The Guestbook (7 page)

An unending veil of brown smog floated above the city as Lily’s plane landed. One long shuttle ride, one short ferry ride, one fast flight, and Lily rolled her carry on through LAX airport and headed for baggage claim where her mother would pick her up. The airport was a zoo, as usual. Thousands of people, all talking on their cell phones, all pushing and rushing somewhere, reminded her why she left this city.

Her mother’s Toyota was waiting at the curb for her. Lily waved, threw her bag in the back and hopped in the passenger seat. For a moment they just stared at each other.

“Thanks for being here,” Lily said.

Her mother’s arms surrounded her and it felt wonderful to return the hug. Car horns blasted and Lily snapped her seat belt while Katherine pulled out into traffic.

“How about we stop for a quick dinner and then head home, have some tea, and talk?”

Lily nodded. “Perfect.”

After eating, the traffic was almost clear when they entered the freeway. When they reached the valley, they exited at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and drove a few short blocks into the foothills of Studio City. Katherine pulled up in the driveway of their ranch-style home. The familiar porch light glowed as if to welcome her.

What am I doing back here with my mother at thirty years old? The dim glow in the windows of her old front bedroom reminded her how long it had been since she lived in this house. When they’d moved in, she’d been in high school and was thrilled to have a nice room and a pool of their own. She closed her eyes. “One night,” she reassured herself. “Just one night and then I can return to the island.”

“Lily, why don’t you come inside?”

Lily fumbled with the door locks and stepped out of the car. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”

Katherine picked up a suitcase and led her into the house.  “I’ve fixed up your old room for you.”

“Thanks, Mom. I just want to sleep.”

Silently, they walked to her bedroom. Katherine placed the suitcase on the bed.

Lily turned to her mother. “I didn’t tell you everything. I found over one hundred text messages between Brad and his gorgeous new corporate attorney, including barely clad pictures and endearments. Such a cliché these days in LA: wife turns thirty, husband goes for younger model.” Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them away. “I’m done crying, and if he thinks I am going to just quietly leave, he is very mistaken!”

“I’m sorry,” Katherine said reaching over and getting Lily a tissue. “That must have really hurt.”

“It did.”

“Don’t worry, honey. Tomorrow we will have a top attorney working for you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“I’ll shut the door for you then. Sleep well, Lily.”

She wilted into the overstuffed chair and dropped her purse on the floor. Her eyes drifted over the familiar objects: the prize-winning seascape she painted in college still hung above the brass bed, set off by the azure walls she had insisted on in her teens. The oak dresser with the carved mirror displayed her colorful shell and rock collection on an antique glass tray. But the cream-colored curtains were new; the royal blue velvet drapes that had hung over the sliding glass doors were long gone.

It held a comfortable familiarity, but still it didn’t feel like home. The oversized house she lived in with Brad never had, either. Only one place had ever held that feeling: Grandma Maggie’s farm. She rummaged through her bag for a nightshirt, pulled it over her head, and snuggled in under the down comforter. Sleep was the only thing on her mind.

✦✦✦✦

The Century City high-rise cast an ominous shadow that matched Lily’s dark mood. Thank God her mother was by her side to face this business with a divorce attorney. Karl Goldberg, a.k.a. the bulldog of the courtroom, had come very highly recommended by a good friend of her mother’s.

Lily hesitated at the elevator. “I really wish we could just settle this out of court.”

Katherine pressed the button for the penthouse. “Lily, this is one divorce where your wishes will only be granted if you have a fairy godfather, and right now he is located on the top floor!”

The elevator doors opened to a lush reception area filled with soft leather sofas, potted orchids, and carved glass tables holding neatly stacked glossy magazines. The entire office was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing a view that reached all the way to the Pacific Ocean. All Lily could think about was how his bill would probably match this high-rent office.

As Katherine checked in at reception, Lily wandered over to stare out the windows. She located the Brentwood neighborhood where she’d spent so many years with Brad. He was probably busy changing the locks and hiding valuables right this moment. The nerve of him trying to keep everything and then demanding she pay half of all the debts. She turned her back on the view with resignation, crossed the room, laid her briefcase at her feet, and sank into the mauve Giovanni couch beside her mother.

