Free Cocoon by Emily Sue Harvey Page A

ridiculously clueless. “Hi, Zoe. Nice party.”
    â€œThanks.” The reply was clipped. Cool.
    â€œDance, Zoe?” Scott Burns appeared at Zoe’s elbow, his attractive face intent.
    â€œSure.” Without preamble, Zoe slid into his arms and made his night as they lilted away to the beginning strains of Elvis’s “Blue Christmas.”
    Seana would have laughed had she not felt so rebuffed just then. Zoe usually put Scott off, so this little interlude had certainly worked in his favor.
    â€œDance?” Barth smiled down at her, dimples flashing.
    She stepped into his arms and danced away from the stinging hurt.
    â€¢ • •
    The family met at Happy Feet on Christmas Day, but it wasn’t the same as in years past. Both Peyton and Ashley seemed subdued, whispering in Seana’s ear, “I liked it better at your place, Nana,” making her feel infinitely nostalgic.
    Some comic relief was provided when Ashley wanted to show off her progress with clogging lessons. Peyton partnered her with a routine they’d practiced for just this occasion. The hoedown music and lively steps and turns had them all tapping their feet and clapping. Seana’s eyes misted with pride.
    The performance was lively and entertaining. “I am so impressed,” Seana told Ashley afterward and gave her a big hug and kiss on her flushed cheek.
    â€œHey! I made her look good, dontcha know?” Peyton teased, and Seana gave him equal time and affection.
    But the overall ambience of the gathering was disappointingly cool. The place swallowed up their little clan, leaving room for an army, like their voices echoed in the space. It was dispirited. Like everybody was simply going through motions. Zoe’s influence hovered over the entire scene. Not surprising, thought Seana, considering her daughter’s assertive strength of will. The impact definitely watered down the usual holiday cheer.
    â€œI felt definitely shut out,” Seana said on the way home.
    Barth was silent, but Seana felt his letdown.
    Then suddenly, he said, “We were shut out.”
    â€œYeh.”
    â€œBut they’re still coming to terms with the changes.”
    Seana knew he was right, but Zoe had had months to adjust and, still, she lingered in a perpetual state of suspicion.
    â€œBarth, I think I’m going to take a weekend and go somewhere with my daughter. A mother-daughter time, if you will. She feels – well, she feels pushed away. I want to somehow reach her.”
    Barth was silent so long Seana didn’t think he was going to answer. Then, he said quietly, “Go ahead, honey. It can’t hurt. And it just might help.”
    So Seana later called Zoe and proposed a weekend girls’s getaway.
    â€œI’ll check my calendar, Mom, and get back with you.”
    Though Zoe tried to sound distant, Seana heard the thawing in her voice.
    She smiled.
    â€¢ • •
    Their trip took them to the little North Carolina mountain town of Brevard. The mountains took Seana back in time to life with Ansel. This had been their retreat when life had gotten to be too much. Here, they and the children took time out to relax and become one with creation once more, when the entire world’s cares and baggage seeped away and peace flowed in and filled the gaps.
    They rented their favorite suite at the Marriott, then went out to dinner. The first night, they avoided discussing anything controversial, focusing instead on each other and memories of bygone days. The next morning, they were up early and went shopping, selecting small gifts for the kids.
    Midday, they picked up a huge sub sandwich to halve and headed back to the air-conditioned suite where they propped up bare feet and ate, listening to cable’s Sirius Escape music. “Mmm.” Zoe smiled, lolling her head back on a cushion. “I’d forgotten how relaxing times like this could be.” She sighed. “It’s