I hate the rumor mill and the fact that Ava was filled in on all the details before I had a chance to tell her myself. The last thing I want is for Ava to distrust people.
She sighs. “I don’t really think that, but how in the heck do people amass that much wealth without being crooked?”
I sit back in my chair, shrugging a shoulder. “Not everyone with money is a bad person, Ava. A lot of wealthy people work hard for what they have. Sammy seems like a great kid, and you like her, right?”
She bobs her head. “I do. She’s one of my closest friends at school. And she isn’t snobby or pretentious.”
I smile. “Then that’s all that matters. You’ll have an amazing time.”
We’re quiet for a few minutes. Ava’s focused on finishing the food on her plate while my eyes shift around the diner, taking in the few people eating around us.
The usuals are all accounted for, but there are a few unfamiliar faces seated at the counter bar.
Knox Harbor was recently featured in a magazine as one of the most idyllic small towns. Ever since, a string of tourists have descended, mostly East Coasters from nearby states, to check it out.
Christine and Milly are the only two working the floor, while Pete’s in the back, manning the grill with his new assistant. I think I remember Milly saying his name was Brett, but I could be wrong.
“Everything okay?” Christine asks, making the rounds.
“All good here, Chris. I’ll take the check.”
She smiles and rushes off toward the server station.
“How are you doing, Mom?” I turn my head toward Ava, taking her in.
The worry I saw last time she asked me such a question is absent, which is a relief. I didn’t want her worrying about me then, and I sure as heck don’t want her worrying now.
I’ve come a long way since October, and I hope that she can see that. Seems as though she does.
“I’ve asked about Aunt Nina, but not you. She’s like your sister, and I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for you to watch her go through this.” Her eyes lower to the table. “I’ve had a hard time dealing with what she’s going through,” she admits.
It hasn’t occurred to me to have a deeper conversation about things with Ava. I’d hoped to brush it off and not concern her with the messy details. It was bad enough she knew. But Nina is her godmother, and I should have realized that Ava isn’t a baby anymore. She deserves the truth.
“It’s not easy to watch,” I confess. “But your aunt is strong.”
Ava toys with her cup, not meeting my eyes. “She is, but sometimes I wonder how much of it is an act.”
Ava has always been so perceptive. Since she was a child, she saw things that most adults would have missed, too busy going about life to stop and look around.
I lean over the table, because talking about this out in public is dicey. Nobody needs to know Nina’s business any more than they already do.
“She’s an adult, and she doesn’t want other people fighting her battles. I’m trying to respect that.”
Ava offers a close-lipped smile, not liking that fact any more than I do.
“We only want to protect those we love,” Ava says, sounding far too sad for my liking.
“I know, Aves, but it’s not always possible. We just have to be here for her and follow her lead.”
The door above Milly’s chimes, and in walks a group of women, all wearing red hats.
“I think we should change the subject,” I whisper, motioning with my head toward the door.
Her eyes enlarge and she makes a face in confirmation. Ava knows all about the Red Hatters and their penchant for gossip.
Today, however, there’s a somberness to the typically chatty group of women. Their heads are bowed, and a sense of gloom hangs in the air.
“What’s going on with them?” Ava asks, and I shrug.
