23
Cynthia walked down the hall quietly. She peeked into the kitchen. Her mom was leaning against the counter, head down. “Mom?”
Vivian spun and pasted on a fake smile. “Hey, honey.”
“Are you okay?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine.”
“Mom?”
Vivian smiled. “I’m sorry I ruined the night. I think I’m going to go to bed. Why don’t you and Henry enjoy the cake?”
Cynthia shook her head. “Come sit with us.”
Vivian shook her head again. “I need a few minutes. Maybe you guys can go out. Grab something for dessert. Are you staying at his place again?”
Cynthia sighed. She understood. When she had her heart broken, she didn’t want witnesses either. “I can.”
Vivian nodded, her eyes grateful. “Thanks.”
“Let me grab a bag and we’ll be out of your way in a minute.”
Cynthia hugged her mom and
