My mother looked away.
“You don’t understand what happens if this becomes real.”
“What happens?”
“People talk.”
“So?”
“So I lose my best friend if it goes badly. You lose someone important. Families fracture. Holidays become miserable.”
Michelle whispered, “She’s right.”
I turned.
“You don’t get to decide that for me either.”
Her eyes widened.
“I’m trying to protect you.”
“From what?”
“Me.”
That answer hurt more than I expected.
My mother looked between us.
Then she picked up her purse.
“I need time.”
She walked out.
The front door closed.
Michelle and I stood in silence.
I expected relief.
Instead, she folded her arms around herself.
“You should go with her.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Michelle.”
“This is exactly what I was afraid of.”
“You told me you didn’t want to pretend.”
“That was before I saw Laura’s face.”
“So?”
“So she’s been my closest friend for twenty-five years.”
