She's Not There by Joy Fielding Page B

you guys up to?”
    “My mother always has Thanksgiving dinner at her place,” Steve said.
    “You can just imagine how much I’m looking forward to that,” Becky said.
    Steve glared at his wife. “Let’s not start.”
    “Stop looking at your watch,” Hunter told Caroline.
    “You know what my darling mother-in-law said to me last Thanksgiving?” Becky said, continuing without waiting for a response. “She’d just been to a funeral and I made the mistake of asking how it had gone, and she said, and this is a direct quote: ‘It was a lovely affair. Her daughter selected a beautiful coffin. Much nicer than the one you had for
your
mother.’ ”
    There was a collective gasp from around the table.
    Although not from Caroline, who was used to such remarks.
    “I assure you she said no such thing,” Steve protested.
    “That’s exactly what she said.”
    “You’re exaggerating. As usual.”
    “And you’re defending her. As usual.”
    “So, what are we all thankful for?” Peggy interrupted, a forced chirp in her voice. “Come on. Three things, not including health, family, or friends. We’ll just assume you’re thankful for those.”
    “Never assume,” said Becky.
    “Oh, this is fun,” Rain said, clapping her hands. “Can I start?”
    Peggy opened the palms of her hands, indicating that Rain had the floor.
    “Well, first, obviously, I’m thankful we’ll be spending Thanksgiving in New York and not at some horrid family function, no offense intended.” Her smile drifted from Becky to Steve before ultimately landing on Caroline. “Second, I’m thankful for the new necklace Jerrod bought me.” She patted the impressive diamond sparkler at her throat. “And third, I’m thankful gray hair doesn’t run in my family. Your turn,” she said to Caroline.
    Caroline struggled to keep her hands away from her head. She’d never noticed any gray hairs, but then, she really hadn’t been paying close attention. “I’m thankful for this past week,” she said, nodding toward her husband. “I’m thankful to be celebrating ten years of relative wedded bliss,” she continued, recalling her brother’s words.
    “What do you mean,
relative
?” Hunter asked, a mock frown on his lips.
    “I’ll drink to
relative,
” Jerrod said, raising his glass of champagne as the others followed suit, stretching their glasses toward one another in a congratulatory toast.
    “Careful,” Rain warned. “You can’t cross hands or it’s bad luck.”
    “Really? I’ve never heard that,” Becky said.
    “Go on,” Peggy instructed Caroline. “One more thing you’re thankful for.”
    Caroline tried to come up with a third reason to be grateful other than family, health, and friends. Surely she could think of something. “I’m thankful for the ocean,” she said finally, glancing in its general direction.
    “Seriously?” Rain asked.
    “I’m thankful the San Diego real estate market is so strong,” Steve said, not waiting to be asked. “I’m thankful I was able to persuade Hunter to let us join you here in beautiful Rosarito to help you celebrate.” He glanced pointedly across the table at his wife. “I’m especially thankful that my mother is such a great cook.”
    “You’re so full of shit,” Becky said.
    “Is our mother not a great cook?” Steve asked Caroline.
    “Our mother is indeed a great cook,” Caroline agreed. “And you are also full of shit.”
    Everybody laughed, although Steve’s laugh was muted and his hazel eyes were as lifeless and hard as stones.
    “Your turn, Becky,” Rain said.
    “I’m sorry, everyone. I’ve had this terrible headache all afternoon, and it seems to be getting worse.” Tears clouded her eyes. She made no move to hide them or brush them aside. “If you’ll excuse me,” she said, pushing back her chair and getting to her feet.
    “Oh, sit down,” Steve said. “You’re fine. Don’t be such a prima donna.”
    “Fuck you.” Becky turned and stomped