214 Palmer Street(30)
Even Clarice, who she’d once considered her closest friend, became strangely distant, answering her texts in a friendly but dismissive way. Want to do lunch one day this week? she’d text, and Clarice would answer, Great idea! But this week isn’t good for me. She’d insert a sad face for illustration then add, Been thinking about you a lot lately. Hope you’re doing well! A generic sort of response. Sarah noted that there was no offer of an alternate plan—no suggestion to meet on another date or get together for dinner instead. With a pang of sadness, Sarah realized that all of her friendships had been workplace based, and now that she no longer went to the office, she was literally out of sight and out of mind.
She imagined all of her office mates driving off together in a party bus while she stood at the curb, completely forgotten. It was a lonely thought.
Cady’s friends, on the other hand, came from a mix of sources. Besides the usual work and school friends (high school and university), she’d kept in touch with people from her Peace Corps days, and also knew people from her volunteer stints, the neighborhood, and the gym. From the looks of it, Cady picked up people wherever she went. Some people, Sarah decided, just exuded likeability and she was one of them. Once you met Cady, you wanted to be her friend. And once you were her friend, you were friends for life.
As the hours passed, Sarah felt more comfortable being in the Caldwells’ house. She went upstairs and looked through the couple’s walk-in closet, a feature that had been added during the recent rehab, with space borrowed from an adjacent bedroom. Pushing hangers aside, she assessed each item of clothing as if she were shopping. All of Cady’s clothes were simple and classic. She dressed casually when not at work, mostly leggings and cute tops, which could be matched to an assortment of athletic shoes. Her work attire was an assortment of pencil skirts, tailored button-down shirts, and classy pants.
In the back of the closet, Sarah came across an evening gown. She pulled the dress off the hanger and examined it closely, then took it to the full-length mirror in the bedroom, where she held it against herself and turned from side to side. For a second, she considered trying it on, then shook her head, knowing that would be taking things too far. It was bad enough that she was staying at the Caldwells’ house without their knowledge. Wearing Cady’s clothing was another thing entirely. Reluctantly she returned the dress back where she’d found it.
Sarah spent the evening in the living room, occasionally peering through the blinds when she heard cars approach, then exhaling as they drove past. She ate another one of Cady’s organic meals, along with a can of coconut water. She wiped down the counters when she was through, then checked her new flip phone. Considering only one other person had this number and she’d been carrying it with her, it was unlikely she’d miss a call. Still, it was good to keep on top of things.
At the end of the day she settled down on the couch, aware that if not for Maggie’s intrusive appearance she’d already be starting working in the yard. So frustrating to have to wait.
She wondered what Kirk had thought when he found her note. She’d spent countless hours deciding on the wording, hoping it would sound perfectly reasonable for her to duck out for a few days’ vacation. Her goal was not to arouse any alarm on his part. After several attempts, she sighed. There was no wording in the world that would keep him from being upset, so in the end, she decided just to keep it short and to the point.
Dear Kirk, I’ve decided I need some time to myself, just a little break from my usual routine, so I’ve taken a short vacation—just for a few days. I’ll be in touch. Love, Sarah
Sarah had purposely left the door open for her return. What if she was wrong? Nothing would make her happier than finding out she’d concocted this crazy idea, spun it from speculation and paranoia, and not a bit of it was true. A byproduct of a head injury and too much time on her hands. If only.
When Kirk found the note, he would be worried and angry, she knew that, but hopefully he’d leave it be and not take any action until a few days had gone by. The day before she’d left, she met their neighbor, Doris Pisanelli at the mailbox, and casually mentioned taking a trip by herself. Doris had been surprisingly supportive, nodding and saying, “I think most women could use some time to themselves. Men so often hover.” Sarah found that to be just the right response, and knew that it ensured that Doris would remember the conversation.
To make her intentions even more public, she’d texted Clarice with virtually the same message right before she’d left the house. She hoped this would prevent Kirk from spinning some tale—that she’d left in a huff, or been abducted or whatever. She imagined him organizing a search party, saying her head injury had made her irrational and susceptible to foul play. When her imagination took it a step further, she envisioned her photo being broadcast on the news. The idea made her cringe. At least Clarice and Mrs. Pisanelli would back up her version of events. If asked, they’d say that she left willingly and seemed to be in her right mind.
All she needed was time, a few days at least. But first she had to wait until Maggie Scott was gone.
That night she managed to sleep, albeit fitfully. In the morning, as light streamed in through the blinds, she got up from the couch, folded the borrowed blankets and returned them along with the pillow to the linen closet.
After she showered and changed into fresh clothing, she pulled a chair up to a second-story window in the front of the house and watched the neighborhood from up above. When a white van pulled into Maggie Scott’s driveway, she stood to get a better look. From that angle the logo on the side of the van wasn’t visible, but she could see an attractive young woman exit the van and walk confidently up to the door. Within a few minutes, the woman came back out, followed by Maggie. Both women had luggage in hand, Maggie carrying a small overnight case and the woman pulling a slightly larger suitcase. They chatted while they walked. Sarah watched as they loaded the luggage and Maggie was helped into the van.