May remembers her appointment with her stepdaughter

May was just beginning to relax and enjoy their conversation when she suddenly remembered an important detail she had overlooked. “Oh God. I completely forgot! I’m supposed to pick up Lacey from work this afternoon. We’re supposed to go out to dinner!” She planted one hand on the top of her head like it would stop her from exploding.

Amelia shook her head playfully. “Wow, booking two dates in one day, huh? And here I thought I was special.”

May frowned. “It’s not a date, Amelia. It’s just lunch with you, and dinner with Lacey. She’s my stepdaughter. I haven’t gone completely crazy.”

She was spiraling again. The reality of her responsibilities came crashing back down on her. She had never felt entirely comfortable as a stepmother, especially when she was only a decade older than Lacey. The sophomore girl’s occasional detachment only added to her insecurities. “I don’t know how this is going to go,” she said.

“You’re fine!” Amelia said, scooping a bit of beef into her mouth. “Look, it was a one time thing. Unless you decide otherwise. How would Lacey know anything about it? Play it cool, play it safe, she’ll be none the wiser. And then, when things have calmed down, you can have a talk with Roger about how you’re feeling. A bit of a reconnect. This whole thing could be good, in the end.”

May nodded, appreciating Amelia’s support, but her anxiety didn’t entirely dissipate. The thought of having another emotionally charged conversation with her husband, especially when she was feeling so raw, was too much right now. She felt like she would admit everything.

Then Amelia grinned mischievously. “Hey, why don’t you bring up your little rendezvous when you’re with Lacey tonight? I’m sure she’d love to hear about it.”

May swatted at her. “You’re terrible! That isn’t remotely funny.”

Amelia laughed, holding up her hands in surrender.