Death Takes a Holiday by Jennifer Harlow Page A

Valentine’s Day,’ even after I said it to him. And what did he get me for my birthday the same year? A Padres throw rug.”
    “So he sucked at gifts.”
    “And cleaning up after himself, and listening to me, and taking into consideration what I wanted. How many days did I spend at the Del Mar tracks? The gun range? A million? And how many times did we go see a play or movie without an explosion in it? About two?”
    “Okay, so he wasn’t the best boyfriend. At least he never played games with you.”
    “That’s because it requires creative thought.”
    “I just meant he was uncomplicated. Normal. I thought that’s what you wanted!”
    I open my mouth to defend my decisions but have no idea what to say next because once again, she’s right. That is what I want. It’s what I always wanted. I was never greedy. I don’t want a million dollars or fame. All I want is a loving husband, a house, and happy children. That’s it. I had that chance with Steven, but it didn’t felt right. He wasn’t right.
    “You’re still coming, right? I already invited everyone. For me and the kids?”
    I roll my eyes. “Fine.”
    “Girls,” Nana calls. “Dinner’s ready!” Thank God.
    Nana’s big on family meals, no eating separately in our rooms or on the couch. It drove Brian nuts, but I kind of liked it. At the mansion I try to take my meals with Carl and Andrew at least a few times a week. Maybe now that a semblance of peace has been achieved, Will and Nancy can join us too. One big weird, dysfunctional family.
    “Smells great, Nana Liz,” April says, sitting down. “It’s wonderful to have a dinner that I didn’t cook.”
    I sit across from April in my old spot. As Nana dishes out the ziti I scan the room. The table is the same, which means I didn’t break it and there isn’t even a hint of a crack on the wall. Nana sits at the head of the table and smiles at us.
    “It’s nice to have someone to cook for,” she says.
    “Doesn’t Brian drive down sometimes?” I ask before taking a bite. Yum.
    “Every Saturday with Renata and the baby,” Nana says, sideways glancing at me to gauge my reaction.
    “Oh. They had the baby?” April asks, also glancing at me. What, are they afraid I’m going to burst into tears or something?
    “Three weeks ago. A boy. Mark.”
    “Awesome! They must be so happy,” April says.
    “He’s adorable. Looks exactly like Brian. They’ll be here Saturday.” Another two glances my way.
    “Does he know I’m here?” I ask nonchalantly.
    “Yes.”
    “And he’s still coming?”
    “Of course. They’ll be here for Christmas.”
    “I thought she was Jewish,” I say.
    “Which is why they’ll be here.”
    “Well Nana Liz, you must be so excited to have everyone under one roof again! Especially the new baby!” Her cell phone starts playing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” “Oh crap,” she says, opening it. “Hello? Javi?” She listens. “I can’t hear you over the screaming! What?” She listens, rolling her eyes. “Carlos did what? He smashed Manny’s diorama! We spent two days on that stupid thing! How could you let him do that? No, fine, I’m on my way home. Okay!” She flips the phone closed. “I am so sorry. Javi must have let them have caffeine or something!”
    “It’s okay,” I say.
    April stands up. “Dinner looked great, Nana Liz. I’m sorry.”
    “I can wrap you up some.”
    “No, it’s okay. I’m sure Javi didn’t make them anything, so I’ll have to cook anyways. Lucky me.” She walks over to me, leaning down and kissing my cheek. “Call me tomorrow morning, okay? And don’t make plans for tomorrow evening. Either of you. Barbecue, my place. Everyone’s coming.”
    “We’ll be there,” I say.
    “Bye!” she says, rushing out of the house.
    “She’s such a sweet girl,” Nana says after the door shuts. “She comes by once a week and we have coffee.”
    “Yeah, I really missed her.”
    “And we really missed you,” Nana