Page 114 of The Holiday Hate-Off
I tell her about my talk with Amanda near the bridge, and she nods knowingly, as if she’s not the least bit surprised.
“It’s a special place,” she says. “A place of wonders. I’m happy she and Portia have taken a shine to each other. They’re a beautiful pairing. Grumpy and sunshine. Some people think like takes to like, but most of the time we do best with people who are unlike ourselves. What better way is there to learn and grow?”
“Were you and Murray like that?”
“Oh, yes,” she says with a distant smile. “The first time I met him, I couldn’tstandhim.”
“Really?” It’s hard to imagine Eileen disliking anyone, let alone the man she’s mourned for years.
“He made assumptions about me because I used to be a beauty queen. He was the accountant I went to for help with my taxes. But he quickly learned the error of his ways, and we had a beautiful relationship.”
“I wish I could have known him.”
She looks me in the eye and says, “In a way, you do. You know him because you know this place where he lived, because you knowme, and he and I spent years helping shape each other. I’d like to think I know your mother in the same way.”
Tears burn in my eyes. “Oh, Eileen,” is all I can say. Leave it to her to find something so beautiful in grief.
She pats my hand. “Come. Let’s sit and talk.”
We each pick up a mug, and she leads the way to the cozy corner booth. I slide in next to her and sip the drink, letting its sweetness settle me. “Delicious, what is it?”
She beams at me. “A sugar cookie latte. It’s one of the themed days on the town calendar, so I thought we might as well prepare for it.”
She pauses, and I wonder if it’s my turn to talk.
“So,” I start. “I suppose you heard that I drank a little too much and Enzo helped me get back to my cat-sitting house.”
“I did,” she says with a grin, as if I’m a prized student who just earned an A+. “He’s an honorable boy, so I knew you’d come to no harm. You know, the reason I didn’t go to the lobster trap tree lighting last night was because I was having a delightful dinner with his grandmother.”
Dread sits heavy in the pit of my stomach.
“Oh?”
“Yes, she invited me over to discuss some past business.” Sighing, she adds, “I’m afraid this whole banning thing started because of me. Francesca has been holding a grudge over what happened with Enzo’s mother. Daniela and I were friendly before she left town, and Francesca was certain I was the one who’d told her to leave.”
My eyes widen. “You never would have told her to abandon her children.”
“No, of course not,” Eileen says, frowning. “And it’s unthinkable that she did. Marco wouldn’t have fought her for custody. But Ididtell her to leave him. Enzo’s parents weren’t a love match, Lucy. It’s so important to love the person you marry, because marriage isn’t easy.” She sips her drink. “Even with my Murray. We made a choice to love each other every day, and to let that love push us past everything else. Because there will always be arguments and grudges, and if you don’t let love lead the way, you’ll stumble over them.”
I lean toward her, riveted. “But they didn’t have that?”
Her expression turns sad. “They liked each other well enough in the beginning, but they didn’t know each other. You can’t truly love someone without knowing their flaws and your own. By the time she left, there was only resentment between them. Those children were so young. Thank goodness they had their grandparents here in town.”
I think of little Enzo, left to take care of his siblings and the family business, and I feel a surge of empathy for him. I know as well as anyone what it’s like to have to take on too much, too soon. The weight can be crushing.
No, Lucy. You’re not supposed to fall for him!
Shoving the thought down as deep as it will go, I ask, “Did you and Daniela stay friends?”
She traces the rim of her mug, her gaze far off. “Murray and I tried to have children for a long time. I went to the Wishing Bridge hundreds of times and begged for them, but it never happened. Then we were told by a doctor that it never would. I couldn’t forgive Daniela for leaving those beautiful children behind. Truthfully, I didn’t want to forgive her.”
“I’m so sorry,” I say, reaching for her hand and squeezing it.
“Oh, that’s all in the past.” She pats my hand. “And I realized that the bridgedidgrant my wishes.” She smiles at me, hereyes full of love. “I may not have children of my own, but I have you and Charlie and all the wonderful young people in this town who come to me for advice and some warmth and comfort. It’s more than enough, my dear.”
But I wonder, suddenly, if it is. Eileen spends so much time worrying about other people.Lovingus. It seems unconscionable for her to be alone.
“I love you,” I say honestly. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through this past year without you and Charlie. And I definitely would be struggling more with this season if I didn’t have your Advent calendar.”
