“Something smells wonderful. What’s the occasion?”
“We’re having company.”
Her face brightened. “Really? Oh, Claire, we haven’t had anyone over since your father died!”
“I thought it was time.”
Someone would finally explain.
“Who’s coming?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“A surprise? At my age?”
I laughed. “You’ll be fine, Mom.”
“Well, at least tell me what to wear.”
It was time.
“Your blue blouse. You always look lovely in it.”
She smiled. “Now you’ve got me curious.”
Good.
Because I had a feeling curiosity wouldn’t be the only emotion at our dinner table that night.
A surprise?
***
At six, the doorbell rang.
“Claire, sweetheart, would you answer?”
Michael stood outside holding flowers.
“Ready?” I whispered.
“Not even slightly.”
Curiosity wouldn’t be the only emotion.
“Neither am I.”
Mom appeared behind me. “Claire, who’s…”
She stopped.
“What is he doing here?”
“He came to apologize.”
