Page 49 of The Husband Hour
“Yes, yes—it’s amazing, what they’ve done. I mean, that modern architecture isn’t for me but I can understand the appeal.”
“Well, this place is a classic. They don’t make them like this anymore.”
Beth looked around with a sigh. “It was my parents’ house, you know. I grew up coming here for the summers.”
“My father mentioned that you’re selling,” Neil said.
Beth looked at him, surprised. Well, she supposed people did talk.
“Yes.”
“Are you waiting until after the summer?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. It’s a fairly recent decision.”
“Well, I’d be interested.”
“You want to buy this house? You’re able to buy this house? How old are you, Neil? Thirty?”
He laughed. “Sad to say, I’m turning thirty-one in the fall. But I’m about to sell a big script, and aside from that, my father would always float me.”
“Well, let’s put this conversation on hold for the moment. I’m not in a rush, though my husband feels differently on the matter. He’s in Florida right now.”
“My parents love it there. They haven’t seen an East Coast winter in ten years.”
Neil walked to the mantel and looked at photos of Lauren and Stephanie.
“These are great,” he said, turning to her. “Is Lauren around?”
Beth smiled. “She’s at work. But why don’t you come by later? Have dinner with us. I’m sure she’d love to see you.”
“I feel ambushed,” Lauren whispered to her mother, though Neil Hanes couldn’t possibly overhear their conversation. They were in the kitchen and he sat outside at the table set for the dinner.
“That’s a bit dramatic,” Beth said, opening the bottle of wine. “And there’s plenty of time before the food is ready. Maybe go change out of your shorts and sneakers?”
Lauren glanced uneasily at the deck. What could she do? Flee and hide from visitors in her own home? She was exhausted after a nonstop day at the restaurant.
The front door opened and closed.
“Who else did you invite?” Lauren said. “Is this dinner going to be like an episode of The Bachelorette?”
Beth looked in the direction of the hallway. “I didn’t invite anyone else.”
Stephanie, with Ethan in tow, walked into the kitchen dragging a large suitcase.
“What are you doing back?” Beth said. “I thought you were in Philly until the middle of next week.”
“Yeah, well, plans changed,” Stephanie said. Ethan ran over to Beth and hugged her, then made his way to Lauren.
“Hey, cutie,” she said.
“E., run upstairs and put your stuff in your room. I need to talk to Gran for a sec.” Ethan dutifully scooted off. Stephanie pulled a bottle of wine from the refrigerator.
“Doesn’t he still have school?” Beth said.
“So he’ll miss the last few days. He’s six. I think Harvard will overlook it.”
“I don’t appreciate the sarcasm,” Beth said.
