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He stared at her.
“Erin?” he finally said.
“Yes. My mom and dad used to love it when she came by to visit.
She used to make them pies and sometimes she helped them clean
up, especially once my mom started getting sick. Lung cancer. It
was awful.” She shook her head. “Is Erin around? I’ve been
hoping to meet her. The funeral starts at two.”
“No, she’s not. She’s helping a sick friend in Manchester,” he said.
“Oh… well, okay then. That’s too bad. I’m sorry to have bothered
you.”
His mind began to clear and he noticed that she was about to
leave. “I’m sorry for your loss, by the way. I told Erin and she’s
upset that she can’t be here. Did you get the flowers?”
“Oh, probably. I haven’t checked. The funeral home is full of
them.”
“No big deal. I just wish Erin could have been here.”
“Me, too. I’ve always wanted to meet her. My mom told me that
she reminded her of Katie.”
“Katie?”
“My younger sister. She passed away six years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Me, too. We all miss her—my mom did especially. That’s why
she got along so well with Erin. They even looked alike. Same age
and everything.” If Karen noticed Kevin’s blank expression, she
gave no sign. “My mom used to show Erin the scrapbook she’d
put together about Katie… She was always so patient with my
mom. She’s a sweet woman. You’re a lucky man.”