I was sat at the bar, observing the fun before me. Veda was having the time of her life, and the smile on her face had not left her in hours. She was happy. It made me feel the same way, to know she was feeling cared for, and that she had bonded with not just me, but Josephine, and Wrens family.

I let out a little laugh as Willa threw a basketball back to Veda, and it bounced off of her elbow straight into Teddy's hands. They were playing a game, it was meant to be a friendly little five a side, but Teddy and Willa were opposing team captains, and I could see they loved the competition. They had even flipped a coin to find out who got first pick, it had been Willa, and without a second of hesitation she had called for Olympia to join her, followed by Callie, Teddy's sister, Harper, and Veda. Teddy had picked out Kai, a little sneaky since he was a six foot cloud walker, Josephine, Wren, and Bastion.

It didn't seem to matter that Bastion was half the size of his opponents and team members, he was absolutely incredible for his age. He wizzed about that court, finding spaces, and stealing the ball with ease, before throwing it to Teddy or Kai to shoot for the hoop. You could see whose child Bastion was.

I was impressed with Olympia too, although I knew she was good, she even gave her Mom a run for her money, pushing her constantly to excel herself up the court.

Willa was old school, she didn't need to show off on court, she had the eyes of a hawk, and she tracked the ball and intercepted it with ease. She, Callie and Harper were working well together. I had no idea that Harper could play that well until now. I shouldn't have been surprised, this family had a full size basketball court on their property. Allie was clapping and hollering as they played, court side, but not much could be heard over Demi, Wrens aunty, she had a voice that carried.

Wren was the one I watched intently though, she was so cute when it came to basketball, because she lacked the height, but she made up for it with determination. Determination to whoop Olympia's butt mostly. She teased and laughed her way around the court, adding to the fun.

Kate walked in front of me and blocked my view "he's asked me out" she revealed.

My eyes widened as I reached for her, bringing her to the stool beside me. I caught the barman's attention and pointed to Kate "Refill please" I asked. Her cocktail glass was empty, and her pink straw was making a horrendous sound as she nervously sucked up air and ice chips. I tapped it away from her mouth. "What did you say to him" I ask, eagerly wanting every detail.

She looked so nervous "I told him... I would think about it"

I shake my head. "Kate" I groan. A fresh yellow and orange cocktail was placed back in her hands, and she returned to sucking it up the straw.

"Why don't you seem happy about it" I asked "he's handsome, and seems a nice guy"

She stopped sucking "he's too..." and she searched for the right words.

"Tall" I add.

She swatted me "No, I like his height"

"Rich?" I ask instead.

She hits me playfully again "No, and you know that doesn't bother me"

"Worried his giant penis may end your life" I ask again, this time dodging her playful whack of her hand, and sitting back with a little laugh. "Sorry" I apologise.

"Dawson...don't make me drown you at a family event" she threatened. "And it's none of the above. I just, am I on his level Mills? I don't feel like we suit. He's handsome and sexy, and I could only jump him if he sat down and halved his height, but, I don't feel like I'm that sexy. I sure as hell am not a cheerleader or dancer like he's used to. I don't understand why he likes me"

I shake my head slowly and take Kates hands in mine. She looks down at them as I take them firmly, and then she looks back up to my waiting gaze "Katherine Carter ... you are a treasure, a jewel, a rare and beautiful find my friend. You are a yellow diamond, sunshine personified, and the most incredible woman I know. I wish I could be more like you Kit Kat, you are such a light, that we are all drawn to you, everyone who comes across you, we want to be close to your light. On top of all of that you are absolutely gorgeous, with these green eyes that even emerald stones would be jealous of. You are perfect to me, and it seems Kai thinks so too. Please, just believe me when I tell you, that you are more than enough, and if he likes you, let him. Stop worrying what everyone else will think and just... take the jump"

She smiles excitedly "you think" she asks.

"I think" I return. "Now, go and get that date" I urge as I let her hands go and tapped her on the butt as she walked away.

I watched her go across the yard to the basketball game. I lifted my soda to my lips, swallowing a little of the ice cold Coke.

I searched automatically for Wren, she had Bastion on her shoulders now and he was throwing the basketball into the basket with a big grin on his face. Cameron was cheering court side, and Camilla was back by the pool I noted, lounging with her head in her phone.

"I don't think we've met" Came the voice of the tall blonde beside me. She sat down on the stool Kate had vacated and stuck out her hand "My name is Avery"

I smiled, and shook her hand, but before I could introduce myself I noted the way she drank me in. My gaydar started to play the lesbian anthem in my ears. 🎵

"I love a woman who can pull off red lipstick" she complimented.

