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. He has never introduced Claude or even told anyone in his family that Claude exists. Claude willingly lives with Eddie’s decision to keep his orientation private.

Lily tells Eddie over lunch that she knows he thinks she has made a hasty decision. However, she never thought Serena would need her help because her daughter is so confident and organized, like Alice. Lily says, “I went down there for the birth and she was all radiant and Madonna-like and, well, serene. […] A couple of weeks later, after I have gone back home and [Peter] has gotten his little personality together, is when she calls me” (207).

As they walk through each room, every time Eddie mentions any item out loud, she automatically puts it in a box for him. He focuses on a large recliner that belonged to Grandfather Robin. He thinks how nice it would be for Claude, who would love to recline in the chair and read. Because he has no way of transporting it, Lily volunteers to put it in her hatchback and follow him home. She talks about the family’s photo albums, which she has already tried to give to others without success. Eddie is unwilling to take them. It occurs to Lily that she should send them to David, who still has the reputation of being emotionally detached. Lily asks, “Oh, what does that man have against us?” (212).

Reluctantly agreeing to the plan, Eddie wonders how to let Claude know he is bringing his aunt, so Claude can leave or hide out. The lack of parking near his house forces Eddie to park several streets away; by the time he returns, Claude and Lily have unloaded the recliner. He acts surprised to see Claude and introduces them to each other. Before departing, Lily indicates that they have gotten to know one another, saying, “Oh yes, we two are bosom buddies” (214).

Eddie asks Claude what transpired. Claude says he saw her trying to take the recliner out of her car and knew he needed to help. Eddie asks how he explained himself. Claude asks why he should have to explain himself. He says that Lily has always known Eddie is gay. Memories rush back to Eddie: He realizes his family never asked him if he had a girlfriend or if he would ever get married. Over the years, they have done many small things to avoid intruding on his privacy. He experiences relief and, moreover, gratitude. Eddie realizes he has underestimated his family. They have been protecting him even as he thought he was protecting them. He feels he has wasted a lot of time.