The balcony was packed when we returned, and I wondered how the ancient structure was capable of holding so many people at once. Of course, Aunt Dottie was at the center, surrounded by revellers thrilled to be in her presence. She was like the benevolent ruler of this kingdom of artsy misfits, or maybe a better analogy would be as she put it, their mother.
“Thank you, darling.” She said, when I handed her the glass of wine. “Everyone, this is my nephew Tanner.” She kissed me on the cheek. “These poor people have indulged me over the years, showing you off on i********: and telling them stories of your sordid youth.”
I blushed, then felt her power to bring people together at work. She had the gift to make absolute strangers feel at ease, and within minutes I was swept up by the two women
