Behind her stood Stella in beige slacks and jewelry that clicked whenever she moved.
Rachel gave me an air kiss.
“Betty, your house smells wonderful.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Stella looked around.
“It’s a beautiful day.”
Then I noticed the bags.
A large canvas tote hung from Rachel’s shoulder. It was open just enough for me to see several plastic containers stacked inside.
Stella carried an oversized handbag and a folded grocery bag beneath one arm. When she moved, I heard more containers knocking together.
I waited for one of them to mention dessert, salad, bread, or anything else they might have brought.
Neither did.
Rachel stepped into the entryway and glanced around.
“It’s so warm and cozy in here.”
Stella nodded.
“Yes. Very lived-in.”
It was the first small insult of the afternoon.
A polite guest might have meant comfortable.
Stella meant old.
I smiled anyway.
“Everyone is outside.”
