A Turn in the Road - Debbie Macomber [7]
“Yes, the reunion’s on the seventeenth and that gives me plenty of time to see the sights. I’ve always wanted to visit Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. My grandparents originally settled in the Dakotas, you know.”
Bethanne didn’t want to discourage Ruth, but she did feel a twinge of anxiety about her traveling that distance by herself. She’d be an easy mark, especially alone.
Ruth fixed her with a stubborn glare. “Before you say anything, I want you to know I’ve rented a car since I’m planning to fly back, and I’ve already booked my flight from Florida to Seattle. So don’t even try to talk me out of this.”
Bethanne gave up the idea of arguing with her and instead patted the older woman on the arm.
“No one takes the time to travel by car anymore,” Ruth said plaintively. “Life is ‘rush here’ and ‘rush there.’ My children are grown, and I’m sorry to say they’re both a disappointment to me. I hardly ever see either Robin or Grant. I’m sixty-eight years old and—” Her voice cracked. “I am not old and I refuse to be treated like I’m too fragile to know my own mind.”
Bethanne reached across the table and clasped Ruth’s hand. She thought of Casey Goetz and the close relationship she had with Lydia’s mother. In a few years it might be difficult for Ruth to drive cross-country. It was either take this trip now or give up her long-held dream.
“I’ll go with you,” Bethanne said in a soft voice.
Ruth’s head shot up. “You?”
“I haven’t taken a vacation in years.” Aside from a few trips with the kids to visit relatives, her last real vacation had been with Grant. They’d gone to Italy to celebrate their tenth anniversary.
Ruth continued to stare at her, obviously at a loss for words.
“It would do me good to get away for a few weeks,” Bethanne said. “I have some decisions to make that I’d like to mull over. Getting away will give me a chance to do that.”
“You’re serious? You’d drive with me?”
“Of course.” Bethanne smiled at Ruth’s excitement.
“I want to see New Orleans!”
“I’d love that,” Bethanne said.
“And Branson, Missouri…”
“You, me and the Oak Ridge Boys,” Bethanne said, laughing now and feeling energized by her spur-of-the-moment decision.
“And Andy Williams,” Ruth moaned, crossing her hands over her heart.
“Fine, Andy Williams, it is.” Bethanne was gratified by Ruth’s reaction. “It might take me a couple of days to clear my desk,” she warned. Thankfully, Julia was more than capable of filling in for her.
“I don’t plan to leave until after Memorial Day,” Ruth said, eyes bright with unshed tears. “Oh, Bethanne, you don’t know how happy this makes me.”
“I’m happy, too,” she said, and she was. This spontaneous decision felt incredibly right. She needed time away to think about Grant’s recent overtures. She didn’t know if it was possible or even desirable for them to reconnect; after everything she’d been through, she could hardly imagine him in her life again. And yet… She couldn’t help wondering whether her feelings for Grant, the love that had survived the divorce, would be enough to sustain a second attempt at marriage. Could the woman she’d become find a place for him in the very different life she’d created?
“You’re sure about this?” Ruth pressed.
“Positive.”
Ruth studied her, frowning slightly. “You aren’t doing it out of pity, are you?”
“No.” Bethanne tried to hold back a smile.
“Well, I don’t care if it’s pity or not. I’m just grateful to have you along.”
And then she clapped her hands like a schoolgirl.
“Mom,” Annie cried the instant Bethanne walked into Parties’ Queen Ann Hill headquarters. The retail store was her very first location, and she’d quickly taken over the offices on the second floor. “Where have you been? Julia’s been waiting for half an hour, and the other managers are arriving in fifteen minutes!”
“Sorry, sorry…” Bethanne mumbled.
“You didn’t answer your cell.” Annie was pacing Bethanne’s office like a fretful cat.
“I was with Grandma Hamlin.”
Annie stopped pacing. “She’s okay, isn’t she?”
“Never better.” Bethanne went into the supply cabinet and grabbed a yellow