Page 131 - In Five Years

When she’s gone, we’re moved into the big waiting room, the one filled with
people. They have sandwiches and board games. Some chat on cell phones. A
few have blankets. There is laughing. Yet, every time the double doors open, the
entire room stops and looks up in anticipation.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get you a coffee,” Aaron says. We choose seats by the
window. Jill and Frederick pace a few feet over on their phones.

“It’s fine,” I say. “I’ll go down to the cafeteria or something.”
“Yeah. It’s going to be awhile.”
“Had you met her parents before?” I ask Aaron. Bella never mentioned it, but
now I’m not so sure.

“Just this morning,” he says. “Jill came and picked us up. They’re kind of a
trip.”

I snort.
“That bad, huh?” he asks me.
“You have no idea.”

Jill saunters over. I realize she’s wearing heels.
“I’m putting in an order to Scarpetta,” she says. “I think we could all use
some comfort food. What can I get you two?”

It’s barely 9 a.m.
“I’ll probably just go down to the cafeteria,” I say. “But thank you.”
“Nonsense,” she says. “I’ll order some pasta and salad. Greg, do you like

pasta?”
He looks to me for the answer. “Yes?”
My cell phone rings then. David.

“Excuse me,” I tell the group, which now includes Frederick, who is looking
over Jill’s shoulder at her phone.
“Hey,” I say. “God, David, this is a nightmare.”

“I imagine. How was she this morning?”
“Her parents are here.”
“Jill and Maurice?”

“Frederick, yes.”
“Wow,” he says. “Good for them, I guess. Better they be there than not,
right?”