“You can certainly talk to me,” Neil told her. “I’d be happy to help.”
“You’re very kind. Someone change the subject.”
“I’m pregnant,” Rachel announced.
The table went silent as everyone looked at her. Well, everyone but Greg, who only looked amused.
She picked up her glass and grinned. “Just kidding.” She smiled at her sister. “You owe me.”
“I do and I’m grateful.”
“Another baby would be nice,” her mother told her. “I’d like more grandchildren.”
“Me, too,” Neil added.
Greg leaned close. “You started this, so it’s your own fault.”
“Thanks for the support.” She turned back to her mother. “It was a joke. I’m not seeing anyone, so it would be challenging for me to get pregnant.”
As soon as she said the words, she wondered why she hadn’t mentioned she was long past that. She was in her thirties. Did she want to have more kids now?
The server appeared with their salads.
“There’s the annual summer firefighter’s family picnic this weekend,” Greg said. “Want to go?”
The invitation surprised her. Rachel hadn’t gone to the last one because of the divorce. Still, she’d always enjoyed hanging out with Greg’s coworkers and the other wives.
“That would be fun. Thank you.”
He smiled at her. For a second the rest of the world seemed to fade away and it was only the two of them. She found herself wanting to lean toward him, to be in his arms. Not just for sex, although that would be wonderful, but also simply to be held. She’d missed her Greg hugs. Actually, she missed nearly everything about being married to him.
For the thousandth time, she wished he could have been the way he was now back when they’d been married. She would have been the happiest woman ever.
27
SIENNA FORCED HERSELF to take small bites and chew. She was still upset about David’s thoughtless suggestion that she “hit Neil up for money.” What was that? Sure, it was stunning to find out her future stepfather was a multi-multimillionaire, but so what? That didn’t give her the right to demand he fund anything.
Asking for donations required tact and understanding. It was a delicate dance. Some people mistakenly believed that if you had money, you should just give. It wasn’t always that simple.
Conversation had resumed around the table. She joined in, hoping no one noticed she was upset. Partway through the salad course, her phone chirped. “Oh, sorry,” she said as she pulled it out of her bag. “I must have forgotten to put it on silent mode.”
She glanced at the screen and saw a text from Erika.
My cousin is here. She’s in bad shape and we need help. What do I do?
Sienna put her napkin on the table and rose. “I’ll be right back.”
“What is it?” David asked.
“Work. Excuse me.”
She walked out into the hotel foyer and dialed Erika.
“Does she need medical help?” Sienna asked by way of greeting.
“She says not. She’s banged up but swears she’s okay. I can put her up at my place, but everything I’ve read said that’s a bad idea. What if he comes looking for her here?”
“You’re right. You don’t want to get involved in this. It won’t go well.” Sienna was already walking toward the front desk. “Give me five minutes and I’ll call you back.”
She recognized the clerk behind the desk. “Hi, Cliff. I’m checking in for Anna Fields.”
Cliff, the college-aged kid, looked confused for a moment. “Hey, Sienna. You have a friend coming in?”
“Kind of. Look for a permanent reservation for Anna Fields.” She smiled. “It will be there.”
Because Joyce’s commitment to The Helping Store was to hold a small room available. Like Courtney’s room, it wasn’t especially large or desirable, but it was a safe haven until space could be made at one of the regular houses.
Cliff typed into his computer, then nodded. “I see it. There’s no charge and I’m not supposed to ask questions. I’ve never seen a reservation like that before. What is it?”
She raised her brows. “Remember the part about not asking questions?”
“Oh. Sorry. Sure.”
He made two keys and handed them over.
“Thank you,” she said and reached for her phone. Two minutes later she hung up. Erika and her cousin were on their way to the hotel.
Once they arrived, Sienna could assess the situation. If Erika’s cousin seemed okay, Sienna would have one of the volunteer social workers meet with her in the morning. If things were more dire, Sienna would call one in tonight.