Secrets in Summer(32)

Carrying a pitcher of drinks and a bowl of nuts on a tray, she joined Mimi. She dropped down onto one of her cushioned chairs, kicked off her sandals, and luxuriated in the feel of grass against the soles of her feet.

“So tell me,” Mimi said after taking a sip of her drink, “do you live in your huge house all alone? Why aren’t you married?”

What? Where was the small talk? Darcy shot back, “Why aren’t you?”

“Oh, don’t you worry about me. I’ve had two husbands and a great number of pleasant dalliances.”

“Oooh, dalliance. That’s a great word.”

“Certainly more appealing than ‘friends with benefits.’ ”

Darcy choked on her margarita. “You are not the typical little old lady, are you?”

“Most of us aren’t,” she replied. “So you were going to tell me why you aren’t married.”

“I was married once. My husband left me for another woman. My grandmother willed me this house, which is why I live alone here. I spent much of my childhood here, so it’s my home.”

“And men?” Mimi prompted.

Darcy took a moment to consider her answer. Many older women, women in their eighties and up, liked to reminisce. Her grandmother certainly had. Penny had kept all discussion of her physical aches and pains to a minimum; she couldn’t tolerate what she called “organ recitals.” But she had enjoyed telling Darcy about certain people, certain times, and she’d told Darcy over and over again. In a way, Penny had relived those experiences, and Darcy never tired of hearing about them. Still, it was unsettling to have another grandmother ask these particular questions.

Mimi tilted her head, waiting for an answer.

“I have a—boyfriend, let’s call him. Nash Forester.”

“The one with the red pickup truck,” Mimi said knowingly. When Darcy showed her surprise, she smiled. “I sit by the window and gaze out at the street. So sue me.”

“Right. Nash is a carpenter. We’ve been dating for a couple of months. He’s fun and he likes the same things I do. We kayak together, hike around the island, do some bird watching.”

“He’s awfully good-looking.”

“What, you wear field glasses when you look out the window?” Darcy pretended indignation.

“I didn’t need binoculars to see the build of the man.”

They both laughed. Darcy sipped her margarita. Muffler strolled lazily over the lawn, waving his long luxuriant black tail.

“Meet Muffler,” Darcy said. “When he purrs, you’ll know why he got that name.”

Muffler jumped into Mimi’s lap and stared up at her, waiting for the proper adoration. Mimi complied, stroking his long, silky black fur and complimenting him. After a few minutes of this, he turned around and settled in her lap. Purring.

“We were talking about men,” Mimi gently reminded Darcy.

Darcy took another sip of her drink and wondered if it was too strong. She didn’t feel buzzed, like she did when she was out at the Box with friends, dancing and tossing back tequila slammers all evening. Instead, a calm flowed through her, as if she were in yoga class on a really good day.

“It sucked—” she began, catching herself for using that word.

Mimi grinned. “I use that word myself.”

“Good. Thank you. Okay, well, it sucked, being dumped—divorced—when my husband had an affair with another woman. Autumn. His new wife’s name is Autumn. She’s beautiful and sensual—”

“You’re beautiful,” Mimi interrupted.

Darcy snorted. “Maybe, but I’m cerebral, not sensual. Boyz told me Autumn is all about pleasure, enjoying the moment, not living in books half the time. But anyway, it’s done. It hurt, I was ashamed, I was lost, and then my darling grandmother Penny died shortly after the divorce. She had been my Rock of Gibraltar. I really did feel forlorn. Pathetic, I know. Anyway, Penny left me this house, and it seemed the only choice was to take what fate gave me. All that Eastern wisdom, let go, surrender, go with the flow…” Darcy’s throat closed up.

“Have a nut.” Mimi handed the bowl to her.

Darcy chose a cashew and chewed thoughtfully. “I don’t need to cry anymore,” she said thoughtfully. The cashew was salty. She took another sip of her drink. “I’m over that. I’ve made peace with my life. Look what I’ve been given—this wonderful house; this amazing garden; this glorious island; meaningful, absorbing work; some true-blue friends—how could I ask for more?” Before Mimi could say it, she added, “I don’t need a husband. I don’t even want a husband. I’ve gotten used to living alone, and it suits me. I’m not sure I could deal with a man messing up my life.”