Callie came downstairs first, her face flushed with embarrassment at having been caught in such a compromising position. "I'm really sorry," she said to Samantha.
"It's no big deal," Samantha said. "How long have you and Becky been together?"
"About a year now. She's a really nice girl."
"She is."
"I better get going. It was good to meet you." Callie hurried out of the room before Samantha could say goodbye.
"Mommy, what were those girls doing?" Jackie asked.
"They were taking a nap, sweetie." Her daughter seemed to accept this and went back to watching television. Rebecca came down the stairs a minute later in a faded black T-shirt and jeans. "I'm afraid Callie already left."
"That's all right. I'll see her later. It's so good to see you again. Would you like anything to eat or drink? You're probably tired after that flight."
"Some coffee would be nice," Samantha said. She tilted Jackie's head towards her, pushing up the little girl's glasses. "You stay put right here. Don't move a muscle, all right?"
"OK, Mommy," Jackie said.
Samantha heaved herself off the couch, following Rebecca into the kitchen. As the coffee brewed, Rebecca said, "You didn't mention anything about her on the phone."
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Samantha said.
"How old is she?"
"She'll be five in November."
"I remember when Molly was five-" Rebecca's voice trailed off. "I still miss her."
"We all miss her." They sat at the table in silence for a moment. Then Samantha cleared her throat and said, "So you and Callie have been seeing each other for a year. It must be getting pretty serious then."
Rebecca shrugged. "Not really. We're just having fun."
"I didn't realize you were that way," Samantha said, hoping she didn't sound too prudish. "There's nothing wrong with it, of course. I think it's wonderful."
"I don't know if I am or not. For right now I am." Rebecca stood up to pour two cups of steaming coffee. "How are things with you and Joseph?"
"Busy, as always. They've got him working so many hours I hardly ever see him anymore." She bit down on her lip to keep a sudden burst of emotion from flaring up. "How about you? How are things at school?"
"I'm thinking of quitting," she said. She took a sip of her coffee before continuing. "Callie and I were thinking of going abroad for a year. I'd really like to see England to revisit my roots, you know?"
"What's Mr. Pryde think of that?"
"I haven't told him yet. I haven't even told him about Callie, although I think he knows. I didn't want to mention anything until I was sure."