A perfectly dressed and coifed woman hurried into reception, her high heels clicking smartly on the wood floor. Her icy gaze would have caused the most courageous heart to quiver. “You must be Lily Mitchell. Do you have all of your papers ready?”

Lily nodded.

“Mr. Goldberg is still in court, but we expect him shortly. Can I get you an espresso or a Pellegrino?”

Lily looked at her mother, who shook her head no. “Just a Pellegrino would be great.”

“I didn’t sign anything,” Lily confided in her mother.  “The signatures can wait until I see if I want to retain him or not.”

“Your choice, Lily. Just remember, this one is paid to be on your side.”

The atmosphere shifted, as if a storm were rolling in, when a tall, powerfully built man in a well-tailored Armani suit burst into the reception area. He directed a dazzling smile at them. “So sorry to be late, ladies, but the case ran a little over.” He reached out a perfectly manicured hand. “I’m Karl Goldberg.  Please call me Karl.”

“Lily Mitchell,” she said with a firm handshake, noticing the Rolex watch on his wrist—the exact model Brad wore.

“Come on in, make yourself comfortable.”

Karl pointed them to two high-back leather chairs. He seated himself behind a vast oak desk in a throne-like chair.  The power emanating from his stature, the cool penetrating eyes, and his steel handshake spoke volumes. Lily felt small and insignificant, a familiar feeling, but not one she wanted to have again. She took a deep breath, put her shoulders back, and met his stare directly. She’d seen this type before during the many dinner parties in which she played perfect hostess.  He lived for the power of winning, and money was his aphrodisiac. She reminded herself that the decision to employ this man—or not—was entirely hers alone.

Karl leaned forward over the desk and clasped his hands on top. “This husband of yours is attempting to squeeze you into a very small corner and is fighting hard not to give up even
that
bit of real estate in the divorce.”

Lily took a moment to gather her thoughts. She sipped her water, hoping it would help wash away the bitter taste in her mouth.

“Well, Karl, that is exactly why we’re here!”

His booming laugh resonated off the expensively decorated walls. “Touché,” he said, giving Lily a thumbs up. “I see I do not have to worry about you being ready for the fight ahead. But don’t worry, I’ve literally wiped the courtroom floor with these types before.”

The image of Brad spread across the courtroom floor in his designer suit provided the comic relief she needed to relax. She sized up Goldberg…clever and confident.

“Why don’t we go over the particulars and see where we stand?” asked Katherine.

“Quite wise to know our enemy in detail,” Karl replied.

“I lived in that home with him as his wife for ten years. That must count for something.”

“Of course it does, and I am sure the judge will see it that way too when we’re finished. We will ask for him to buy you out of the house at current market value or sell it and give you fifty percent. However,” he said shuffling papers, “I see there is a pretty steep second mortgage on the home as well. Did you know about that?”

Lily closed her eyes and clasped her hands over them, willing this all to go away. She felt the urge to run out the door, but where could she go to out race this opponent? It was now or never.

“No, I didn’t know that. I just inherited a farmhouse on an island in Washington State from my Grandmother. I’m living there now. Does he have any claim over it?”

Carl leaned forward. “Technically, it is part of your separate estate. He cannot make a claim on it. However, its net worth may affect your level of spousal support.”

Katherine went on to explain to the attorney how the home was turned into a bed and breakfast, but was no longer operating.

“Well, that’s another matter altogether, ladies. If the property can be shown to be viable, Lily will probably be given a certain amount of time to earn a projected income. It’s a good place for you to be for now while I handle this messy business here.”

Karl rambled on about temporary spousal support, tax returns, hidden money. Lily could see where all this would lead, and the lawyer fees would be never ending.

“We can fill out some papers today, arrange to have him served. In California, judgment takes six months and a day. If you like, we can file this week, so if all goes
well, the divorce will be final just after July fourth…Independence Day.”

Both women laughed. “A fitting arrangement if I ever heard one,” Katherine replied.

Katherine pulled out her checkbook and looked at her daughter. “Lily, I would like to pay half of the retainer for you, at least for now.”

