“Sit yourself down. You’ve done enough for us. Now it’s our turn to take care of you. We can at least feed you dinner,” Eloise replied. “Nora, Honey. Come set the table.”

“Knives, forks, and spoons?” Nora asked.

“The works. We’ll need them all. I even bought a pie.”

“What kind, Mama?” Nora scanned the countertop but didn’t find any sign of the dessert.

“Your favorite.”

Nora opened the refrigerator. A lemon meringue pie with fluffy peaks of meringue brought a grin to her face.

“I swear, Nora, you look more like your mother each day.”

“Don’t even mention it. At fourteen it’s not a compliment—more like an insult.” Eloise warned Lisa.

“Oh Mama!” But, there was a ring of truth; teenagers don’t like to look like their mothers.

Eloise filled their glasses with freshly brewed iced tea. After an enjoyable dinner, Nora excused herself. She knew how Lisa and her mother liked to talk.

“I’m going to call Cheryl.” Nora and Cheryl had been best friends since seventh grade. They were as different as night and day. Nora’s long, straight, black hair contrasted with Cheryl’s bright blond curls which fell down to her shoulders and brought out Cheryl’s clear blue eyes. At fourteen, both girls had almost reached their maximum height with Nora towering over Cheryl.

Without thinking, Nora dialed Cheryl’s phone number. She let the phone ring at least ten times before she remembered, Cheryl and her family had gone off for the weekend. Disappointed, she returned to the kitchen.

“Careful, Nora. You’ve got the phone cord caught on the planter.”

“Sorry, Mama.” She carefully moved it to hang up the phone. Her mother and Lisa were standing at the sink doing the dishes with their backs to her.

Nora stepped back to the small dining room. She dragged her schoolbag up to the table and pulled out a couple of books to make it look like she was doing her homework. Her ears strained to listen to her mother and Lisa’s conversation.

“I don’t know what to do,” Nora could hear her mother saying.

“Keep your distance,” Lisa warned her. “You don’t need to get involved with anyone just yet. Remember, your divorce still isn’t quite final. Has Sam given you any more problems?”

“No, not since I got the restraining order. I’m not sure he knows where we live. Has he been by your place?” Eloise rinsed the last two glasses.

“I haven’t seen his truck at all.”

“It’s been good for us, not having to deal with Sam. I know Nora is happier.”

“Amen!” Nora mumbled to herself.

“How’s your job going on base?” Lisa asked.

“Good. I’m so fortunate to have it. The office staff is great. You remember how they helped me move in here?”

Lisa nodded and said, “I do. Tell me more about this Major Hawkins.”