Page 67 of Sudden Summer

“Let me guess, her soul searching in Napa Valley didn’t net a millionaire, so she’s on some breath work retreat in the redwood forest now?”

I cringed. Lainey wasn’t far off. “She’s at a sweat lodge in Arizona. You’re right, she didn’t meet Mr. Right in Napa, but apparently she did meet Mr. Fit and Fancy out in the desert.”

“Good. I’m happy for her. Maybe she’ll finally disown us and leave us the hell alone.”

“Lain.”

“Is that all you wanted to tell me? I’m trying to get out the door…”

“Actually, there are a couple things I wanted to say.” I waited for my heart to quit racing, but there was something deep inside that said I just needed to continue, so I did. “I’m done with Mom. She’s hurt us both a lot in our lives, and I’ve always tried to keep us all together, but I just…I can’t anymore. If she calls you, just don’t be surprised if she tries to get money from you.”

“Like I’d ever give that woman anything? Why do you think you’re the only daughter she calls, Birdie? I’ve seen through her bullshit for years. Glad you are finally seeing it too. So, we’re good.”

“Okay. Beyond Mom, I didn’t like how we left things the other day. I’m so excited for you, and this pregnancy. I didn’t even get to ask, who you are seeing for prenatal care? Is it Clarence County OBGYN?”

“No. Greg and I found a practice in Dallas. They’re more boutique and he feels better about the baby not being born at a small town hospital. He was worried there might be some conflict of interest, too…”

In other words: he was worried I would end up handling her care.

“Oh, well that’s okay. Driving into Dallas is going to be a little hectic when you’re in labor, but if that’s what you both want.”

“See,” she sighed, “this is exactly why I don’t tell you things. Because now you’re judging us. It’s the best choice for what our family wants, Birdie. Leave it alone.”

My jaw muscles tightened as I closed my eyes. “I want what’s best for you, Lane, I always have. If Dallas is the right place for you, then I can’t wait for the baby to be born so I can drive out and meet them.”

Her tongue clicked, and I could picture her standing in front of me, six-years-old with a gap in her teeth, hand on her hip as she scolded me for not making her heart pancakes with enough chocolate chips. “We aren’t going to have visitors at the hospital, just me and Greg. And his mom will be there when the baby’s born.”

My throat ached as I swallowed through the tight pull of emotions. His mom got to be there. His mom got to support her. Not me.

“Well, that will be nice for you, if that’s what you want. I can’t wait to meet my niece or nephew, whenever you’re ready for me to. Is Greg’s mom taking care of the baby shower, too?”

“Yeah, she’s really excited about it.”

“Maybe you can send her my contact information. I’d love to help out however I can.”

“I’ll ask. I think his aunts are helping, so I’m sure she’s got everything covered.”

“Okay.”

I didn’t know what to say after that. I was being cut from her life. It wasn’t subtle. And I knew she was hoping I’d take the hint.

“Should we say goodbye, or…”

Shit. Lachlan and the meals.

“Oh, yes, we can, but before that, I wanted to talk to you about Lainey’s Kitchen. I am so excited that you are taking this step, and I was thinking of ways to help⁠—”

“You’ve already helped, the investment money is all I need. I am actually capable of doing something on my own. It’s not a big deal.”

“Starting a business is a very big deal. But look, it’s not me helping with the business plan or trying to step in with advice. Beau’s family has been trying to figure out little ways to help Lachlan, and I thought maybe bringing out meals twice a week would be a good place to start.”

“You want me to bring him out meals? Dolly literally runs the only other good place to eat in town. No. That’s like fueling your enemy. Corporate espionage or something like that.”

I laughed. “I don’t think it’s that serious. Look, I could tell him you’ll be stopping out maybe on Tuesdays and Thursdays to drop off some stuff? Maybe a dinner and a freezer meal? How much would that set me back?”

“I don’t know off the top of my head, but I can run the numbers and get back to you.”

“Perfect.”