Page 71 of The Estate
“I can understand that. Let’s get the doors open and just make sure we have enough chairs. How many do we need? Maybe six? Who’s able to make it? I know it was short notice.”
“Including you and I, we need nine chairs. Lottie, Lisa, Alex and Jason,” Rachel counted off on her fingers as they walked out onto the patio. “And of course, Adam and Jake.” she smiled, lifting two more fingers. “And rounding out the group, Jess.
“Speaking of which I appreciate you extending the invitation.”
“My pleasure.” Cal replied, moving the chairs around the patio table. “I know you said you were trying to do more things with her. I figured she’d love another visit.”
“She was excited when I called last night. Luckily, she wasn’t scheduled to work, so she didn’t have any conflicts. And… it means so much to me you remembered what I said. It’s been a slow process of rebuilding our relationship.”
“Really?” Cal asked, his face creased with concern. “Seeing you together the other night, I find that surprising.”
“We’ve come a long way recently,” Rachel replied. She paused, and Cal wasn’t sure if she’d continue. He didn’t want to pressure her, so he focused on getting the grill ready for Jake’s burger bonanza as they’d started calling it last night.
“She was in a bad relationship,” Rachel offered quietly. “He was… he isolated her. And it was a really difficult period.”
Cal looked over, taking in the tension in Rachel’s shoulders, the set scowl on her face, and her hands clenched by her side. It didn’t take a leap to put things together. Jess’ ex was scum—lower than scum—and Rachel wanted to do him great bodily harm. Without even knowing the details, Cal desired to do the same.
“I’m sorry, Rachel. For you and for Jess.”
His words seemed to pull her from whatever dark memories had taken hold.
“Oh. Thank you, Cal. That’s kind of you to say. Jess has been working hard to put it behind her. And she and I have been working our way back to each other.”
“That’s wonderful.” Again, Cal kicked himself for not taking the same approach with his brother, James. He really was the worst brother.
He vowed to call him this week and reconnect. They may not have much in common, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t be closer. “I really admire that you’re both committed to building that relationship.”
Rachel blushed, and it brought a smile to his face. Every time he thought she couldn't be more beautiful, she was. Before he could tease her about her embarrassment, voices came from the front of the house.
“PJ is a completely acceptable name!”
“It. Is. A. Plant.” A voice that must be Lisa’s retorted.
Cal’s eyes found Rachel’s. “Still?” he whispered.
Rachel laughed, “Still. Never let it be said that Alex was one to let go of something. Don’t tell her I said this.” Rachel leaned closer. “But sometimes, Alex reminds me of her mother.”
“Lord, help us,” Cal said, with a despairing gesture. “I still have nightmares about working with that mother of the bride.”
They both chuckled, and Cal was glad the serious moment was over. Today should be about good food, great people and a beautiful setting.
Lisa, Lottie, Alex and Jason rounded the corner, and Cal watched Rachel’s smile widen. It was good to see she was blessed with good friends as well.
The rest of the group arrived and everyone quickly jumped in to help get lunch ready. Not surprisingly, they decided on the food first and the tour later. Especially after Jake announced his burger artistry deserved top billing. Cal shook his head, listening to the easy banter of the group.
Glancing at the table, which was just about set, he dashed back to the kitchen for scissors. Back on the patio, he grabbed Rachel and handed them to her, grinning when she scowled at them. “Follow me,” he said, tilting his head off toward the edge of the patio. He took her hand to help her down the steps but didn’t let go as they walked to the building’s entrance.
“I thought the table could use a splash of color,” he explained as they approached the hydrangea bushes.
“Oh,” Rachel replied cheerfully, obviously happy with his decision. “But are you sure, Cal? I don’t want harvesting the flowers to affect the aesthetic of the front facade.”
“Absolutely,” he said, motioning toward the rear of the plants. “There are bunches of flowers you can’t see from the walkway.” He took the scissors from her. “No one will be wiser.”
They worked their way down the line of plants, Cal cutting and Rachel holding the flowers. As they rounded the side of the house, Rachel asked, “I know the hydrangeas were your grandmother’s favorite. Have you thought about adding them elsewhere on the grounds? They certainly seem to thrive here.”
Cal was startled that Rachel remembered such a minor detail, and it filled him with affection that she had. It was almost as if her remembering that kept a piece of his grandmother alive.
Clearing his throat, he nodded. “I have, actually. I think I’d like some at the chapel and the distillery, if that ever comes into being.”