She was older than me, by a lot, but she was attractive and extremely fit, her black tank top revealing toned arms, and her short camo shorts revealing tanned and toned thighs.

"My names Millie" I greet, taking my hand from hers.

That seems to ring a bell and she immediately stops eye fucking me. "I'm sorry" she apologised "Wrens girlfriend" she chastised herself. "Please, forgive the flirty tone of my voice just now and rewind" and she sticks her hand back out "Nice to meet you Millie. My name is Avery, Wrens aunty by basketball blood, and I would absolutely love us to start again"

I smile and shake her hand "nice to meet you Avery. I've heard about you of course, but we've never met. I've only heard good things" I assure her.

She releases my hand and nurses her drink, a little lemonade and vodka from what I could tell.

"So, you're dating again" I ask her. I knew she had split with her wife a year or so ago. I vaguely remembered hearing Harper and Teddy discussing it once.

"Yes, well, trying to. The scene is a little different now. It's harder to navigate in your forties"

"Can I just say... you don't look like you're forty" I observe.

She smiles broadly "That's because I'm forty one" and then she sips her drink slowly. "But thanks... I appreciate that. My ego could do with a little boost. Divorce sucked the confidence right out of me"

I couldn't imagine how much it took out of you, to divorce the woman who was once your forever person. I couldn't help but wonder what it was that ended them.

"Can I ask" I begin.

"Why I'm divorced" she finished for me.

I feel instantly like I've overstepped "Sorry, no, ignore me. Let's talk about anything else, please, anything at all"

She smiles and puts me at ease "It's Okay, I don't mind. I'm actually more surprised you don't know. Don't you read tabloids" she asked curiously.

I frown "I read them all the time. You were in them" I ask, taken aback.

She nods and takes a leisurely sip of her drink. "My wife is Amelia Lane. Sorry" she apologised "My Ex wife was, Amelia Lane. She's back to her maiden name now"

It suddenly hit me where I had read that name before 'WNBA stars wife caught kissing a another woman outside of secret love nest. An affair blown wide open. Read all about it, and see the exclusive pictures inside'

"Oh Avery" I say, frowning "I'm so sorry that happened to you"

She nods and looks to the party behind us and over her shoulder "Luckily we didn't have any kids yet. That would have made it impossible for me, to have to see her all the time still and Co-parent"

I nod, and I see the relief there when she says it. "So you've not seen her in a while then"

She shakes her head "I don't want to ever see her again. Last time I saw her, I was packing up our apartment, and she was still apologising and trying to explain herself"

"She didn't want the marriage to end" I ask surprised.

"Can you believe that" she asked me, looking back from the party to me "she wanted us to work through it. Apparently" she said with air quotations "she made a mistake... and she didn't want this woman. She was just a fling, it had lasted three months but she didn't want to be with her"

"Why the hell did she do it then" I ask. It never made sense to me, why you would destroy your life over someone you didn't even want or care for. What made her risk her marriage.

"She said she was lonely. I have always been away a lot for work. I retired from the game a couple years ago, and I thought it would fix that, but I still travel a lot with the team I do physio for. We lost the intimacy then, and when it left, our connection felt distant, and it led her down that route. To find it elsewhere. It's easier to find sex with others, rather than do the hard work with your wife, apparently"

Oof, I felt that.

"Well, it's her loss" I say taking my glass and raising it against Avery's "because you are absolutely beautiful, and an incredible catch for some Lucky woman out there"

She clinks her glass against mine "thanks"

"I'm totally envious of your biceps" I add, changing the subject and shaking my head with how unfair it was. "I wish I didn't have to work out to get them this firm"

She laughs and places her glass down, flexing them both in the air "Go on. I'll let you touch them" she teased.

I reached out and squeezed her left bicep eagerly.

"Hey" Wren called over from the basketball court, her voice even drowning out Demi.

It made us both turn instantly, my hand dropping from Avery's flesh.

Everyone turned to look, and my cheeks began to pink up, but Wrens voice turned to one of humour as she smiled, placing Bastion back down and running over "If you're going to touch anybody today... let it be me" she joked, coming to our side. "Aunty Avery can I please have my girl back"

Avery laughed and stood, hugging Wren with a kiss to the forehead "Yes, of course. It was nice to meet you Millie" she gestured to me "thanks for stroking my ego" she winked.

