Page 15 of The Calendar of New Beginnings
“It was so nice to see you and Andy together again last night,” April said, pouring herself another cup of coffee. She and Ellen stood next to each other, a united front, while Lucy ate off the kitchen island. “Your friendship has certainly stood the test of time. Just like mine with yourmother.”
The two women put their arms around each other with sisterly affection.
“Yeah, we’ve done pretty good, Shorty,” her mother said, making April laugh.
Was her mother quoting rap lyrics? Lucy didn’t want to know.
“Andy is doing better, I suppose,” April continued. “Moving back here was the best decision he could have made. He’s been able to spend more time with Danny.”
According to Andy, that was one of the main reasons he’d made the plunge. He didn’t want to miss out on anything as Danny grew up. Moreover, he needed to be mother and father to the little boy, and long hospital hours weren’t conducive to quality family time.
“It was good for me too,” April continued, “coming back here. I get to be a hands-on grandma and reconnect with all of my old friends.”
Lucy watched April and Ellen share a look before they turned their attention on her. She felt as pinned down as a butterfly in a display case.
“Like you get to reconnect with Andy,” her mother added, as if April hadn’t already laid the groundwork brilliantly.
Lucy took another bite of her steaming eggs. She couldn’t talk with her mouth full.
“Danny’s growing like a weed,” her mother continued. “He’s as cute as button and then some.”
Subtle, Mother.She gulped her coffee next, burning her mouth.
“Just like his father,” April said, grabbing the coffee pot and topping off her mug.
“I’m glad to see you’reeating so well, Lucy,” her mother said, eyeing her plate. “You’re too skinny. All that traveling overseas is hard on you.”
“I’m fine.” Lucy gave her a look before shoveling in more eggs.
“That’s a great segue to our project,” April said, setting her mug on the island. “We were hoping to get your help. With all your photography experience, this will be a piece of cake.”
Lucy’s chewing slowed. Why were the hairs on the back of her neck suddenly standing at attention?
“What project?” she asked, seeing no escape.
Her mom rested a hand on her shoulder.Oh, no.Not the hand-on-the-shoulder move!
“You know those calendars you take photos for?” April asked. “The ones of the poor kids in Africa?”
“Yes,” she said cautiously, gritting her teeth at the description.
“They look great, dear,” her mom said, pointing to the current year calendar hanging on the side of the refrigerator. “But really sad too.”
Sad was her mother’s code for bad. Ellen O’Brien didn’t do sad. Lucy set her fork down. “What do you want me to do?”
April tucked her salt-and-pepper hair behind her ears. “We want you to shoot the photos for a calendar we’ve organized to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research.”
Lucy knew about April’s recent scare. And of course there was Kim. “What kind of photos did you have in mind?” Could she even shoot them with her vision being what it was? She hadn’t taken a single photo since the accident. Hadn’t been able to pick up her Leica.
April shared a look with her mother. “You tell her. It was your idea.”
Somehow that kindled fear in her very heart. Her mother was known for her outlandish ideas.
“Have you seen the movieCalendar Girls, honey?” her mother asked. “The one with Helen Mirren?”
“I didn’t catch that one,” she said, trying to remember the last movie she’d seen. “I don’t get to see many movies, Mom.”
Her mother patted her shoulder. “It’s a British film about women raising money for some medical issue—can’t remember what kind right now. Doesn’t matter. And all the women in the calendar show a little skin. If you know what I mean.” The grin on her face told Lucyexactlywhat she meant.
