“I couldn’t be more sure,” Lila said.
Esme’s smile was knowing. “I’m glad. I’ve missed you this summer.” She zipped up the bag. “Girls were angels. Fed them lunch, wore them out completely. They should sleep well tonight.” She called out to Robbie and Madison that it was time to go and to meet her in the car. She looked back at us. “They’re really sandy. That’s why they’re outside.”
“Thank you,” Lila said. “For everything today.”
“Anytime.” Esme paused at the door, looking between us. “I’m really happy for you two. I’d hug you but I’m sticky with sand and sunscreen.”
“You can hug us at our next group dinner,” Lila said.
“See you soon then.” Esme blew a kiss and headed out.
After she left, Lila stood in the entryway for a moment, a pensive expression in her eyes.
“Mom?” Mia called from just outside the patio. “Can we come in? Esme said we were too sandy to dirty up your perfect house.”
“I can take care of that,” I said, heading out to the patio. “Okay, girls, stand over there by the roses and I’ll hose you off.”
They protested, but I turned on the water anyway. As I sprayed them, they squealed with laughter, holding onto each other as if the water would make them float away.
Lila came out with clean towels, wrapping one around each of them, hugging them at the same time.
“Let’s sit for a minute,” Lila said to them, gesturing toward the outside table. “I need to talk to you both about something.”
Margot’s eyes went wide. “Are we in trouble?”
“No, baby,” I said quickly. “Nothing like that.”
They looked at Lila, waiting.
“The network fired Beau and Kenzie,” Lila said, before telling them the whole story, simplified for the girls.
“That lady was just out for revenge?” Mia said. “What a total psycho.”
“Yes, she’s not well,” Lila said. “And we should all keep her in our prayers.”
“But why?” Margot asked. “She’s our enemy.”
“Because we have to be bigger than that,” Lila said. “And anyway, we won the battle.”
“What happens now?” Mia asked. “Will you get a new contractor?”
“Actually, no.” Lila splayed her hands on the tabletop. “They made me an offer—for me to stay on the show, with a new partner and producer. “But I’m turning it down.”
“How come?” Mia asked carefully. “It was so much money. And you worked so hard.”
“I did. There are several reasons. First off, I didn’t like all the headache that came with the job. The public scrutiny. People knowing our business. I can still do design work, just without cameras. And mostly because I don’t want to miss the rest of your childhood. Either of you.” Lila looked between them. “Four more years until you’re off to college, Mia. And Margot, you’ve just come into my life, and I want very badly to be your mother. One who is around for all of the wonderful things you’ll be doing before you’re grown up. I don’t want to be gone for any of that. I don’t want to look back and realize I chose fame over being here. With you. With all of us.”
Mia launched herself into Lila’s arms. “I’m so glad. I’ve been so worried about all of this.”
“I know, baby.”
“Are you sure?” Mia pulled back. “You’re not going to regret it?”
“I’m completely sure. This is what I want. You. Home. Our life exactly as it is.”
Margot was watching quietly.
“Margot?” Lila reached for her, pulling her onto her lap. “Are you okay?”
