Page 28 of The Lake House (Southern Charm #2)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Two weeks later, it was mid-October, and Rita was partway through another round of chemotherapy.

This time she was losing hair, and she wasn’t happy about it.

She’d taken to wearing a bandana tied around her head.

She felt like a hippie. It wasn’t the kind of look she’d usually go for, but she was doing her best to stay positive and embrace it.

“What do you think?” Cathy asked from behind her.

Rita spun to face her. “I like it.”

Cathy looked unconvinced. “Really? I know it’s not your style…”

“I wouldn’t have picked it myself, but you’ve done well. It’s come together nicely and I do think it improves the space—you were right.”

Cathy’s lips pulled into a smile. “Thanks, Rita. I appreciate that.”

“You’ve got a gift, Cathy. You should consider exploring that.”

“I will.” She was beaming now. “I’m working on the menu and…”

Rita frowned. “Hold on right there. I’m not ready for any more changes yet. Can you please let me absorb the most recent ones before you start looking for more to do?”

Cathy sniffed. “I suppose so. I swear, Rita, you’re sounding more and more like our grandmother with every passing day.”

“A high compliment,” Rita said, raising her chin. “Now, I’m heading home for a rest. You’re in charge—which I know is music to your ears.”

“I think that’s a great idea. You’re looking a little pale.”

“Truth be told, I’m not at my best today. But I’m glad you’re here to manage things for me.”

Cathy nodded. “You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

“But I will anyway.”

Then Rita gave Cathy an uncharacteristic hug, startling her cousin into silence. She shuffled out of the café with a grin on her face.

What would Cathy think if she knew what Rita had discovered about their parents?

She hated to imagine. As she drove, she went over the details in her mind again and again.

How did it happen? Was Mom feeling neglected?

Did Uncle Bill have marriage problems? Were they simply thrown together and an attraction grew?

Why would they both be willing to risk losing their families for the sake of a brief affair?

And how had they managed to put it behind them and stay married to their spouses for the rest of their lives?

She pulled into the driveway at the lake house and climbed slowly out of the car.

Her head was light, and it took a mammoth effort to walk into the house.

She set her purse down on the hall table and then held on to it as a dizzy spell passed.

With her eyes shut, she willed herself to get moving.

If only she could make it to the bed and lie down. She’d be better after a nap.

“Aunt Rita, are you okay?” Julie’s voice was laced with worry.

“I’m a little dizzy, but I’ll be okay in a moment. I need to lie down.”

Julie’s hands lifted Rita’s arm until she was cupping her elbow with one hand, an arm around her waist to support her. “I’ll help you to bed.”

“Thank you, honey. You’re such a blessing.”

As they walked together down the hallway, Julie spoke again. “I think you should call the doctor. Get a check-up.”

“I’m sure that’s not necessary.”

“It’d help me feel better about things.”

Rita chuckled. “Well, if it helps you feel better, then I guess I should do it.”

“Thank you. I’ll call him for you tomorrow, if you like.”

“That’d be fine.”

“And just as soon as you lie down, I’ll start on some chicken soup for dinner. Would you like that?”

“That would be perfect, honey.”

Julie helped her into bed, took off her shoes, and pulled the covers up for her.

Then she kissed Rita’s forehead and tiptoed from the room.

Rita wanted to cry over how sweet her niece was, and how well she was looking after her, but she was far too tired to expend energy on tears.

And within minutes, she was fast asleep.