“That’s okay. You were very…focused.”

“I’ve got half an hour for lunch and I am determined to spend it in the shade. How are you doing? How’s your mother?” She hadn’t seen either of them since graduation.

“She’s still spending her days sitting in the living room chair, staring out the window. I think she believes that if she sits there long enough, my dad will somehow mysteriously appear, walking up the street.”

“I’m sorry. That must be so hard for you.”

“Honestly, I’m at my wit’s end. The only thing that makes it bearable is planning for our wedding.”

“Have you and Truman set a date? Do you want to come sit with me? You can tell me all about it. I’m starving.”

Phyllis checked her watch. “Sure. I’ve got a few minutes.”

They settled on a picnic blanket under the tree and Mary pulled out a tomato sandwich and an apple. “Do you want some?”

“No thanks. I had lunch a little while ago.”

Mary bit into the sandwich. “So, tell me about the wedding and what you’re going to do about your mother.”

“The wedding will be in October. Truman thinks we should sell the house and buy one of our own with an in-law suite for my mother. He thinks the change of scenery will be good for her so that she’s not constantly surrounded by reminders.”

“Truman’s a smart man. He’s willing to have her live with you?”

“Oh, yes. He’s fine with it. He and my mother get along famously.”

Mary thought about her mother and Sam. They were thick as thieves. Not a day went by that her mother didn’t ask why she hadn’t seen him in a while.

“What did you decide to do about Sam?”

Had she read her mind? Mary sighed heavily. “We had a terrible fight the night of graduation. We’ve been sort of in limbo ever since.”

“I’m sorry to hear—”

“Mary? Can I speak to you for a minute? I know it’s the middle of your workday, but…”

Sam stood above them. He held a half-dozen red roses in one hand.

“I’ve got to get back to Mom,” Phyllis said. She rose and brushed off her skirt. “It was good to see you, Mary.”

“Tell your mother I said hello.”

“I will.” Phyllis waved.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to run Phyllis off, only… I feel horrible and I can’t get what happened out of my mind.” Sam handed the flowers to Mary. “These are for you. A peace offering.” He sat down opposite her. “Aren’t you at least glad to see me?”

She set the flowers on the blanket. “You should be glad to see me. I could’ve been dead on the side of the road the way you left me stranded in the middle of the night.”