Lily tried to speak, but no words would form from her closed throat. She managed to get out, “Thanks Mom. I’ll pay you back as soon as I can.”

Karl escorted them to the door. “Don’t worry, ladies. I am in your court now. If he bothers you, just tell him to talk to your lawyer.”

When they reached their car, Katherine pulled out her keys, “I have one word to say…chocolate!”

Lily laughed. “Ditto.”

“And while we’re at it, we can stop at Macy’s and pick you up a some clothes as a late Christmas present from me.”

Lily looked out the window at the city streets jammed with buildings and traffic. She longed to return to the big trees, sweeping water views, and snow-peaked mountains. She didn’t belong here. The opportunity for a fresh start felt like sunshine after this foul weather time of her life. First chocolate, then shopping, the airport, and home.

One minute she was trapped in a nightmare running from Brad as he chased her down a dark alley, and the next she was wide-awake in her grandmother’s four-poster bed, staring at the alarm clock. 3:00 AM. A sense of panic made it hard to catch her breath. Her heart raced. She forced herself out of bed, pulled aside the curtains, and looked out at the total blackness. The island certainly wasn’t the manicured McMansions of Brentwood she was used to seeing, with their overuse of electric lights blazing down every street and screaming, “Look at me!” These unlit, pitch-black country roads, dark by four in the afternoon in this dead of winter, made her leery to venture out by car at night. For a moment, she wondered if she had traded in one prison for another.

After her trip to Los Angeles, the days had flown by, blending together one gray morning after another. She hadn’t seen anyone except Mary in what seemed like forever, and was too lazy and cold to venture into town. She had avoided the neighbors and hid out in the house.

“Boy it’s cold.” She dove back under the down quilt and mentally measured how many steps it was to the thermostat.  Jude from the café had called a few times. She was really a nice woman and kept insisting Lily come visit and bring some of her baked goods in to sell.

Lily made an effort to steady her breath and let the heavy fog sitting on her brain lift a bit. What was she supposed to do next? She was not even sure who she was anymore. Her stomach growled loudly. When was the last time she had eaten a meal? John’s friendly company had helped briefly, but her lawyer had called and said there had been no progress on getting temporary alimony. It hadn’t helped to overdose on caffeine every day. It just jolted her out of time and space and obviously was not allowing her to sleep peacefully.

She wanted her grandmother. The Guestbook would have to be the next best thing. She pulled it from the drawer and glided through the pages. So many people had stayed here.

Thank you for letting us hide out in your peaceful little sanctuary.

It feels so good to be away from all the dramas of life - the bunnies put on a spectacular show. And I can’t wait to try my new recipes
.

~
Marsha & Chad

A recipe card fell from the back of the book and drifted to floor. Lily turned the well-worn card over– Mt. Rainier cookies. She read over the ingredients, punctuating them with an occasional blissful sigh, then closed her eyes and imagined–chocolate ganache, peanut butter, powdered sugar. Heavenly!

She flipped to the back of the Guestbook and saw an envelope overflowing with more precious recipes. She sensed aromas floating up from the kitchen and could hear her grandma’s soft hum as she baked. She thought again of Jude’s offer to sell her baked
goods and specialties to the Island Café as her grandma had once done. Could she do it?

“I’m going to have to get up sometime, might as well do it now.”  She pulled the afghan off the bed and wrapped it around her like a huge cocoon, slid on her slippers, then proceeded through the office to the parlor. She about attacked the thermostat putting it up to the highest temperature, then headed to the kitchen, determined to get something accomplished today. Avoiding the cold wood floor, she stood on the braided rug by the sink, filled the copper kettle, and put it on the stove.  She opened the glass cupboard doors and searched for some tea. The shelves were well-stocked, and everything was in its place, as if her grandmother would be returning home anytime now. Lily chose a thick ceramic mug and some loose leaf green tea. She poured the steamy water into the cup and warmed her hands around it while she waited for it to steep.

