When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards Page B

to California to be near Raoul’s father. She doesn’t want her son growing up without a role model.
    I can certainly relate to that.
    Elena arrived about an hour ago to go over everything one more time and meet Kris. While we waited for him we went over schedules and food preferences. I showed her where to find every cooking and cleaning utensil, as well as my extensive lists of the children’s friends and the professionals we use for everything from steam cleaning carpets to filling cavities. I’ll carry my cell phone, but I want as few questions as possible.
    Tomorrow the airport shuttle picks me up at the crack of dawn. I could have asked Kris to drive me, but starting tomorrow he has new responsibilities. Somebody will have to get the children to school every morning. Most days Elena won’t come in until noon.
    Now Elena and I were strolling through the yard, and she was admiring the last gasp of my roses. “Your garden is so pretty.”
    â€œThe landscaping crew will come and do whatever’s needed. If you look out the window and see men in bright blue shirts mowing and trimming, pay no mind.”
    â€œThat’s good, because I don’t know a thing about plants.”
    â€œAnd I know way too much, as you can see.”
    I would miss my garden. Late October was definitely not a peak, but I still had the roses in bloom and clouds of windflowers, along with bright Peruvian lilies and late-blooming daisies.
    â€œCan we ever have too much to love?” she asked.
    â€œI used to have garden parties out here with my friends. Little tables with sandwiches and cakes, everyone in skirts and floppy hats. Silly but fun.”
    â€œNo more?”
    â€œOur children grew—we got too busy.” I thought of Talya, who had always helped me pour tea. “Some of us are gone now.”
    â€œNew friends will take their place.”
    In this case I knew better. As I had predicted, the Weinberg house was already on the market, and no matter who moved in, things in the neighborhood would never be the same. Michael had already closed on a new town house in our school district, and he would probably be moved in by the time I returned. When I had gently questioned his haste, he’d claimed Channa was looking forward to the change, as well, but I wondered. At the conversation’s end he had offered me Talya’s dressing table. I hope he hasn’t banished everything that’s a reminder of the woman he and his daughter have lost. I’ll cherish the table and keep it for Channa, just in case.
    â€œDo you have any questions?” I asked. “About anything we went over?”
    â€œMr. Lenhart knows I must pick up Raoul from day care at six-thirty? They will charge for every minute I’m late.”
    â€œIf something does happen, you’ll bill him for those minutes, right?”
    â€œI will, but my time with Raoul is precious. I don’t want to miss any of it.”
    â€œDon’t forget, in an emergency you can call the women I’ve highlighted on my list.”
    She shook her head. “That will be Mr. Lenhart’s job.”
    I realized how far ahead of me she was. “You’re right. If he has an emergency, he can fix it. The list is just in case he doesn’t.”
    She smiled, showing pretty, even teeth, but I thought the smile said, he’d better .
    As if in emphasis, Elena glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry, but I need to leave in a few minutes.”
    Luckily Kris took that moment to walk out to the back deck, then down the steps toward us.
    I smiled at him when he reached us, but his was only for show. He’s still angry with me, and I try not to be reminded of my grandmother, whose anger destroyed my childhood. Luckily I’m an adult, and this time I haven’t lost the power of speech.
    I made the introduction, and Elena offered her hand. Kris’s smile was warmer when he focused it on her, as if he