Harlow picked up a cup with the Spode pattern 312. “I feel like I’m holding a newborn chick.” She wrinkled her nose. “I guess hatched is a better word rather than born.”
“I’m more confused about when you would have held a chick at all.”
Harlow laughed. “I must have somewhere. Maybe summer camp.”
“I don’t remember seeing baby chicks on the streets of Naples.”
They grinned at each other, then settled on the floor in front of an oversized buffet. Several dish sets were stored in the long, low cabinets.
Robyn pulled open the left door, while Harlow drew back the right. The sturdy shelves overflowed with dishes.
“A lot to look at.” Harlow reached for a bowl.
“In every room. Doing inventory is a daunting task.” Robyn held out a pretty white-and-yellow plate. “I’ve been telling Lillian she can’t ever die because I love her, but also because I’ll be overwhelmed by going through the house.”
Harlow looked at her. “What will you do with it all?”
“Some will go to museums, some will stay with the house. The rest I’ll sell.”
“You’re going to start your own antique store?”
Robyn thought about how she’d been looking for a future, when it had been waiting for her right here. “Uh-huh. I’m starting online small business classes. When I head back to Naples, I’ll find a job with more hours and get to know all aspects of an antique store.”
She would watch her money and move to a smaller house, but she thought it was manageable. At least it was a plan, which was more than she’d had when she’d left Florida.
“That’s a lot.”
“It is, but it feels right.” She set the plate on the floor and pulled out a mismatched bowl. “How are you doing?”
“I don’t know. Kip and I are fighting.”
“About him being married before?”
“Among other things. He’s mad because I said I need time, but not telling me about Tracey is huge.” Harlow hesitated as if there were more.
“I get that,” Robyn told her, wondering how to encourage her daughter to share her thoughts. “It’s an odd piece of information to withhold. You were going to find out eventually.”
“I know, right? Plus to hear it from his parents. It was a nightmare. I had to sit through dinner, pretending everything was fine.”
Robyn ached for her and wished there was a way to take on some of her daughter’s pain. But Harlow was an adult and had to manage her own life.
“I’m glad you’re thinking things through,” she said. “It’s so easy to get caught up in emotion and make a decision you later regret.”
Harlow nodded. “I just wish there wasn’t so much right now, you know? Dad didn’t tell me the truth, either.”
Robyn knew she had to be careful with her words. “Sometimes your father doesn’t like to give bad news. But however it happened, you know he loves you.”
“I’ve started wondering if he and Kip are more alike than I realized. Kip knows about me being sick as a kid, and he’s been fine with it. He always treated me like I was capable. But he didn’t tell me about being married, or Dad dating Zafina. Maybe he’s protecting me more than I thought. I know Dad’s treating me like a child. Is Kip doing the same?”
“It could be Kip is, as you said, protecting you.” Robyn sucked in a breath and took a big ol’ risk. “It could also be your behavior.”
“Mom!”
“You can be emotional and difficult.”
Harlow stiffened. Robyn braced herself for a tantrum. Then her daughter surprised her by relaxing.
“You’re right. I do lead with my feelings. Like with you selling the house.”
“That was a big deal for you.”
Harlow looked at her. “Mom, you can’t tell me I’m immature and then defend my position.”
“I know, but it’s hard not to get between you and the bad stuff. A remnant from when you were sick. I try to take the hits for you. Some of this is on me.”
“You’re blaming yourself for my entitlement issues? No. Only one of us is responsible for that.” Harlow pressed her lips together. “Sometimes I’m ashamed. I can be such a bitch.”
“Well…” Robyn began, her voice teasing.
Harlow sighed. “You know I’m right. Except I feel like Dad tricked me on buying the business. I did everything I was supposed to do. He was totally on board the whole time, then poof. Everything changed. He’s so frustrating.”
Harlow looked at her. “How did you stay married to him for so long?”
“Being his wife isn’t the same as being his daughter.” Robyn touched her cheek. “And that is all I’m willing to say on that topic.”
Harlow’s gaze turned knowing. “You’re protecting him. Not because you’re still in love with him, but because he’s my father.” She smiled. “You’re a good mom. I hope when I have kids I’m just like you.”
The unexpected compliment had Robyn blinking back tears. “Thank you. That’s very sweet.”
“Not that I’m having kids for a while. Like ten years. I’m not ready. I can barely handle my life, let alone someone else’s. Do you think—”
Robyn’s phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and glanced at her screen.
“It’s Mindy, calling instead of texting.” She answered the call. “Hello?”
“It’s me. So, the house in Santa Barbara. Is it some crazy oversized thing that takes up a couple of city blocks?”
“That’s the one. Why?”
“I’m here.” Mindy’s voice cracked. “Robyn, I’m in so much trouble. Payne found out about Dimitri. The look on his face about killed me. He got so quiet and was so hurt. It was like he ripped out my heart. We fought, then he wouldn’t talk to me anymore. I didn’t know what to do, so I left the kids with my mom and flew out here, to be with you. I hope that’s okay.”
Robyn opened her mouth, then closed it. She had no idea what to say. “Um, sure. Are you in front?”
“I’m in the Uber. I didn’t want to let him go until I was sure this was the house.”
“It is,” Robyn said with a brightness she didn’t feel. “Drive around back. Keep going until you see a bunch of cars in front of the garage. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
She hung up and scrambled to her feet. “Mindy’s here.”
“Your boss Mindy?”
“That’s the one.” Robyn hesitated. Harlow was going to learn the truth soon enough. “She had an affair, and her husband just found out. I tried to warn her, but she wouldn’t listen. It’s a disaster. And now she’s here.”
Harlow took a couple of steps back. “Wow, that’s a lot. Okay, well, good luck dealing with your friend.”
“Escaping while you can?”
Harlow grinned. “It seems the sensible thing to do. I’ll spend some time with Lillian.”
Leaving Robyn to deal with the mess Mindy had made of her life. How fair was that?