Moments in Time: The Complete Novella Collection by Dori Lavelle

Author:Dori Lavelle [Lavelle, Dori]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Women, Romance, Anthologies, Contemporary Fiction, Collections & Anthologies
Amazon: B00JOUMLZO
Published: 2014-04-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Even though Leonor had agreed over the phone that she would meet me, I expected her not to show up. But her back was ramrod straight as she strode toward the table I had reserved at Delucia. We’d gotten off on a bad foot the last time we were here; maybe it would be the right place to start over. I stood up and forced a smile. “Thanks for coming, Leonor.”

She nodded and pulled out a chair. “You have something you want to say to me?”

“No, not me,” I said. “Someone else.”

“Miss Adams, I understand you’ve called me here to convince me of your innocence in my son’s death, but I’d like you to know that to me, you’ll always be guilty. We can never be friends. But since my husband persuaded me to come, please say what you have to say.” She folded her hands in front of her.

“Should we order first? I thought it might be nice to talk over lunch.”

“I’ve already eaten.”

I sighed and reached into my bag. “If I only wanted to talk, I’d have told you what I wanted to say over the phone. I wanted to give you something.”

Leonor narrowed her eyes.

I pulled out the stack of envelopes that I had tied with a Stalford ribbon. “These are from Chris. Years ago, I encouraged him to write to you. I didn’t know he had.”

Leonor’s hands shook as she almost snatched them from my hand. She blinked a few times and brought them up to her face, pressed them to her lips and closed her eyes.

It was almost as if she’d forgotten I was there.

“If you want to talk, please give me a call.” I picked up my purse and stood. “I have more things that Chris cherished. Let me know if you want them.”

***

“Did my mother call?” Nick asked over the phone two days after I’d met up with Leonor. I’d told him about Chris’s belongings and the letters, and my plans to give them to her.

“No. Maybe the cut is too deep and I won’t be able to fix it.”

“I’m sure she’ll call, sweetheart. Keep me posted.”

“You know I will. I can’t wait for you to come home.”

“Just one more day. How does our new home look?”

“It’s really beautiful. The interior decorator went beyond my expectations.”

Before Nick had left for China, we’d discussed the décor of our home and jotted down our thoughts. The day he flew, he hired an interior decorator and several contractors to put the pieces of our vision together in the shortest time possible. I didn’t have to lift a finger, which was a relief. All the packing and worrying about my relationship with Leonor had worn me out.

“Perfect. I can’t wait to get back so we can warm it up. Every room, if you know what I mean.”

“I know what you mean.” I laughed. “You naughty boy.”

“Sweetheart, I have to go. I’ll give you a call tomorrow. I love you so much, Carlene. Never ever forget that. I look forward to starting our life together.

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