She saw a lake framed by mountains and dense forest. It seemed that a whole world, compact and quite breathtakingly beautiful, was contained in that one shot.
Apart from the water, it did look idyllic.
“It’s not the place that worries me, Jack.” True, the lake itself wasn’t appealing but presumably water-based activities were optional.
“So it’s the people? The Dickinsons are always welcoming. They’re a very laid-back family.”
Maybe, but how laid-back would they be if Jack were to show up with a new woman a year after Becca’s death?
She handed his phone back. “You assume that everyone is going to be fine that we’re together.”
“Why wouldn’t they be?”
“These people were friends of Becca’s. They might resent you bringing another woman to stay.”
“Or they might not. They’re my friends, too. I hope they’d be relieved and pleased. I would, if the situation was reversed.”
Men were different, she thought. It wasn’t Clare’s husband she was worried about. It was Clare herself. Her friendship with Becca hadn’t been a casual thing. Apparently they’d been as close as two friends could be since they were in kindergarten.
“What about the girls?”
“What about them? Molly invited you—you heard her.”
“That was an impulsive, spontaneous child thing. I don’t for one moment think she meant it.”
“What if she did mean it?” He swept aside protests like dust.
“There’s still Izzy—”
“What about Izzy? Things are going great. You’re running with her tomorrow. Which is both surprising and adorable by the way.”
“Adorable?”
He gave a faint smile. “Because you’re doing it to get closer to my daughter. It’s the most thoughtful, crazy thing anyone has done for me in a long time.”
It was the craziest thing she’d done for anyone in a long time.
“Maybe I’m doing it for me, because I think physical fitness is important.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. So many diseases are linked with lack of exercise, but everyone knows that working out on your own is boring so I’m superexcited to have Izzy to run with.” She could tell he didn’t believe her.
“Is there anything you need?”
“What are you offering? Ambulance? First responder at the ready?”
He laughed. “I was thinking more of a good pair of running shoes.”
“Oh.” She smoothed her hair back from her face and tried to recapture dignity. “I have running shoes.”
“They wear out over time.”
Hers had never been given a chance to wear out. “Mine are fine. I suppose if you have a spare oxygen tank that might be useful.”
He leaned across and kissed her. “You,” he said, “are so damn cute.”
“When I cross the finish line of the New York Marathon, you’re going to apologize for patronizing me.”