Page 71 of Almost Not Quite Engaged

“What else did she say he said?”

“His trip is long, and he wishes he saw you more.”

“Really? He said that?” My heart jumps at that thought.

“Of course, dear, don’t you feel that way?”

“I do.” I just wish I had more than a note about a hat and a route to go on. I need to tell him I’m not at home and to pretend I’m with him. Let’s toss another lie onto the fucking pile. Do I break our texting rule? I haven’t heard from him at all. I’m sure I’m out of sight out of mind for him.

She blathers on about paper stock and I slam my hands down on the table, “Nan!” I interrupt her. “I’m headed off for a while. I got a job that wants me to travel a bit.” Not a lie since Ginny pays me now. “I’m going to surprise Zane.”

“I’m glad you have something to do. But I’ll need your help with some decisions.”

“Mom, I love and trust you. You’ve got this.”

“Now, I know you’re full of baloney. You trust me?” She drums her perfect Essie ‘Ballet Slippers’ nails on the table. It’s her late summer/early fall color. OPI ‘Malaga Wine’ for the winter.

I push the swatches to her. “Which one would you pick?” She pulls a pale pink that makes me want to puke. “And which one would you never pick?” She pushes the pretty French blue toward me. “That’s the one. Do the opposite of your instincts and we’ll be good.”

“Darling. Half the fun of this is doing it with you.”

“Now who's full of baloney?” She laughs and tosses her napkin at me.

“Mom, I’ll be back soon. And the wedding is a year and a half away.”

“Is that a promise?”

“No. But it is an inkling of when it might happen.”

“Are you pregnant?” I almost choke on my salmon salad. I lean forward.

“Whoa! Ho. Not pregnant.”

“This was all so fast. Was just a theory Birdie and I had over Mojitos.”

“You hate mint. When the hell did you drink with the Jacksons?”

“We had a Zoom cocktail.” A disturbing giggle erupts.

“I promise you on your Steuben Lumiere vase I’m not pregnant.”

“Don’t take my vase’s name in vain. I love you.”

“I know you think you do.”

“I’ll ignore your fresh mouth. Be careful. Tell Zane I love him too. This came for you.” She pulls a DHL package out of her bag. “Must be something for the new job. Squire something.” My breath catches, and I rip it out of her hands. My heart is beating a little faster. The return address simply says Squire. I smile.

“New job stuff?” Nan asks. I stand up mid meal and kiss her on the cheek. I don’t want to lie or try to explain or even share what’s in this envelope.

“I have to open this right away. I have to go. I love you. Tell Dad thanks for what you’re about to hand me.” She smirks and gives me an envelope full of cash that has my dad’s handwriting on it and it says, mad money. I told him I was leaving yesterday. “I’ll text you when I land.”

She calls after me, “Where is it you’re going?”

“Everywhere,” I yell running out the door.

I barely make it to a bench down the street out of her sight line and rip open the package.

Hong Kong Airport.