They embrace, and my father places a gentle kiss on her cheek.
My mom turns to me, her smile slightly apprehensive, as is the way with us. But she’s here, so that means something. I’m her biggest mistake, and there’s nothing I can do to erase that because I can’t undo my own existence.
I stand and accept her hug, already feeling emotional. She holds me at arm’s length, then fingers the ends of my hair. “You did something different.”
“I added a few highlights.” After the eyebrow incident in Lincoln’s office, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to lighten up the color a little, so I went ahead and made an appointment with my stylist. I’ve dyed it since I was a teenager, mostly so it’s closer to my dad’s hair color, at least before he started graying at the temples.
“Well, I like it. It’s fresh and summery.” My mother takes the seat next to my father and props her chin on her fist, eyes lighting up. “It’ll look lovely for the fundraiser. Are you planning to bring a date? There’s a doctor who works in the neonatal unit at Saint Margaret’s Hospital who’s single. I believe he’s planning to attend. I could introduce you.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” I can feel my cheeks flush. “I assume I’ll be working that event, so I won’t have a lot of time for mingling.”
My mother frowns. “You’re almost thirty, sweetie. I know your career is important to you, but when was the last time you went on a date?”
“Mom, please.”
“What? I can’t worry about my little girl? All you do is work and spend time with Dani.” Her eyes flare, and she puts her hand on mine, dropping her voice. “You know your father and I would be completely okay with it if you were to tell us you’re gay.”
I burst out in laughter. “Thanks, Mom, but I’m not gay and neither is Dani. It’s good to know you’d be accepting if I were, though.”
“You never know.” She pats my hand and winks. “I’ll still introduce you to the doctor at the event, in case there are sparks.”
“Abigail, let her be.”
“Really, Kieran? Weren’t you just saying how you were worried Wren is working too much and not spending enough time being young and enjoying life?”
I put up a hand. “I love you both, but really, you don’t need to worry. I’m more than capable of finding dates all on my own.”
“Well, if the fundraising event isn’t a good place to stage an introduction, I could always orchestrate one the next time we volunteer at the neonatal unit.” She pauses as if uncertain, but quickly continues. “Only if you want go with me again, though. And I don’t have to introduce you to the doctor either, if it will make you uncomfortable.”
I fight back the sudden swell of relief. “Okay. I mean, okay, I’d love to volunteer with you again.”
“Really? Well, that’s wonderful. Maybe we could make it a weekly thing, if you want.”
“We could do that, sure. But let’s put a pin in the doctor introduction for now.”
She smiles and blinks a few times, maybe working to control her own emotions. “Of course, we could plan for next week?”
“That would be great, Mom.”
Her smile makes my heart ache, because the one thing that’s always felt like the rift between us is also the thing that seems to bind us together.* * *“Wren, just the person I’m looking for!” Gwendolyn catches me as I return from lunch. Prior to Fredrick passing, I rarely saw her, but now she’s here more frequently, which makes sense, I suppose.
I force a polite smile. I’m feeling emotional after my lunch with my parents, and all I want to do is disappear into my office and be alone so I can process. “What can I do for you, Gwendolyn?”
She threads her arm through mine. “I wanted to speak with you about the fundraising event this weekend.”
“Of course. I have notes for Lincoln, and we’ll be reviewing his speech and what he should expect at the event. I have a tux fitting set up for tomorrow to make sure everything is as it should be.” Which I need to remind him of.
“You’re always so on top of things, Wren.” She pats my hand. “I’m sure everything will be in order.” We slip inside Fredrick’s office, which she’s taken over, and she drops into the executive chair behind the massive desk, motioning for me to do the same on the other side.
Fredrick was always so much less formal, never using his desk as a barrier. Although with Fredrick, it was always he and I against whatever idiocy Armstrong had pulled. Lincoln isn’t nearly as difficult to manage, which is good, considering I still have to deal with Armstrong. Although he’s been less demanding and not quite the pain in the ass he usually is now that Lincoln is around. Small blessings.