Chapter 14

They could hear music playing as they walked up to Maria’s door. Tasha had never actually described Maria, so Megan had filled in a mental image of a badass woman who wore leather jackets or tailored suits. Those images completely crumbled as a woman in jeans and an absolutely hideous Christmas sweater gleefully embraced Tasha.

“You must be Sophia and Megan! I’m Maria. Come on in!”

There were hugs all around as Maria took their coats and directed them to the food. There were too many people for formal dining, so there were people scattered about, which made introductions challenging. Megan appreciated the warm welcome, but was very glad to see how welcoming everyone was of Sophia. Her daughter was the only non-adult, but everyone was very kind and made sure to include her. Seeing this helped Megan relax as she mingled with the other guests, but she always kept an eye out. She noted that Tasha also seemed to keep a permanent eye on Sophia as well.

Afternoon turned to evening in a flurry of eating and conversation. The other guests were a fascinating array of people, all of whom seemed to have some connection to Maria. After spending most of the last decade with other moms, Megan felt a bit out of her element.

Whenever she felt her anxiety rising, Tasha seemed to magically appear with some anecdote that kept the conversation moving, and a light touch on Megan’s arm that soothed her anxiety.

The energy of the Friendsgiving celebration mellowed as the evening stretched out and people started drifting off to other events. Megan found herself leaning against a bookcase with sparkling water in one hand and a brownie in the other. She smiled as she watched Tasha and Sophia join a young couple at a low table to learn a game called Settlers of Catan. Megan grinned as Tasha carefully maneuvered herself into a sitting position while managing not to flash the entire party. It really is a lovely dress, Megan mused, but definitely not practical for some things. She immediately became conscious of just how much of her own right leg was showing and started fidgeting with her dress.

“You’re good for her, you know.”

Startled, Megan looked left to see Maria glide up to her. “I, uh… it’s not like that.”

“I know. She’s helping out her old friend. She told me a bit about you. About your situation.”

“Um…”

“Not the details of course. Tasha isn’t a gossip, but she is a good friend.”

“The best.”

“I meant what I said, though. Look at her there with your little Sophia. I’ve never seen Tasha this happy or this comfortable.”

“Really? Um, thank you.”

“Of course! I’ve only known Tasha for a handful of years, but I’ve come to love her… Not that sort of love—we never had that. She told you about us, I presume.”

“She did.”

“That’s good. It’s not healthy to have secrets between loved ones.”

“We’re not…”

Maria gave her a skeptical look. “Love takes many forms. She clearly loves you. And your little girl.”

“I guess I wasn’t thinking of it that way.”

Maria smiled wickedly as she said, “And if you did think of it that way, then I’m sure that Tasha would make it very enjoyable.”

Megan’s face turned a deep scarlet as she took a drink, trying desperately to think of a response.

Maria continued, “I’m only teasing you. Seriously, though, would you care for some unsolicited advice?”

“Um, yes.”

“You have many decisions in front of you. Remember that family isn’t only blood, it’s who you choose to share your life with. It’s not my business how your relationship with Tasha is defined. It isn’t anyone’s business. But she’s a person worth keeping in your life, in whatever form that takes. I hope that she keeps you in her life, because her light shines brighter when you are near.”

“Thank you, Maria. I’ll think about that.”

“Good. Now, about the decisions in your life. That’s up to you to do what you feel is best for yourself and Sophia. I don’t like to talk about dark subjects at an event like this, but if you would like to talk another day, then here’s my card. I like to think of myself as a friendly host, but in my day job I’m a divorce lawyer, and I’m a hard-assed bitch when I need to be.”

Maria left to tend to other guests, leaving Megan staring at her business card. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for that step. After finishing the brownie, she put the card in her purse and went back to watching Tasha and Sophia learn the new game. They both seemed to be having a good time, and Megan smiled as she took it all in. Unconsciously, her hand came up to her lips, and for a fleeting moment, she could almost feel Tasha’s lips briefly brushing hers.