Bundled and cozy, she plopped into a chair in the parlor and began to sip her tea. Another whole day lay ahead and she had no idea how to fill it. It was as if she’d been transported to some other world and now her life had come to a complete halt. Outside the window, a moist fog rose off the trees, and the dampness seeped through the windows. Maybe she would just sit here all day. She had walked out of her old life, but the future was another matter. It terrified her.

Tears threatened. Uninvited, Brad’s voice crept into her head, taunting her: “And just how are you going to support yourself? You’ve never worked a day since you were married.  Who’s going to take care of you now?”

“No more,” she said, standing abruptly. “I’m tired of tears and I don’t have to listen to this anymore.”

She reorganized the kitchen in earnest. After moving, sorting and labeling the entire kitchen, she finally collapsed into a chair. The sun was coming up, and a rose hue colored the sky and tinted the moist grass in the yard. A magical scene of color and light danced over the fields as far as she could see. She half expected fairies to come out and play. A sense of rightness filled her. She could almost hear her grandmother’s voice. “All is well, my Lily.”

The sky was alternating colors from deep slate to blinding silver. A lone hawk caught the currents and glided on the breeze. She should count her blessings: her mother was becoming her friend, her neighbors were like family, and Brad lived two states away.

A soft knock at the back door and a “Yoo-hoo” announced Mary’s arrival. She entered the kitchen in her sweats and no jacket. She was obviously acclimated.

“I brought you some hot quiche and biscuits.” She popped the lid on the Tupperware. The herby egg mixture, mingled with the yeasty bread, lured Lily to the table. Mary placed everything on the table next to a pot of soft butter.

“Thanks, Mary, I’m not used to someone cooking for me.”

Mary broke open a biscuit and smothered it in butter. “A good home-cooked meal will fix up anything that ails you.  Go on, dig in.”

The fragrant meal was definitely comfort food. She was not alone, not really, Lily reminded herself. Mary was here, Betty and Shirley were right next-door, and that kind Mr. McPherson and his cute dog seemed to keep an eye out for her. And there were sweet Jason and Ian…

“Glad to see you eat. Now, I’ll just get about my business of cleaning up around here. Ok, Lil?”

No one had called her Lil since her grandma, and that young boy with his father. She
kind of liked it. John had told her Ian should be arriving today, she had no problem remembering that.

Mary rose and began cleaning up the dishes, singing as she worked. “Don’t mind me, I’ll take care of things around here. Why don’t you bundle up and head into town, cause some trouble!”

“Mary, I can’t remember the last time I caused that kind of trouble.”

“Well, it’s about time then, I’d say.”

“Good idea. While I’m out, I can pick up some groceries too.” A trip to town would allow Lily to talk to Jude about baking for her café. A good long walk might be therapeutic too.

She took a shower and bundled up in a sweater and jeans. She pulled on a coat, lopped her purse over her shoulder, and headed for town to pick up a few more ingredients. Raindrops glistened on pine boughs, and the air was clear as a diamond.  All this rain certainly had its purpose, to replenish the dormant growth. It might work on her soul as well.

✦✦✦✦

By the time she returned home, the sun was just a memory and Mary was gone. The dampness penetrated the locked doors and windows and took up residence inside Lily’s bones. She definitely had not acclimated to the island weather yet. When the heck was spring around here? The fire was dimming in the wood burner and needed refreshing. Carefully, she added a few logs from the pile she had carried in and prodded them into place with the steel poker. Who would ever have thought, even six months ago, that she would be dressed in old jeans and flannel, building her own fires to stay warm? The propane heat was so expensive, she was glad she had an alternative. A sense of contentment crept up unexpectedly.

She called Jude and set up a meeting with her for four o’clock today, after the lunch rush. All she had to do now was get everything baked to perfection. The scent of her home-baked scones wafted into the parlor and drew her back to the kitchen. The complementary aroma of fresh-ground coffee mingled in the air, causing her to lick her lips in anticipation.  On the counter, the softening cream cheese, tangy zest, and nutmeg were ready for her to mix into the icing for the orange scones. She emptied them into a bowl and worked all the ingredients together with a spatula, then slid her finger along the edge of the bowl and popped a glob of icing into her mouth.

“Yumm!”

