Simultaneously, Noemi, Brianâs mother and friend of Gail, made her entrance.
Rosalynn and Brian followed Frankie and Noemi into the lounge, extending greetings to everyone present.
Deboraâs face was adorned with wrinkles as she spoke.
âBehold Rosalynn.
Today, she appears like a goddess.
â
Touched by the compliment, Rosalynn felt a warmth in her heart.
âThank you, Grandma.
â
Debora maintained her smile and remarked, âIâve always kept an eye on her.
Brian, shouldnât you be thanking me the most? After all, itâs because of me that Rosalynn became your wife.
â
âYouâre absolutely right, Grandma.
Weâre incredibly fortunate to have you.
Thanks to your keen eyes and wisdom.
â
Brianâs words brought a playful twinkle to Deboraâs eyes.
Rosalynn continued to smile throughout.
When she glanced at Noemi, she noticed her indifferent expression.
Fortunately though, when Noemi looked at her, she could not see resentment in her eyes.
She believed in showing respect to Gail.
âBrian, take Rosalynn out to mingle with your friends.
You donât have to linger here with us,â Debora suggested after a brief chat.
Brian agreed and departed, his arm around Rosalynnâs waist.
As the two left, Debora turned her gaze to Noemi.
âNoemi, observe your son and daughter-in-law.
Theyâre a perfect match!
Life doesnât always unfold as we desire.
Smile more.
When you reach my age, youâll understand.
They have their own destiny.
Many things are preordained.
Itâs best for us to let nature take its course.
â
She sensed that something had occurred between Noemi and Rosalynn which was why she attempted to console Noemi.
Noemi met her gaze, fingers tightly clenched, but remained silent.
âYou know, Noemi, we were once inseparable best friends and now weâre connected by marriage.
I canât help but think how many people would envy the bond we share,â
Gail expressed, holding her hand with affection.
Still, Noemi offered no words, only mustering a forced smile.
Understanding that Noemi had recently gone through a divorce, Gail recognized that unraveling the knots in Noemiâs heart required more than a few comforting words.
Unhurried, Gail suggested, âNoemi, since youâre in Skrix, stay here with me for a while.
Letâs reminisce about the past, engage in flower arrangement, enjoy coffee and chat.
What do you say?â
Noemi, moved by Gailâs gentle words and reminiscing about their once -intimate friendshi
p, sighed and nodded, saying, âOkay.
â
Pleased with Noemiâs response, Gail smiled warmly.
With Noemiâs willingness to stay, Gail knew that, with time, she could dispel the misunderstandings in Noemiâs heart and eventually foster acceptance for her daughter.
Outside, as soon as Brian and Rosalynn made their entrance, a circle of friends enveloped them.