French Braid

Eddie Lainey, the son of Alice and Kevin, is the protagonist of Chapter 7, which takes place in one day in the summer of 2014. The author reveals that significant changes have taken place in the Garrett family: Robin and Mercy died within a year of one another. Morris died of cancer. Alice and Kevin have moved to Florida, where Kevin plays golf every day. While Kevin wanted Eddie to follow him as a shopping-center developer, from childhood, Eddie was much more interested in tools, making him the proper heir to the plumbing-supply company, which he manages.

His aunt Lily calls to ask if he wants any of her furniture. She is moving to a furnished in-law suite in Serena’s house in Asheville, North Carolina. Serena, a new mother, is frantic as she cares for the baby, Peter Morris, who is colicky. Lily decides to sell her house and move because she knows that if she waits too long, Serena will realize she does not need her mother.

Eddie explains the situation to his partner, Claude. While Claude’s family is aware and accepting of his sexual orientation, Eddie is closeted.