Chase continued, “And, Sarah, can you take lots of photos and videos and get those to her ASAP? Doesn’t need to be real time, but she can go over those on her flight on Monday. And their regular driver will pick you up at LAX, so you don’t have to worry about a rental car. Sarah, she’ll text you the details on the pickup.”

Again with the cars! And why was Sarah in charge of everything all of a sudden? Didn’t Penny trust her? Abigail was beyond annoyed. Why were they even getting on the plane? Sarah could see her mother’s face and waved a cautionary finger at her, before answering her brother. “Sounds great, Chase. I’m happy to do that. Also, I contacted Lloyd so I’ll see him at some point. Tell Penny to have a good work trip. Don’t worry about Montecito! Mom and I will represent. No problem.” Sarah stared hard at her mother, indicating that she should talk next. And be nice.

“Yes, tell Penny not to worry. We’re looking forward to being as helpful as possible. Safe travels to her. She should text us if she thinks of anything else,” Abigail cooed with conviction, more to assuage Sarah than Chase.

“Thanks, Mom. I mean it. I really appreciate you doing this for us.”

That simple sentiment soothed Abigail. She so rarely got thanks from her family. Strangers at the grocery store, clients at the senior center, even former Silliman parents she might bump into at church all said thank you to her for some small gesture she afforded them. But her own family, especially Chase, rarely acknowledged her in that way. “Of course, Chase. Happy to help.”

“We’re pulling into JFK, son. We’ll sign off now. Your mother and your sister are all set. Safe travels to Penny,” George closed and ended the call. He turned to his wife and said in a faux-sympathetic tone, “You almost lost it, but you hung on.”

What do you know about hanging on? Abigail wanted to burst out in admonition but held her tongue. George breezed through the world despite their circumstances, while she could barely sleep at night, worried about their finances and their future. How could he not see the bind they were in? He wasn’t going three thousand miles to go look at second-tier clubs and barbecue joints for the rehearsal dinner they couldn’t afford. But she didn’t like to fight in front of the children, even if the child in question was twenty-seven. So instead, she answered, “Chase is a very supportive partner. I hope Penny returns the favor.”

She stared out the window at the airport signs. “We’re at Terminal Six, George. Oh, and Sarah, who is Lloyd?”

*  *  *