"Stroking women now" Wren poked at me as Avery walked back to the basketball court and took Wrens place.

"I would rather be stroking my woman" I assured her, biting my lip as I stroked her firm forearms instead, and ran my fingers up to curl around her biceps.

Wren tucked her red hair behind one ear, and her blue eyes creased at the corners with a knowing smile "Can I take you on a date when I get back from California?" She asks me. "After the weekend. I know you have work... but we never got that restaurant date Thursday. I could pick you up when I get back, Friday night, before I head back to Eugene for college. I want to hear all about your first few days at the high school. Please..."

I reach out and caress her cheek "I would love that"

She smiles and leans in to kiss me, her lips are gentle. I enjoy the way they feel pressing to mine as we both open our mouths and deepen the kiss. My stomach once again reacts with a flip, to her tongue brushing mine. Uff

"We are going on a date this weekend" Came Kates excited voice beside us.

Wren and I slowly pulled back from the kiss and both turned to Kate "Good" I say, beaming at the smile on Kates face. "Can I suggest something" I ask.

She nods and sits back down beside us both "Millie I'm not ditching the shape-wear for the date. I know what you are going to say. You've told me before, how it will take too long to get off if we get a little handsy, but I can't go on the date looking like the Michelin man either"

I rolled my eyes "I dislike how you see yourself" I remind her "you don't need it Kit Kat... you are currently wearing a swimsuit with a sarong, and look beautiful, even without the knickers that suck in everything but your soul. But that's not what I was going to say"

"Oh" Kate responds "then what's the suggestion"

"I think it's time Norman came to live with me" I suggest "I mean, he hates men... and you love them. I don't need to worry about him taking his claws to my dates because they are all women"

"Ahem" Wren coughs.

I place my hand on hers on the bar "because my dates are with Wren" I repeat, to her satisfaction "and he loves her already. I want to see you happy, and I want you to be free to date without worrying about bringing them home or how long they will need antibiotics for, for the bite to their ankle"

Kate's little face lights up, and her cheeks lift so high, her eyes crease up and her white teeth appear through her lips "Millie if you missed him you only had to say" she accused "I know you just want him back because you guys bonded this summer"

I roll my eyes "I didn't bond with the feral beast"

Wren ganged up on me with her "Babe, I think you did"

"I didn't...." I argue, pointlessly.

I did.

"Thank you" Kate says, anyway "for thinking of me, and taking one for the team. I will consider it, but only if you truly want him. I don't want to make things harder for you and Veda at the guest house. You know he's hard work"

I snort slightly "I know exactly what the little demon is like. As long as I can keep him inside and away from Allie and Willa's bird feeders, I'm good"

"Gosh" Kate considers "he would be a serial killer if he escaped"

"He won't" I assure her. "And anyway. Now that I have some money, I'm thinking of finding something a little more permanent for Veda and I"

"You are" Wren asked me with surprise "you didn't tell me that. Where?! Here?! Or Eugene"

Kate made an awkward face, and she stood back up "I'm gonna leave you guys to chat" she said sashaying away.

Wren took my arm and sat herself down on Kate's seat "Millie you plan on coming back to Eugene right. It will be closer to everyone, your mother, Kate, me. It makes sense to come back if you're gonna buy something permanent"

I felt my stomach twist in knots. I knew everything she said made sense, but Veda was content here in Portland, and she had only just found somewhere she felt safe. She started school next week with Josephine. I didn't know how to move her again, when she had only just found safe ground to stand. She was enrolled. Should I just move down the coast and hope she felt it there too?! I was for once in my life considering another person before myself, and it came naturally in the moment, but then I doubted myself. We had only been here a short while, surely she would be fine. I would work out my contract with the school and then consider buying down in Eugene, if I could talk Veda into it.

"I don't know. I won't buy anything yet. I'm gonna see out my contract with the school, and in the meantime consider my next job, and where we should make our base, Veda and I"

"Veda and You... what about me?! Don't you think of me when you think of six months from
Now?!"

I pull her forward by her hands so that she is as close as possible, our knees touching "Wren, of course I do. I hope you will be there too, but you have college for a few more years yet. I'm not trying to force you to base yourself with me, and I know we wouldn't live together, not until you are out of college. That's all"

"Why wouldn't we" she asks me curiously. "If you lived in Eugene I could live off of campus with you"

"True, it's an option. I just figured you wouldn't"

"Wow. We need to date and communicate, babe. Let's park this here and come back to it next time"

"Please" I return, glad to leave a more serious topic for later. Today was all about Veda, and right now Kate was wheeling out a three tier birthday cake with a fifteen on top, with the assistance of Harper.

