Ava told herself not to get involved. That whatever went on between Cindy and her daughter wasn’t her responsibility or even her business.
“That must have been fun,” she said, hoping her voice sounded neutral rather than disapproving. “I’m glad Shannon was there with you.”
“Me, too. Oh, she tried on a dress and looks amazing in it.” Cindy sighed. “I wish Aaron would propose. I know they’re in love, and it’s the next logical step. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be one of those guys who makes her wait forever for him to pop the question.”
Ava pressed her lips together as she did her best to stay quiet, but she must have made a noise because Cindy looked at her.
“What’s wrong? Are you upset?”
“No. I’m thrilled you have your dress and your wonderful location for the wedding. What’s next? The flowers?”
Cindy watched her. “There’s something. I can see. Ava, tell me what’s going on.”
Ava hesitated, not wanting to create trouble but knowing that Cindy had every right to know. Only, the telling would hurther, although if she couldn’t think of something else quickly, she wasn’t going to have a choice about telling the truth.
Cindy went pale. “Are you sick? Is it worse than that? Please, you’re frightening me.”
Ava drew in a breath. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “It’s not my secret to share.” She paused. “It’s also not my secret to keep.” She looked at her friend. “Shannon’s already engaged to Aaron. She has been for a while. I don’t know when he proposed, but it was some weeks ago.”
Cindy stared at her in obvious confusion. “What are you saying? No. Engaged? She can’t be. She never said anything. She would have...” Her eyes filled with tears. “She told you?”
“I’m sorry,” Ava repeated. “I don’t think she meant to blurt it out. It just happened. Then she asked me to stay quiet, and I wasn’t sure what to do.”
“But she didn’t tell me. She never said a word. I’m her mother. We share everything. I don’t understand. It’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to her, and she never said a word.”
The tears fell faster. Ava moved close and hugged her.
“She said she wanted the focus to be on you and Luis. She didn’t want to distract from that with her news.”
Ava meant the words kindly but even as she spoke them she realized how useless they sounded. She also questioned the truth of them. Did Shannon think Cindy wouldn’t be delighted for them to share the spotlight?
Cindy pulled back. She wiped her face. “I have to go,” she said. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay.”
Ava nodded. “I understand. I wish I could make this better.”
Cindy grabbed her hand. “Thank you for telling me. I know it wasn’t easy, and you’re worried about hurting me, but you didn’t do anything wrong.” Her voice cracked as more tears fell. “It wasn’t you, Ava. No matter what, you’ve always been there for me.”
When she’d left, Ava returned to the kitchen to put awaytheir half-prepared lunch. She supposed she could use the food for a casual dinner that night, not that she could imagine herself feeling hungry. Right now her stomach was churning from what had just happened and the knowledge that it was all going to get worse before it got better.
Victoria stared at the box Shannon held in her arms. “You brought plants? Are you babysitting them for a friend? Can’t they be alone for an evening?”
Shannon laughed as she walked into the condo. “These are for you.” She handed over the box. “I have potting soil in my car. I’ll be right back.”
She disappeared down the hall, leaving Victoria with three plants. She carefully put them on the kitchen counter, not sure what purpose they served.
Shannon quickly returned with two bags of potting soil and a tote with what Victoria would guess were gardening tools.
“I’m not really a plant person,” Victoria told her as she set the bags next to the box. “I travel for work.”
“You used to travel for work,” Shannon said cheerfully. “But we both know you’re giving up the stunt work. Besides, you don’t have anything living in your place. It’s sad.”
“I’m sure there are about a gazillion dust mites in the carpet,” Victoria told her. “I’m working on taming one of them and turning her into a pet. I plan to call her Katherine.”
“Until then, you’re going to have plants. Don’t worry—I picked the easy ones, and if you get into trouble, call me and I’ll come save them.”
“What if they gang up on me and I’m the one who needs saving?”
“I’m a phone call away.”
