Sophie found herself talking about her mother having her at a young age and not knowing her own grandmother or any of her family members. Margaret never judged or let the smile fall from her face. Sophie loved how gracious and understanding she was. In turn, Margaret shared with her.
“When I was little I used to imagine having a grandmother just like you,” Sophie confessed.
“I’m glad you came into our lives, Sophie. I’m grateful that I got to meet such a beautiful soul. Your mother must be so proud.”
“She always made sure I was well taken care of, even when we had no money. I always felt like I was her favorite thing in the whole world.” Sophie said thoughtfully. “She’s a wonderful mother.”
“I think we need to work together to make your mother the most wonderful bachelorette ever.” Margaret said warmly.
“I can’t ask you to do that, Margaret. I appreciate it, but…”
“I insist. I love parties and I have just the location in mind,” Margaret said enthusiastically.
“But—” Sophie tried to argue.
Margaret cut her off again. “Please humor an old woman. I want to do this.”
“Thank you, Margaret.” Sophie smiled. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, dear.”
“What is Ashton like? I know this seems silly but I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot and sometimes I wonder if I really even know him.”
“Ahhh…” She said knowingly. “My Ashton has always been special and close to my heart. He is very strong minded.” Margaret chuckled. “Very intelligent. When there was something he wanted he went after it. He is strong and beautiful with a very hard shell but inside…” Margaret reached over and placed her hand on Sophie’s knee. “Inside he has a lover’s heart just like his grandfather. That man loved with a fierceness that scared me, but it was magical, so very wonderful. I see my husband’s heart in that boy. He is the light in this old woman’s life.” Margaret sat back in her chair, reliving memories that surfaced.
“He sounds like he was a wonderful man, your husband.” Her heart was swelling with sadness for Margaret’s loss of such a great love.
“He was,” Margaret said thoughtfully. “It was the greatest gift, being loved by him.”
“It sounds beautiful.” Sophie could only imagine the kind of love that still had such a strong hold long after the person was gone.
“If you will excuse me for a moment.” Margaret moved to stand up but stumbled, grabbing for the arm of the sofa.
“Margaret?” Sophie helped Margaret regain her footing. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Yes, dear…just a little dizzy. I will be fine.” She patted Sophie’s arm. “I’m just going to go and rest these old bones. Could you cancel my lunch with Mrs. Lockhart?”
“Sure. Do you need me to get anything for you?” Sophie was concerned. Suddenly all of the times she questioned Margaret’s health all piled on top of her and she couldn’t help but worry that there was more to it than what Margaret was telling her.
“No, thank you.” Margaret assured before she left the room.
Sophie walked into the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. Out of curiosity, she looked up the contact information for Margaret’s doctor. She wanted to pacify her uneasiness about Margaret’s health. Sophie searched through webpages looking for information on Dr. Reynolds—what she found caused her stomach to twist in dread. Dr. Reynolds was a renowned oncologist. Sophie stared at the screen, trying to find fault in her findings. Everything she uncovered only justified her fears. The doctor’s current office location was the address Sophie had dropped Margaret off to the other day for her appointment. Her fingers shook as she quickly closed her computer when she heard footsteps coming down toward the kitchen.
Charlotte rounded the corner. “I just checked on Margaret and she said you could leave for the rest of the day…work on your mother’s dress, maybe,” Charlotte suggested. “She’s just going to rest.”
“Maybe I should stick around in case she needs anything.” Sophie tried to make her voice casual, not wanting to let her discovery be suspected. She didn’t know what Charlotte knew but Sophie suspected that she might be the only one in the house that was kept in the dark.
“I promise I will call. I can handle things as they are now.”
***
Sophie was so preoccupied with thoughts of Margaret she was caught off guard by Mel standing in her apartment. “Mel! You scared me.” Sophie dropped her bag and placed her hand on her chest.
“Why are you so jumpy today?” Mel asked, standing in front of the painting of Ashton, lain against the wall. Sophie was unsure what to do with it.
“Nothing…I’m just distracted.” Sophie waved her hand dismissively.
“Thinking about that?” Mel raised her eyebrows as she pointed at Ashton’s likeness. “Did you sleep with him yet?”
“No, I didn’t sleep with him.” Sophie sighed, falling back into her sofa.
“Why on earth not?” Mel sunk down beside her.
“Didn’t you work last night?” Sophie furrowed her brow.
“Yes.”
“Why are you awake right now?”
Mel moaned and leaned back against the sofa, throwing her arm over her face. “Corbin came into the club last night. The guys stopped him, nothing happened, other than him getting thrown out, but I’m still nervous. Dustin drove me home last night and searched my place for me before he left, but still I can’t feel comfortable knowing that he’s out to get me. I tried to sleep but I wake up with every little noise. I’m just so nervous he’s gonna find out where I live.”
“Stay here,” Sophie offered. “Lie down and get some sleep. You look exhausted. I’m just going to be working on my mother’s dress.”
“Thanks, Sophie. You’re the greatest.” Mel slapped Sophie on the leg before jumping up. “Oh look!” Mel grabbed her purse off the sofa and rummaged through it before she pulled out a small white envelope that Sophie recognized immediately. “Your mother loves me after all.” Mel had a ridiculous smile on her face.
Her mother didn’t mention that she was inviting Mel to her wedding, but Sophie was thrilled that she did. Mel was her closest friend and even though Mel always made her mother nervous, her mother knew how important Mel was to her.
“What’s not to love?” Sophie made a note to call her mother later to thank her.
The hours flew by as Sophie worked with her mother’s material. She constantly checked her phone to make sure that Margaret wasn’t trying to get a hold of her. When she had the general shape of the dress constructed, she fixed it on the mannequin to make some adjustments.
“Wow…looking good.” Mel yawned as she climbed out of bed to see Sophie’s progress.
“It’s taking shape at least.” Sophie nodded. “I ordered us a pizza. It should be here any minute.”
“Yum. I’m totally in love with you.”
“I know.” Sophie laughed. “I’m awesome.”
Sophie and Mel ate until they were stuffed and talked until it grew dark outside. When Mel left for work Sophie organized her things for class the next day and realized she must have left her report at Margaret’s house. Grabbing her purse, she decided to head over. It gave her a reason to check on Margaret, anyway. Luckily the bus was still running at its regular intervals before the schedule changed to evening hours. She didn’t have to wait too long before the bus pulled up. Once the late evening hours arrived the bus goers tended to change from the working class to a more rowdy group who weren’t always good company.
When she arrived at Margaret’s, Ashton answered the door. She hadn’t prepared herself to see him; her thoughts were occupied with concern for Margaret. It was like being hit in the chest when she looked into his eyes. “Margaret isn’t here.”
“Is she okay?” Sophie’s eyes widened nervously. “She didn’t feel like herself this afternoon.”