“So what are you going to do?”
“Do you think I should call Lloyd and give him a heads-up?”
“What do you mean?”
“I am sure he wouldn’t want his fine work to go down the drain. Not that there’s anything in it for him anymore, but maybe if he approached her?” Amy was thinking out loud.
“Wouldn’t that be awkward?”
“Once they announce their wedding plans, Lloyd could reach out to her. After all, he did a splendid job in getting her pretty much everything she asked for. It would be a shame if all his hard work got left in the dust of the Rusty Highway.”
“Good point,” Rachael agreed. “Hang on. I have his phone number. Might be worth having a conversation with him. Tell him you’re concerned for her financial well-being.”
“Excellent idea.” Amy felt a sense of relief. It wouldn’t hurt to get in touch with him, even if he charged her $400 for a quick phone call. In all honesty, Amy loved her mother, but their relationship had been guarded ever since the divorce. Even so, she surely didn’t want to see her mother get hurt or taken advantage of.
Rachael gave Amy the phone number. “Let me know how you make out.”
“Thanks. You’re a pal.”
“No problem. You and I have a lot in common.”
Amy and Rachael had bonded in high school. Coming from wealth, both had had to suffer through the bombardment of lessons, language classes, and pretentious parties. More often than not, Amy and Rachael would see each other at various social events. But once Amy discovered a microscope and a Bunsen burner, any interest in the trappings of upper-middle-class expectations went out the window.
Her mother was horrified that Amy would rather watch things mutate than perfect her tennis backhand. But Amy was a straight-A student. No one could argue with that.
“OK, chica. Let me know how it goes.”
“Will do.” Amy ended the call. She felt a sense of relief. Even though she hadn’t spoken to Lloyd Luttrell yet, she knew he would have no problem sticking his lawyerly nose into Dorothy’s business. She thought it was serendipitous that Rachael had mentioned her lawyer, giving Amy the opportunity to bring it into the conversation with her mother.
The next morning, she phoned Lloyd Luttrell. She hoped he hadn’t left for the long weekend yet. She told his receptionist she was Dorothy Blanchard’s daughter, and she had a question for him. In less than a minute, he took the call.
“Ms. Blanchard. What can I do for you?” He sounded very smooth.
“Hello, Mr. Luttrell. Thank you for taking my call. I know this is a little out of the ordinary, but I am hoping you can help me out. Especially my mother.”
“I’ll certainly try. What seems to be the problem?”
“My mother told me that she and Rusty are getting married.”
“Oh?” Lloyd Luttrell’s voice had an odd ring to it.
“Yes, and I’m concerned that she might not consider having him sign a prenup.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“I was wondering when they announce their wedding plans if you could take her aside and suggest it?” Amy grimaced, waiting for an eruption. But none came.
“That’s really none of my business,” Lloyd said softly.
“I know, but I’m worried. She is all gaga over this guy because he’s all over her. If you know what I mean.”
“I do indeed. I’ve seen him in action at the club.” Lloyd cleared his throat.
“Could you do this for me? For her? I’ll gladly pay you.”
Amy was on the edge of begging.
“Pay me? That’s not necessary. Your mother is, was, a client. I should have her best interests in mind. Wouldn’t you agree?” Lloyd sounded kind and reasonable. So un-lawyerly, she thought.
“Oh, Mr. Luttrell, that would be fabulous. I’m on the other side of the country, so it’s hard to keep an eye on her.” Amy laughed nervously.
“I’d be happy to suggest it to her. Do you know when they’re going to make the announcement?”
“This Saturday. At the country club.”
“When is the wedding?” Lloyd asked.
“April. She wants to honeymoon in Paris,” Amy answered glumly.
“That should give me more than enough time to work on this for you. And your mother,” Lloyd said with an unusual amount of enthusiasm. “I plan on being at the club on Saturday. I’ll ask her to have lunch with me the following week. That way, what I say won’t put a damper on her euphoria.”
“Mr. Luttrell, I cannot thank you enough.” Amy appreciated the support.
“My pleasure. I’ve always been fond of your mother. I wouldn’t want anyone to take advantage of her.”
Amy noticed what seemed to be a protective tone in his voice.
Amy ticked off her phone number to him. “That’s my cell, Mr. Luttrell. Please keep me apprised. And as I said, I would be glad to pay you for your time.”
“And as I said, that is not necessary. I’ll enjoy having lunch with Dorothy. Be well.” Lloyd Luttrell ended the call.
Amy sprung from her chair. She felt as if a weight had been lifted. If Rusty turned out to be a dirtbag, at least her mother’s financial future would be secure.
Chapter Seven
Thanksgiving Week
Frankie’s Apartment
Frankie looked at the wall calendar she kept in her linen closet. She felt that it was always good to write things down and have a visual look at the week. It was the day before Thanksgiving. So far, none of the women had dates for New Year’s Eve, although at this point it did not matter. They had all agreed to go, regardless of their relationship status. Rachael was the only one who had a potential date, but that wasn’t unusual. Rachael always had a potential date. Frankie chuckled to herself.
She sent a text out to the other women asking for a Zoom call:
Thanksgiving, ladies! Are we ready for our seafaring adventure?
She received the following responses:
You bet!
Absolutely!
Can we leave now?
Frankie sent out the invitation for the call, and within a few minutes, everyone’s face appeared on her laptop screen.
Lots of hellos, hey-theres, and blown kisses went around.
Frankie started. “Is everyone ready?”
Amy was the first to speak. “Check it out!” She turned her laptop for everyone to see her bounty of clothes, and her two cats sleeping in the suitcase.
“They’re not coming with us, are they?” Rachael asked in a horrified voice.
“Don’t be silly. They just think it’s their new bed. I figured I’d let them sleep in it until they find another spot. Don’t panic, Rachael.” Amy smiled. “I cannot imagine taking them on an airplane, then a cruise.”
“Well, you know, some people have to take their animals with them,” Rachael reminded everyone. “It seems like everywhere you go, someone has a ‘support’ animal with them.” Rachael used air quotes.
“But I’m not that person.” Amy almost sounded indignant. “Besides, I told you I have a kitty sitter.”
Nina broke in. “Rachael. Are you OK? You seem a little tense.”