Page 118 of The Lies I Told
Marisa was dressed in dark pressed pants, a light cowl-neck sweater, and boots. She’d styled her hair and was wearing makeup. A far cry from the woman exhibiting all the hallmarks of a binge.Miracles do happen.
She kissed me on my cheek. “I’m so glad you could join me. Last-minute invites always feel presumptuous. And I wanted to see you in person to apologize.”
The apology was an unexpected pleasure. “Sisters fight. Emotions run high. I get it.”
“I thought a dinner with just the two of us was in order.”
“Agreed.” We’d come here as kids with our father and mother to celebrate the holidays. The decorations were festive (Mom wasn’t a decorator), and more importantly, the food was delicious (Mom wasn’t a cook).
Marisa smiled. “Seemed only right we celebrate your engagement. This is a big deal.”
Our argument had rolled off her back so easily. She’d accused me of poisoning her. I’d never poisoned anyone. I’d dispensed medicine. This mood shift of hers triggered my suspicions, but I was skeptical by nature, which was what made me such a good attorney. But I had to let whatever conspiracy theories go. “Thank you.”
“We need to spend more time together. We’re all that remains of the family.”
I reached for my water glass, which was slick with condensation. “Soon we’ll have David.”
Marisa’s smile widened. “He seems very nice.”
“He is. I never thought I could be so happy.”
“You deserve this,” Marisa said.
The waitress came, I ordered a white wine, and Marisa stuck with seltzer. I considered not ordering wine but decided responsible drinking was a part of my life, and Marisa needed to adjust.
“David mentioned engagement pictures. I’d love to take them,” Marisa said.
“I’ll need to lose five pounds before we do that, but yes, I would love you to do the pictures. And I promise, I won’t be choosing any over-the-top bridesmaids’ outfits for you and the others. No ruffles or puffed sleeves.”
“Thank you. Who’re you thinking about in the wedding party?” Marisa asked.
“You, of course, the natural maid of honor. There’s Karen from the office; Robin, my college roommate; and Carol from the workout group.”
“Four is a good number. Who’s David choosing?”
“He has a brother.”
Her water glass stilled by her lips. “Have you met the brother?”
“Not yet, but we’re planning on meeting soon. Beyond him, I’m not sure. That’s the nature of a whirlwind engagement.”
“Have you set a date?”
“Next on my list of must dos. All the planning centers around it.”
“What about his mom and dad?”
“They’ve passed. It’s just David and Jeff.”
“Like you and me.”
“A small family can still be a strong unit.”
Marisa absently adjusted the spoon on her right to the outside of the knife. “David went to the same college as you, right?”
“He did. We didn’t know each other then.”
“That’s surprising that you wouldn’t have crossed paths at college.”
