Free Of Love & Regret by S. H. Kolee Page A

the
living room and noticed my bouquet of lilies for the first time. Her face lit
up.
    “Sweet girl. You
always remember Cassie’s favorite flower. She’ll love them.”
    I nodded, trying
to smile, but I knew it looked horribly forced. I was relieved when I heard
footsteps approaching and Mr. Brooks joined us in the living room. As vibrant
as his wife was, Mr. Brooks was subdued and plodding. It was a stereotypical
case of opposites attracting, but it worked for them.
    “I’m so glad you
two could make it,” Mr. Brooks said with a kind smile. “Judith has been looking
forward to your visit all week.”
    “Not just me,
silly,” Mrs. Brooks admonished gently. “Cassie has been excited, too. I hope
she gets home soon.”
    To his credit, Mr.
Brooks’ smile barely faltered, but I figured he was used to it by now. On the
other hand, I saw how pained Logan’s expression was, and I hurried to move the
conversation along.
    “How have you been
doing, Mrs. Brooks?” I asked as she gestured for us to sit. Logan sat down next
to me, and Mrs. Brooks sat on my other side, grabbing one of my hands and
holding it between hers. Mr. Brooks sat opposite us.
    “I’ve been doing
wonderful, dear,” she chirped. “I’ve been so busy with my volunteering committees
that I barely have time to take care of Charles and Cassie.” She glanced at her
husband with a warm smile before continuing. “Charles’ business has been so
busy, but he’s such a family man. He always makes sure to get home in time for
dinner. In fact, he comes home early most days. I suppose that’s one of the
perks of being the boss.”
    Mr. Brooks owned a
highly successful construction company, but it had taken a back seat to taking
care of his wife. Fortunately, he obviously had highly competent employees that
were able to run the business in his absence.
    “What about you?”
Mrs. Brooks asked. “How are your classes?”
    Mrs. Brooks seemed
stuck in our college years, since that’s when Cassie had passed. I think it
helped to explain away Cassie’s absence; she could just pretend Cassie was away
at school most of the time. There were often inconsistencies in the way she
spoke about Cassie. Sometimes Cassie still lived at home, but in the next
breath, she would speak about Cassie being away at school. Her mind seemed to
change the story as necessary so she could keep up the belief that her daughter
was still alive.
    I glanced at Mr.
Brooks before answering, and he nodded his head, indicating for me to play
along.
    “They’re good,” I
answered, trying to keep my answer short and vague. I tensed when she turned
towards Logan, since I knew he had a much harder time keeping up this charade.
    “What about you,
Logan?” she asked. “I know how difficult those pre-law classes can be.”
    “They are, but I’m
surviving.” He looked supremely uncomfortable, but he tried to smile for her
benefit.
    Mrs. Brooks
checked her watch and clucked her tongue. “I wish Cassie would come home soon.
I don’t know why she insisted on coming down from college separately from you
two. It would have made much more sense if you had all driven down together.”
    “Why don’t we get
started on lunch,” Mr. Brooks said, standing up. “Cassie can join us when she
gets here.”
    “Yes, that’s a
good idea. I’d hate for you two to go hungry just because she’s running late.”
Mrs. Brooks got up and looked at her husband. “Can you give Cassie a call to
see when she’ll be here?”
    “Of course.” Mr.
Brooks stepped away as Cassie’s mother ushered us into the dining room. She
made a show of putting Logan’s flowers on the dining table, as well as finding
a vase for my lilies.
    “I made all of
Cassie’s favorites today for her birthday. I hope you two are in the mood for
meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes.”
    “You know me, Mrs.
Brooks,” I said, trying to keep my tone cheerful. “I’m all about carbo loading.
And nothing beats your