Wren and I ran over to assist the set up.

"This is incredible" i muse, looking at the cake in awe. It was so beautifully done, the icing and fondant was like a tie dye of lilac and pink with green candles.

"Kate I love it" Veda gushed "it's my favourite colours"

Kate hugged her "I know. I got inspiration from those shoes you bought and the t shirts in your shopping bags. I figured you'd love a Tie dye cake"

I look a little closer to a strange little smudge of fondant behind the number fifteen, on the very top of the cake. It was unusual for anything Kate made to be imperfect in any way whatsoever. She was after all, a celebrated and award winning baker. Kate eyed me up from the opposite side of the cake, where she left Veda and instead came around and tapped me on the arm subtly "don't stare at it or other people will notice too"

"What happened" I ask.

She sighed "originally there was a figure of Veda on the top too. I spent days making her. I was so proud of that little Veda"

Kate took out her cell phone and handed it to me, open with a picture of a little figure, created with icing, and it was indeed a great creation of Veda.

"Wow, that's incredible" I observed Impressed. "What happened to her"

She looked down and swiped across to the next picture. It was Veda, in sugar form, under the couch, being chewed on by Norman. "She got swiped from the top of the cake last night. He was high as a kite on sugar, wide eyed and insane for the whole night. I heard him doing zoomies around the apartment at three am"

I let out a laugh at the thought of him "he's such a little shit"

"He really is" she agreed "so glad he's now yours" she winked, walking back around the cake to Veda.

Wren appeared from the house. I hadn't even noticed her leave my side, and behind her was my Mother.

I made my way through everyone and met them at the door, chatting.

"Mother, what are you doing here?" I questioned.

Wren looked between us and then excused herself "I will meet you at the cake"

I nodded as she walked away and looked back to my Mom. Moira Dawson, at Wrens parents house, this was something I hadn't planned on, having our parents meet this way without some awkwardly planned restaurant meal or something. An hour that could potentially be painful if they didn't get along.

My Mother was her usual smart self, leaning slightly more casual than usual with a short sleeved striped black and white t shirt, and tight black denim jeans. Her large sunglasses were sat on top of her perfectly dark silky locks, and she had a small black Gucci purse slung over her shoulder and dangling down by its Gold chain at her hip. My Mother always looked just so, and since this was a pool party, she stuck out like a sore thumb.

"Millicent, you text me about the party" she reminded me "you told me the time and place. Is that not an invitation" she asked.

I was so surprised to see her here, I had forgotten that I did indeed include her on the group text I had sent everyone. "Ah, the text" I reminded myself.

"Are you well" she asked, reaching up and touching my forehead with her hand to check my temperature.

I shrugged her off "Mother I'm fine thank you. I am just surprised you came. I didn't think you were ready to meet Veda yet"

She slowly shook her head and looked to me like I had misread her "Millicent, she's my niece... of course I want to get to know her. If you are insistent on raising her, then I'm going to help you. I am your Mother, and I'm not letting you do this alone. I want to meet her and be a part of her life too. If you think she will let me. If you, will let me" she asked.

I could feel tears form behind my eyes before I could even form a reply. My Mother saw them, and hers did too. She looked to me with love in her eyes and she reached out and pulled me into her arms. The hug was very unlike my Mother, it was tight, and sure, like she wanted to make me feel supported and loved.

I did.

"I'm so proud of you Millicent" she whispered into my ear, before she released me.

I wiped at my eyes, drying them, and she did the same. "Come" I ask, taking her over to the crowd forming around the cake.

I took the spot beside Veda, squeezing in beside Kate, and Josephine. "You ready" I ask Veda.

She smiled "Yes Snow White, I'm ready"

Kate lit the candles on the top tier of the cake, almost stumbling as she went on tippy toes, luckily Kai was right behind her, his hands taking her hips and assisting her back to her feet safely.

We all sang happy birthday, to the newly fifteen year old, and her new found smile. She lapped it up, and enjoyed every second. I wondered when she last had a birthday party, and if she had ever had so many people attend it. I couldn't keep worrying about her past though, I just had to support her to have a better future.

Josephine hugged her after she blew out the candles, as everyone clapped, and then slowly dispersed with cake.

I hugged her next, tightly "Happy Birthday little sister"

"Thanks Big Sis" she said, hugging me a second longer "This day, right now, it's the best day I've ever had. Is that silly" she asked me as she broke the hug.

