off her tongue than she would have expected.
“Boys are awesome.” The woman stuck out her hand. “I’m Angi Guilardi.”
“Trinity Carlyle. I grew up in Magnolia, and I remember when your parents ran this place. It’s nice that you’ve kept it in the family.”
Angi rolled her eyes in a good-natured way. “No pressure, right? My family still owns the restaurant, but I’ve given over most of the daily operations to a new chef and manager. I take care of catering at the Wildflower Inn. Are you familiar with it?”
Trinity shook her head. “I came back to town recently.”
“How’s your mom doing?”
“Pretty well, all things considered.”
Angi nodded. “I get those things. My mom had a heart attack a little over a year ago. Andrew and I moved in with her for a while. It felt like my life was over. But she’s doing well now and getting along better than ever. I wish the same for your mom.”
“Thank you. Me, too.” Trinity smiled. “I won’t keep you, though. I’m meeting someone.” Her smile grew as Ash waved from a booth in the back.
Angi followed Trinity’s gaze. “I don’t think I have to tell you to have a good time.”
“It’s just dinner.”
