“Why do you two need some time alone without me? Hmmm?” Lily pretended to look upset. Since their conversations after spring break, they all had agreed that it was fine for there to be time spent with just two of them at a time; it was unrealistic to think they could do every little thing together, and sometimes they might not want to. While they were lovers, they were all also friends.
“You’re ridiculous,” Maya laughed, looking up at the two women on her bed. God she was in love with them.
“A little birdie may or may not have told me you guys are trying to plan something for my birthday.” When Hanna went to speak Lily continued, “Don’t deny it, we don’t lie to each other.”
“Okay, so what if we are?” Maya asked.
“Don’t, please, I have everything I want with you two here.”
“Okay but, Lilith come on, we missed your graduation and—” Hanna started again.
“And I had a blast partying with Eve. Who, by the way, insists we video call one of these days, considering she’s in Zurich for the summer.”
“Uh okay, sure, but—” Maya started.
“But nothing, seriously, every day with you two feels like a gift.” There was a very pregnant silence as even Lily seemed taken aback by what she’d said. “And anyway, my mom wants to have a barbecue at the house.”
“Oh?” Hanna said. “She didn’t mention it when I–I mean–”
Lily laughed. “We just decided last night. I told her I didn’t want anything big when she asked on both of your behalfs, not too subtly by the way, and apparently she has something she wants to talk to me and Maya about.”
“What?” Maya asked.
“No idea,” Lily shrugged, “but figured let’s just invite your parents, Banana, and get it over with? I mean if you feel comfortable with that? It might help to do so in a place where there is an escape à la the treehouse and available booze.”
After a long moment Hanna said, “It’s actually kinda perfect. All of our parents will be there, and we won’t be in public. I love it, actually.”
“You sure?” Maya asked.
“Yeah. I mean, it has to happen and it’s your birthday Lily, I can give you this,” Hanna said and smiled.
“You can’t do this for me, Banana. I told you I already have everything I need.”
“I know. I mean that I can give us this, givemethis.”
Lily kissed her, and Maya leaned in to plant a quick kiss on each of them.
35
LILY
Lily walked into the kitchen to find her mother leaning over her laptop. Her shoulder-length light blonde hair was askew, like she had been running her fingers through it — which meant she was stressed.
“What is it?” Lily asked, as her mother looked up at her.
“We’ve got a fire blight problem,” she said, almost hissing. Lily knew it pained her to see the trees suffer. That upset her more than how it might impact the business.
“I thought you got it under control?” Lily said, leaning over the counter. Her mother had seemed a bit distracted lately, more so than usual.
“I thought so too. I think I’m going to need to get some outside help this time.” Diana Blake sighed. “Anyway, nothing is going to change today. You ready for your dinner in a few hours?”
“Yeah I think so. What is it that you wanted to talk to me about? And why would Maya need to be there?”
“I didn’t say Maya had to be there, it just might be nice. I know you two have gotten close.”
Lily’s anxiety sparked. Why would her mother need her to have someone she was close with when they talked? Was it sad news?
“Mom?” Lily asked.