I held her shoulders, looking to the content look on her face "not at all. I think it's been pretty top tier" I wink.

"Cake jokes are not the one Mills" she accused "showing your age" she said shaking her head at me like I embarrassed her.

"Holy shit" Veda cursed turning and spotting the fresh arrival.

"Language" I reminded her.

My Mother approached "Happy birthday Veda" she greeted, reaching into her purse and pulling out an envelope with a ribbon "My name is Moira, and I am your aunty. Your Moms twin. It's nice to finally meet you. I hope you don't mind me crashing your party" she said handing her the envelope "but I brought a gift"

Veda looked at her and then the envelope, and her curiosity got the better of her as she took it eagerly in both hands "Nice to know you exist" she returned. "I was beginning to think Snow White made you up"

My Mother realised she meant me, and her lips twisted into a smile, one of amusement at my expense.

"A thousand Dollars" Veda asked, stunned.

She looked to me open mouthed and then back to Moira "I don't know what to say" she asked me, and then Moira.

"I think it's customary to say thank you" Moira reminded her.

"Thanks Moira" she said, breaching my Mothers walls and hugging her quickly.

Kate sidled up beside me as Veda ran off to show Josephine.

"She emptied the crypt did she, for little MJ's birthday" she said bumping my shoulder. She held her lips down by her teeth, because she found her own jokes so funny.

"Kate" I chastised, with a little laugh making my chest vibrate. I bumped her shoulder back as we watched Moira talking to Wren. "It's like she's had some personality transplant"

"We sure this one's Moira" she asked, and then she took my wrist and squeezed it "too soon, sorry. Come on let's go eat cake" she said taking me back to the half eaten cake.

The party wound down a little as everyone ate and conversed at the tables set up on the lawn. Cameron and Camilla had left early, it didn't go unnoticed that both Wren and her sisters were a little surprised at his early exit. That would 100% come back to bite Cam on the ass.

Wren and I took Moira and sat with Harper and Teddy.

"Moms... this is Moira Dawson. Millie's Mom" she introduced.

"I thought you were going to say she's another sister" Teddy observed "Nice to meet you Moira" she said leaning forward and shaking her hand "Millie is a credit to you, she's been a wonderful addition to our family this summer"

"I'm glad to hear it" My mother smiled as she sat down opposite "and Teddy I don't need an introduction. I have followed your career myself. You are incredible. It's a pleasure to meet you, and you Harper too" she said gesturing toward her beside Teddy "It's lovely to meet the parents of our newest and most talented striker. Wren is fabulous. I couldn't ask for more in a partner for my daughter either. They may not have met in the ideal circumstances, but I see they are determined to make it. Despite what my daughter thinks...I am glad she's found love. It's something that's never found me"

Harper shook her head "Moira there's still plenty of time for it to find you"

"Maybe" she said with a soft smile and she gestured to Teddy and Harper "you are both lucky to find it and keep it. Stay blessed"

They looked at each other and held hands across the silverware "We will" Teddy assured her.

I remembered what Mary had said, about Teddy and Harper having a moment recently, and I was relieved, to see the love shared between them, burning still, brightly.

***

Moira somehow ended the night a little drunk, and she shocked both me and Kate as she ended up Greek dancing with Demitra, Thea, Teddy and Callie.

"This is some alternate universe" Kate whispered over the Zorba soundtrack.

Wren came up behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist, her chin leaning on my shoulder "this is not what I expected when I thought about our Moms meeting" she said against my skin, kissing me gently there.

"Me neither, but I'm into it" I said, feeling a little Ouzo hit me all of a sudden. My brain and body consumed by the aniseed alcohol.

"Wanna dance" Wren asked eagerly, unlacing her hands from my waist and taking my hand.

"Come on" she said taking Kate's hand too.

We got dragged into the largest group I've ever seen, dancing together, and forming a circle around the yard. Everyone followed Maria's and Demitra's steps as they guided the Greek dance with the rest of the family. The laughter was contagious, the joy is palpable, and the atmosphere is loud and chaotic, but absolutely wonderful.

I'm pretty sure my Mother went home with someone that night, but I'm yet to discover who it was that ended a twenty three year dry spell. Kate says she's on it, but we all know she's a shit PI.

Summer had come to an end, and it was time to start my new job, and this next chapter with Wren, Veda, and hopefully not regretfully... Norman 'Dark Lord' Dawson.

Please let this go smoothly.