Everyone put up their hands and laughed, and Raven smiled as she looked around.A few short weeks ago, she could not have anticipated being part of this happy group—not like this.No, this was down to Lance, to his ability to bring people together, and to the new structure of the Cat’s Meow.
She no longer had to lead it all.Now she had help.A boyfriend.And people around her to share her load.
She listened as Daisy and Zoey talked about marketing and fundraising ideas.She was sure that the expansion could be possible and that her vision, now that it was shared by others, could grow into something good for Sunshine Bay.
Now, if only she could get in touch with Wren and know she was well.She hadn’t heard from her daughter in over a week now.Not by text or message or phone.
If she hadn’t heard something by tomorrow, she was going to call McKenzie and admit that she and Wren were not in touch.
And if McKenzie didn’t know?Well, then… she would have to decide what to do after that.
Was Wren just clamming up because she was bothered by something?When Wren was bothered by something, it was usually a big something.
A big something that Raven knew nothing about.
She wished her daughter could be more like Zoey, who called her dad regularly, but that wasn’t Wren’s way, and she had to respect that.
“My ride will be here soon,” said Betty half an hour later.“Can you take me outside?”
“Of course,” said Lance, sliding out of the booth and settling Betty’s shawl over her ample shoulders.“I’ll just pay the bill.”
“Raven, perhaps you could help me out in the meantime,” said Betty, after Lance was out of earshot.
“Certainly,” said Raven, standing up and moving behind Betty’s chair.“Do you have everything?”
“Of course,” said Betty.Raven smiled to herself and pushed the chair toward the exit.
“The launch was a success, it seems,” said Betty, after Raven had helped her down the steep ramp.“I’m glad you and Lance are getting on so well now.”
Raven felt a blush coming on.“Two months ago, you would never have known it.”
“Understatement.”Betty laughed as they waited for the van.
“Before I go…” Betty peered up at Raven, studying her as though weighing something important.
Tension filled the air between them and Raven waited.But Betty said nothing.“Did you want to ask me something about the project?”
“No, I want you to…” She paused as though searching for words.“Promise me something.”
“What?”
Betty eyed her up and down.“Look, I know he’s a grown man, but he’s also my nephew.”
“This is about Lance?”Raven’s attention was now riveted on her companion.
“Yes.As you know, Lance is good at what he does.But he needs room to breathe when he’s excited about a project.”
“And?”
“You’re used to running things yourself.This might be different.”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t… hover?”
“I’m saying… that you might want to focus your energy on running the center, training up the volunteers, and working on the fundraising efforts… and let him get on with things.”
The transit van arrived and Betty wheeled her chair closer to the curb.“I will see you at the board meeting Raven,” she said over her shoulder.“And think about what I said.”
The attendant came to collect her and load her and her chair into the van.Raven waited until the van pulled away from the curb, then walked back to the restaurant to find everyone standing, saying their goodbyes.