Using the crocheted potholders, she slid the scones out of the oven and onto the cooling rack. After generously frosting each of them, she poured a large mug of Seattle coffee and sat down in the kitchen nook. This would hopefully be the first batch to sell and begin her prosperous business venture.

✦✦✦✦

Lily entered the Island Café just after lunch, arms filled with plastic containers. She was greeted by Jude’s perpetual smile.  “Lily, come in. What have you got for me here?” Jude lifted a plastic lid and took a whiff. “Amazing, can’t wait to try them.”

Lily laid the trays on the counter and carefully removed all of the lids. “Three
varieties for you to choose from, and they’ll still be fresh for tomorrow’s breakfast.”

Jude pulled out a plate and fork to taste them. “Can I get you something to drink? A mocha or cappuccino?

“Thanks, make it a mocha. It’s that kind of day.”

Jude pressed the brew button and started steaming the milk, then handed Lily a foamy delight. “Extra chocolate, extra hot, just the way you like it. And it’s on the house, no arguments from you, my friend.”

The woman’s kindness touched her deeply. Except for Roma in LA, it had been a long time since she’d had a friend or anyone who really seemed to care about her. “Thanks, Jude,” she managed to get out between sips, her lips covered in mocha-colored foam. “I have some other recipe ideas for the café bakery, too. I also wanted to run by you an idea I have to do a mail order business at home. Are you sure this is a good time?”

Jude put her arm around Lily’s shoulders and gave her a squishy hug. “It’s always a good time for you to come by.  Let’s go over to the table by the window and have a look.”

Lily pulled out a sample of each of the warm scones and put them on a plate. Using the knife she’d brought, she cut a bite-sized piece out of each and made a sample plate for Jude.

Jude popped the frosted orange scone into her mouth. “A bite of heaven! More please.”

Lily lifted the plate up for Jude to choose between the cinnamon and the lemon thyme.

“The lemon thyme is divine.” Jude took a sip of water and popped the fragrant cinnamon scone into her mouth. This time she only moaned. “How many did you bring? I want them all.”

“A dozen of each, but I can always bring more. Just let me know.”

Jude carried the Tupperware filled with scones to the kitchen and came back with her checkbook. “I can sell these for $3.00 a piece, with a great markup. How does that work for you?”

“Perfect,” Lily said. She watched Jude write a check for her first sale for the soon-to-be Grandma Maggie’s Baking Company.  She looked at the check. “There’s a bit extra here?”

Jude smiled. “For delivery costs.”

“You’re always so kind to me Jude, so—”

“Lily, it’s easy to be kind to you. Now tell me what it is you really want to talk about. You look like you’re holding back a storm.”

Lily began to sob, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I just don’t know what to do. First I get anonymous threats in the mail, then there’s Brad’s constant pressure.”

Jude frowned. “What do you mean threats?”

Lily shook her head. “It’s probably nothing, some prank.”

“What did it say?”

“Well,” Lily said, “something about the house not belonging to me and not to get comfortable.”

Jude’s face turned pale. “No name?”

“Nothing,” Lily said. “I hardly thought about it until now because I was too preoccupied with Brad cancelling the credit cards and freezing our joint checking
account. I had to fly down to L.A. and meet with an attorney.”

Jude reached across the table and took Lily’s hands. “You should have told me sooner. As for that no-good, soon-to-be-ex-husband of yours, just let me get my hands on him.”

Lily laughed out loud. “I’d like to see that!”

“Believe me, I’ll be right there at your side helping you. He will
not
win. Now, let’s see those other recipe ideas you were talking about and get to work making you a bakeress extraordinaire!”

✦✦✦✦

The afternoon meeting at the café was coming along very nicely. Jude had ordered enough baked goods to keep Lily in the kitchen for many hours, not to mention help her pay some bills.

Lily sipped the last of her very tasty mocha. “I had the McPhersons over for dinner a few weeks ago.”

Jude’s eyes twinkled. “How did that go?”

“They’re a wonderful family.” Lily thought about the warm meal and even warmer company.

Jude winked at her. “That Ian’s pretty nice himself.”