“What brings the two of you to the city? Elena asked, in her most enthusiastic tone.
Bridget answered without looking up from her menu, “We were in the city, so we thought we’d stop by and see how you were doing. It has been a long time, darling.”
“What are you in the city for?”
Emily smiled coolly at her. “So suspicious, Ellie – I had a meeting with a client.”
“Ah, yes,” Elena remembered her sister’s new ambitions, “party planning.”
“Event organization,” Emily corrected her pointedly, “yes, I had a meeting with a client here.”
“I assume you booked the job,” Elena asked.
“Of course,” Emily replied in her usual self-satisfied way.
“Yes, you’re sister has been on quite the roll of late. She’s had several new clients, and they’re all just thrilled about her work.”
“I can imagine,” Elena replied trying to keep the sarcasm from her voice.
She saw a quick look being exchanged between her mother and sister. Immediately, she knew that their visit had not been innocent or spontaneous. They had wanted to talk to her about something specific, but Elena knew them both. They weren’t going to bring it up directly.
“So, darling,” Bridget began, “what’s new with you? What happened to that boy you were dating?”
“What boy?” Elena asked in genuine confusion.
“Steven… or was it Stephan.”
“Simon,” Elena said, “and we broke up over a year ago, mom.”
“Well, any other prospects?”
Elena hated the way she said “prospects.” It made her feel like an old maid with no hope for the future. She was also aware that Emily was looking at her with pitying concern that made her feel nauseous.
“I’m been busy, mom,” Elena said, hoping to end the topic there.
“Careful dear,” Bridget said, “you don’t want to end up alone, with no children to occupy your old age.”
Elena rolled her eyes.
“I don’t even want children, Mom,” Elena replied honestly, “so that’s not a problem.”
“Oh don’t say that, Elena,” Bridget said sternly.
“No really, Mom,” Elena insisted. “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a mother, I just--”
“How’s work?” Bridget cut in sharply.
Elena sighed inwardly. It was just like her mother to change the subject when she didn’t like the direction the conversation was headed. She would rather avoid an unpleasant topic than deal with it, but for Elena, this new topic was one she would rather avoid.
“… It’s fine.”
“Is it?” This time it was Emily who spoke.
Elena cocked her head to the side and looked from one to the other, “Yes. Why?”
“We just want to make sure everything is all right with you, Ellie,” Emily said with a smile that Elena knew was meant to be kind.
“Of course it is,” Elena replied, “why wouldn’t it be?”