I rose stiffly from my desk, my limbs sore from sitting still for too long.
Oscar trailed after me as I wandered into the kitchen and made a quick sandwich before heading to the shower.
Hey! How’s it goin?
The text from Emmie made me smile. She was so thoughtful to check in on us.
Good!About to go pick up Ri from school
Max and Wren are having dinner tonight at their house. We’d love you two to come!
Her offer made me pause. On the one hand, I really liked Emmie and the friends of hers I’d met. On the other, I wasn’t sure I was up for meeting so many new people. I’d been looking forward to a quiet night with Riley. But I knew I needed to get out more. It would be good for both of us.
I fired off a response before I could think better of it.That sounds good! What can we bring?
Just yourselves! I’ll text you the address. It’s a little ways out of town. Call me if you have trouble finding it.
After I agreed, I focused on the task at hand—getting ready to go get my girl.
****
It was early evening as I navigated my car up the mountain pass to where Max and Wren lived. At least I hoped I was going the right way. This was part of Hawthorne I had yet to explore. It was beautiful with its tall pine trees and panoramic views.
“Will there be other kids there?” Riley wanted to know. When I’d told her we’d be going to a friend’s house for dinner, she’d been thrilled. I made a mental note to get her out more. I’d been so focused on getting us settled, on getting her started with school and digging into work.
“I don’t know, honey,” I admitted.
“How about dogs?”
I smiled. Riley had always loved animals. “We’ll just have to see. I think this is it,” I murmured, pulling down a gravel driveway and parking in front of a beautiful lodge-style home. Nerves suddenly took flight in my belly as I stared at the house with apprehension. I’d never been shy, but meeting so many new people at once was a bit nerve-wracking.
“Let’s go, Mama,” Riley prompted impatiently, already out of her booster seat and opening her door.
I grinned at her. I loved Riley’s confidence and thirst for adventure and promised myself I’d do whatever I could to encourage those traits in her. I grabbed the bean dip and chips I’d brought and followed her lead.
“Layla! Riley!” Emmie greeted us with a wide grin at the front door, ushering us inside. “So glad you came,” she added, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and guiding me toward the kitchen where a few other women were gathered.
“Guys are out back,” Emmie said, pointing toward the back deck, where I could make out a few tall forms standing around a grill. “You’ve met Grace and Wren,” she introduced, gesturing toward the gorgeous redhead and brunette I’d met during my nan’s funeral and had seen around town. “But I don’t think you’ve met Liv.” She gestured to a blonde woman who offered a friendly wave.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I greeted.
“Francesca’s not here, she’s super preggers, but I’m sure you’ll meet her soon. Oh, and Ginnie’s at some beauty convention,” she added.
“Em, you’re making her head spin,” Grace chided with a kind smile in my direction. “Let’s get you a beer. Or a glass of wine?”
“Beer sounds good,” I replied gratefully.
“How about for you, honey?” Wren asked Riley. “We have water, milk, and some juice if your mama says it’s okay.”
Riley looked up at me, her expression full of hope.
“A little bit of juice is okay,” I agreed, knowing that’s what she wanted.
“Did you know we have a pig?” Wren asked her. At Riley’s excited gasp and small squeal, she smiled. “How about I take you out to meet her?” Her eyes turned up to me. “If that’s okay with you, Layla.”
I appreciated her checking in with me. A lot of people didn’t have the same consideration.
“I’m sure Riley would love that,” I replied, watching Wren take my daughter’s hand so naturally and lead her out back.