Adding Lib by Kathryn Elliott

Author:Kathryn Elliott [Elliott, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary, Women's Fiction
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2014-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Two days prior to Thanksgiving, Dr. Rashan called Mae with the scan results; Vascular Dementia confirmed. With stiff upper lip, Mae phoned Libby with the news, and in the same breath offered turkey-basting tips as though the life-altering diagnosis was nothing more than a runny nose.

Libby, rocked to her core, tore into the Cheese Bites.

“Why don’t you get out tonight?” Bob suggested on his way out the door for work. “Call Caroline and you wild women go shoe shopping, or something equally girly, and take your mind off everything.”

“I think you’re onto something,” Libby said between bites. “We could both use a break. Caroline’s going head-to-head with Trev lately; I know she could use time out.” She mentally checked off her to-do list for the rest of the day. “I think I’ve got Turkey Day covered, we just need a few odds and ends I can grab tomorrow. Can you handle the kids tonight?”

“I wouldn’t have suggested otherwise. You need this, Lib, go out and blow off some steam. We have a house full of dysfunctional family descending on us Thursday; take a break while you still can.”

“That reminds me, did you confirm what time Shelia’s flight lands?”

“Five, I’ll blow out of work around three and head to the airport.” Wisely, Bob cleaned and made the guestroom bed in preparation for his mother’s arrival. He knew leaving the task to Libby ran the risk of adding more stress to her already overflowing plate. “The guest room is all set, and I’ll grab Chinese food for us on the way home from the airport. Go straight from work tonight. Don’t come home, the kids won’t let you leave. Enjoy. We’re covered.”

When life handed Libby regrettable news, Bob was the first shoulder she cried on. Caroline was a close second. Her best friend’s sympathy was always accompanied by goldfish bowl-sized margaritas and overloaded nachos. Libby needed a mental jailbreak, and Caroline was more than happy to be her partner in crime.

Outside Redwood & Sterling, Libby spotted Caroline waiting by the door. “Hop in,” Libby said. Caroline jumped into the front seat.

Her sleek black suit made Libby feel frumpy. “Great. You look like a professional powerhouse, and I’m the sensible-shoe-wearing cute friend.”

“Knock it off,” Caroline laughed. “I didn’t have time to run home and grab a more get-your-drunk-on outfit. Anyway, the sensible-shoe friend is always cute, in a frightening androgynous way.” She adjusted her coat and settled in. “Did you ’fess up and let Bob know we opted for food and adult beverages in lieu of retail therapy?”

“Yes, he’s all in favor.”

The friends crossed Rhyme city limits and headed into Norwich for two reasons. First, The Cantina, an authentic Mexican restaurant on the water, served the best guacamole this side of Tijuana. Second, Libby was in no mood for chitchat with the PTO parents destined to be at locally eateries. She needed tequila; it was better outside city limits.

“So, let’s get the bad stuff over with on the ride so we can enjoy every wonderful calorie those Nachos Grande pack.

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