That's really sweet, Scout. She heard him roll over in bed.
Are the young lovebirds still asleep? she asked.
It's not even seven yet, so I'd say it's likely.
Kat opened the drapes in her bedroom, and looked out over the quaint scene of Laurel Lane in the morning. She hoped that in each of those houses there would be peace today.
I'm sorry for waking you, but I'm just so excited! Kat padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. I'm going to begin all the turkey prep work and start some of the side dishes.
Riley chuckled. You really are enjoying this, aren't you?
It's my home and my family and my chance to do things differently, so, yes, I'm enjoying this.
I love you, Kat. Do you know how much I love you?
A lot?
You got that right. Now, would you mind if I go back to sleep?
She giggled. Of course not. Be here around noon, OK? Please don't forget the six extra chairs.
We'll bring 'em in the truck. Bye, sweetie.
Kat spent the next several hours in glorious solitude, puttering around her kitchen, drinking coffee and listening to her music as loud as she wanted. With Aidan and Nola both here in Persuasion today, she didn't feel the slightest internal pull east toward Baltimore. And once Phyllis' donation made her part of the clinic forever, she'd be here in Persuasion, too, in spirit.
Cliff had called about ten o'clock last night to let Kat know that he, Barbara, and the grandkids were checked into Cherry Hill. He told Kat how much he was looking forward to the visit. Jeff and his partner, Richard, arrived earlier yesterday evening, and Jeff couldn't stop raving about Cherry Hillhe thought it was absolutely charming.
Jeff sounded cheerful, but Kat had gotten to know him since the Caymans, so she was able to detect the hint of melancholy in his voice. He was in Persuasion because his own family in Vermont had reacted coolly to his coming out and told him they were uncomfortable having Richard for the holidays. When Kat invited Richard and Jeff, he had leaped at the offer.
She looked forward to seeing him again.
By ten, Kat had everything under control and had showered and dressed.
She'd chosen her outfit with the newspaper photos in mind, selecting a subdued eggplant turtleneck and a pair of black dress slacks. Nola arrived by ten-thirty, bringing a huge pan of lasagna in case there wasn't enough turkey to go around.
For the next hour or so Nola and Kat put the finishing touches on the table, including setting out the floral centerpiece she'd whipped together using asters, gerberas, mums, cranberries, and sprigs of dried wheat. Nola made a fire, opened the blinds, and ran the vacuum. When they were done, the two of them stood in the dining room and pronounced that it was good.
Martha Stewart can kiss my fat Italian ass, Nola said.
Kat draped her arm around Nola. I told youyou are /not/ fat.
Who cares? Whatever I got, Matt likes it.
After admiring their handiwork for a few more moments, Kat studied her friend and, in all seriousness, asked, Are you enjoying life in Persuasion, Nola?
She looked at Kat like she was insane. I've never been with a man who treats me as good as Matt does. It's an adorable town. My job is mellow and my boss is decent. Nola looked pensive for a moment, then said, It's sad in a wayI'm thirty-seven years old and I don't think I ever really knew what being happy felt like until now.
I know what you mean, Kat said.
Nola smiled thoughtfully. Do you remember the night you found out your mom had died, and we were back in your room at Cherry Hill?
Kat nodded.
Do you remember what I said about how you came back here for revenge, but you might come away with something even better?
Kat laughed. My God, you really did say that, didn't you? She gave her friend a squeeze. How'd you get to be so wise?
Nola shook her head. It can only be one thingafter all those years in front of the TV, I guess I've finally earned my D.O. degree.
What's that?
Doctor of Oprah, hon.
The marrow of his leg bones ached. Sharp pains shot through his shoulders and back. His neck seemed to be stuck in one position. And he couldn't remember what month it was or the last time he'd bathed or slept. But the beautythe beauty he'd createdmade all the discomfort meaningless.
How many weeks had this taken him? He had no idea. All he knew was that he'd never worked with such sharp focus or sense of purpose in all his life. It was as if he'd been resting up all these years, putting out worthless junk in order to eat while every aspect of his body and soul prepared itself for this singular masterwork.
It would be called /Woman, Thou Art a WhoreItalian Carrara marble, by V.
L. Cavanaugh, 2007/.
He wept. He let his fingers play on the perfection of each of those female faces. He fancied doing an entire series of such sculptures.
Perhaps each would focus on just a single female body part. It was sheer genius, but who was he kidding? The tightness in his chest was intensifying. He didn't remember when he'd last taken any of his medicines. He knew where he'd stashed the revolver, and thought maybe he should hasten the inevitable. He was dying.
And unless he went out with a bang, nobody would even notice he was dead. Nobody would give a fuck.
Cliff, Barbara, and the grandkidsErin and Stephaniewere the first to arrive. Kat was overjoyed to see Cliff and hugged him with all her might.
How's my sunshine? he asked. Everything OK with you?
Oh, absolutely, Cliff. I'm great.
The slightest look of confusion crossed his face.
I am, Uncle Cliff. I am incredibly happy. She hugged him again before she chatted with Barbara and got the girls situated with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Matt came in next, and Nola did the introductions with the Turners. Aidan, Rachel, and Riley came right at noon, with six chairs and one large hound, and Rachel did her best not to appear overwhelmed by Cliff's loud and gregarious voice. Jeff showed up with Richard a few minutes later, his arms filled with wine and flowers.
Kat! He hugged her quickly before he introduced Richard, and Kat saw the pride and love in Jeff's face when he did so.
Soon, everyone was comfortable with wine or some other drink and the house was rocking with laughter and conversation. Riley snuck up behind Kat as she stood at the kitchen counter, and he slid his arms around her waist and put his warm lips on the side of her neck.
This is fabulous, he said, whispering in her ear. And you are beautiful.
Kat leaned back into Riley's solid body and closed her eyes. She wanted to feel all of it, all at once, if only for a second. She wanted to let the completeness of the moment imprint itself on her spirit so that she could carry it with her, always.
This made no sense whatsoever. Carrie had done a drive-by at the clinic and the place was deserted, not a bit of preparation in place. Thinking maybe she'd gotten the time wrong, she drove into town. The coffee shop was closed. Every business on Main Street was empty and locked. Even the Sunoco was dark. There was nobody out, anywhere, except for the occasional lonely college kid whose ride home hadn't materialized.
Madeline had talked up this day like it was going to be second only to the Second Coming.
Carrie began to get a very bad feeling about this.
She drove back to the clinic. She parked in the utterly vacant lot and walked to the glass double doors in front, the spike heels of her boots echoing in the emptiness. She read the flyer. The damn thing was /tomorrow/, not today! She was going to kill Madeline!
Carrie took hold of both the door handles and shook until the entrance rattled. She screamed out her fury until her throat hurt. She stopped only because she tripped the security alarm.
She ran to her car and drove off. She had just wasted four hours of her life in holiday traffic! She could have gone to Kenneth's family's dinner! She was stuck in Persuasion for Thanksgiving and she had nowhere to go, nowhere to stay! What kind of cruel joke was this?