Chapter 39

Epilogue

Jan lifted her glass, “Is this how you spend your days now? Sipping margaritas by the pool?”

Lisa laughed. She looked over to the small group of teenage boys playing water polo, “Among other things. Juan understands my needs.”

Jan looked over to the naked boys in the pool and then back to the very naked Lisa next to her.

“I’m sure that works for him also. Is that why you ended up back here? This is where it all started, after all.” Jan would know.

Lisa was still looking over at the boys. “I guess we both get something out of it. And yes, coming here that first time definitely changed my life.” She paused before adding, more to herself, “Seems like such a long time ago now, but yea, this is where I belong now.”

Jan felt the need to add, “Well, it’s not like you’re destitute and he took you in off the street.” She paused, grabbing Lisa by the hand, “I just hope this place brings you peace.”

Lisa turned back to Jan and smiled. Jan couldn’t help but see some pain in that smile.

There was no reply.

“So. How is your family?” Jan decided to change the topic. “I heard Josh got married?”

Lisa’s smile grew. “Yes, he did.” She paused for a second to think. “God, it’s been four months already. Anyways, the wedding was right here. We flew them all down. The whole thing was so beautiful. His new bride is intelligent AND so gorgeous. They really do make the perfect couple.”

Jan replied, “I’m sure they do. He is a lucky boy, or I guess man. Hard to believe he is twenty-four now.”

“Yea. And they plan on making me a grandmother soon. Won’t that be a trip. Grandma Lisa. Can’t wait.”

Lisa leaned back on her lounger and looked up into the sky. Clearly in deep thought, Lisa finally spoke again, “Yep. Frankie’s married. Ben’s remarried. I think everyone is happy now.”

Jan noticed ‘everyone’ didn’t include Lisa herself.

The next two hours were spent on small talk. Lisa got updated on everyone from work. Jan finished with, “And of course, Mr. Carlson speaks of you often. He definitely misses your morning meetings.”

She thought of all the times they had fucked. He acted more like a kid than the owner of a successful business. ‘At least around me.’ That made Lisa smile.

Then, from around the corner of one of the out buildings, a boy of sixteen appeared, being pulled by a large dog on a leash.

In a thick accent, he spoke. “Pardon me, Momma Lisa, but Mr. Juan and his friends are ready for you now.”

Jan couldn’t help but notice how excited the dog seemed to be around Lisa. Jan stood as Lisa stood. Lisa leaned in and gave Jan a big hug.

“Duty calls. I am so glad you came down. I do hope you stick around for a while.”

Jan looked at the dog then back to Lisa. She tried to force a smile. “Yea. That’s my plan.”

“Well enjoy. Ask Maria if you need anything. I’ll meet up with you later, okay?”

And with that, she leaned in and kissed Jan on the cheek before walking away, followed closely by the boy and his dog.