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Miranda’s heels clacked against the linoleum hallway of the daycare a few weeks later. Walking ahead of her, with a far more casual pace, hand-in-hand, were Siena and Harley.
“Siena,” Miranda spoke the woman’s name with all the purpose and authority imbued by her mission and her general way of life for many years. She swirled her finger in the air in front of Siena who was still a dozen steps away but had just passed Aili’s office.
“What?” Siena laughed in reply, slowing her steps.
“Hi ’Randa.” Harley smiled and waved her free hand.
“Hi Harley. You want to tell your mom to turn around? I need to talk to her and Aili.” Miranda had gotten to the center early in the hopes of finally catching Siena at pick up. She had planned to be here at least half an hour earlier, coffees in hand, as some extra goodwill to get things started the right way.
“Say please.” Harley stared at Miranda and waited for her response.
“Of course, please.”
“Come on, Mommy.” Harley pulled at Siena’s hand and walked back toward Aili’s office.
“Is this payback?” Aili called out from her office.
“How the hell did she hear us?” Miranda genuinely wanted to know.
“Eyes and ears everywhere—that’s Aili.” Siena laughed and allowed herself to be led to the director’s office.
“Hey, Auntie Aili.” Harley disappeared into the office, a giggle floating out moments later.
Miranda’s mouth dried instantly, and now would have been a really good time to be able to hand over those coffees she never ended up having time to buy in her rush. She could do this, she managed people all day every day. She could organize this and get the help of these two in her sleep. This was no different from organizing a funeral, except it was nothing like a funeral. And her heart was involved. And this was for Tori, and she had to make sure she didn’t fuck this up because she wanted Tori to know. She wanted Tori to know everything. Miranda was in love.
“All right, Harley. The toys are all yours. Time for the grown-ups to talk.” Aili winked at Harley and ruffled her hair as Miranda and Siena stepped through the door.
“Okay.” Harley skipped over to the corner of toys and plonked herself onto the carpet.
Miranda smiled at her for a moment, and heat rushed through her. She loved that kid. The realization sent her heart racing faster, even harder than it had already been going. Everything had changed over the months, and even more over the last few weeks, since she and Tori had gotten together. Officially. With Tori, things still came up and they had moments of tension, but it had gone more smoothly than Miranda could have ever hoped. She loved being able to see Harley and Rebel playing like sisters. She enjoyed knowing that at least once a week she got to wrap her arms around Tori and inhale her scent, become grounded and reminded of the things that mattered most in their world.
Her parents hadn’t managed to make any more effort with Rebel. And it seemed like even less of an effort, honestly, but she found this whole parenting gig slightly easier, not easy but not as hard, when she asked for help from Aili and Siena.
“Miranda,” Aili spoke up. “I don’t mean to rush you, but I do need to get back to work soon.”
“Right.” Miranda shook her head a little. Yes, life had definitely become so much more than what it used to be. Having a whole village of supporters was often overwhelming, and Miranda did sometimes miss the quiet that had been her island. But this was better, and worth it. So why couldn’t she find her words? And why the hell were her palms sweating?
“Is Tori okay?” Siena broke the tirade of overthinking going on in Miranda’s mind in the only true way anyone could.
“Yes. Yes, she’s great. But this is about Tori.”
“What’s going on?” Aili as always was direct and to the point. Miranda had decided she quite liked the woman. Getting to know her had been more enjoyable than she had imagined.
“Tori’s birthday. Have either of you planned anything?”
“Tori’s a tricky one.” Aili leaned back in her chair as she spoke. “She loves being around people, helping people. It’s why she loves her job so much, and why she’s so good at it. But when it comes to being in the spotlight, she can get a little overwhelmed sometimes.”
“Right.” Miranda wiped her hands on her pants and nodded, trying to process the information as quickly as she could. “Does that mean a party is a bad idea?”
“Normally, yes,” Siena said. “But the last time I did mention it to her, she told me to do whatever I’d like. She didn’t mind.”
“Really?” Aili and Miranda asked at the same time, surprise filling the room.
“Yeah.” Siena nodded, eyes watching Harley as she spoke. “It was a few months ago. But you know Tori. Even if she wished she hadn’t said it, she would never go back on agreeing to something if the other person wanted it. Plus, she rarely says things she doesn’t believe.”
Miranda smiled, and the last of her nerves and worries slipped from her shoulders. This could actually work, and not only work, but it could possibly go well.
“Uh oh.” Aili said.
