“Thank you.” That wave of homesickness was back, unbalancing her. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“You would have managed fine, the way you always have.”

“No.” She heard the clink of a glass and thought about Liza sitting in the kitchen of Oakwood Cottage, sipping chilled white wine from one of the pretty glasses she’d picked up on a trip to Venice. “I miss you, Liza. I wish you were here.”

“I miss you too—” Liza’s voice sounded strange. She cleared her throat. “You’re much better off with Martha. You know I’d be nagging you about your alcohol intake, too many burgers and late nights.”

“I’m lucky to have a daughter who cares so much.”

There was a pause. “Are you sure you’re all right? You don’t sound like yourself.”

Was she all right? Kathleen wasn’t sure.

“I’m fine, but—I love you, Liza. I love you very much. I don’t tell you that enough.” And now she’d finally said it, she wondered why it had taken her so long. It wasn’t as if her feelings had changed or deepened. The only thing that had changed was her ability to share those feelings.

It took Liza so long to respond Kathleen wondered if she’d hung up.

“Liza?”

“Yes, I’m here. I love you too. You know that.” There was another pause. “Are you sure you’re all right? If you’d like me to come, I can fly out tomorrow. I’ll get on the first flight.”

Kathleen felt emotion squeeze her chest. Oh how she wished her daughter was here, but she couldn’t ask that of her. “You have France soon. There must be so much to do.”

“Would you like me to come?”

Yes, yes. Please come. She thought how reassuring it would be to have Liza by her side if she decided to see Ruth again after all these years. But Liza had France and her family to think of. Sean. It would be selfish to ask her to come, and Kathleen had put her own needs first more than enough in life. “No.” She said it firmly. “There’s no need, but thank you. I should go. We have a table booked and it’s a popular restaurant.”

“Enjoy your evening. Love you, Mum.”

“I love you too.” Feeling better for the conversation, Kathleen headed to the restaurant. It was crowded with people, the air fragrant with chili, garlic and roasted meat.

She ate red corn posole and it reminded her of the time she’d traveled to Mexico to film The Summer Seekers. When would that have been? 1975? No, later.

Martha and Josh were deep in conversation about their Grand Canyon trip, which left Kathleen time to enjoy the food and the view of the pretty garden.

Ruth had mentioned her garden in California, and her terrace with the view of the Pacific Ocean.