Ouida bustled around in the kitchen and brought her a paper bag, which she set beside Mel’s pack. “A bite of lunch. They never feed you on those horrid planes anymore,” she said smiling.
“Thank you, Ouida,” Mel said as she hugged her. “I hope these Woodruffs realize how lucky they are to have you.”
The older woman looked startled. Then her face softened. “Oh, I’m the lucky one, honey.”
Grace soon joined Ouida in the kitchen. “I hear you’re leaving us, Mel. I hope what happened last night didn’t scare you away.” Her eyes met Mel’s. Disappointment. Affection. Hope.
“No, not at all,” Mel replied.
“I know if Nick were here, he would apologize on behalf of his gnocchi,” Grace said.
That wasn’t true either.
“No need. It tasted marvelous.” Mel gave a rueful laugh. “Going down anyway.”
Gra
