“I’m going to go see if Mary needs help with the pie,” I say quickly.
I leave the family room and head to the kitchen where I find Mary rinsing off a knife in the sink.
“The pies look amazing,” she says.
“Thanks.”
“Are they both the same kind?”
“Both triple-berry,” I say. “Strawberry, blueberry, and Austin’s raspberries.”
“Austin grows raspberries?”
“He does now, and on purpose. I've been helping him work on his garden.”
“Gardening can be very therapeutic,” Mary says, then winces. “Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that that’s why you should garden.”
“It's okay,” I say.
She dries the knife on a paper towel and then sets it aside.
“Listen,” Mary says. “I want to apologize for showing up at dinner and springing the whole counseling thing on you. When Holly asked me if I'd be willing to talk to you about it, I didn't realize you guys hadn't even discussed it yet. I should have insisted on more transparency.”
“I'm sorry I wasn't more open to the discussion.” I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I think Hollywood might have been right about some things.”
“Like what?”
“There are things that I don’t like to talk about. People and events that I try to keep buried. But they always find a way back to the surface. Sometimes in ways I wouldn’t expect. I think it’s affecting my relationships.”
“You and Austin?” she asks.
I nod. “And my friendships.”
“Well, it seems like you’re already doing a little better than you were the last time we spoke.”
“I feel a little better.” I don’t know why admitting that makes me feel like crying. Maybe because I can’t recall ever having felt this happy, even for a moment, and that realization, when confronted, sounds so...sad.
“But,” she says. “As much progress as you’ve made on your own, do you think you still have some work to do?”
“I know I do.” I link my hands in front of me. “Do you think I could get your counselor friend’s contact info?”
“Absolutely. I’ll text it to you. I’ll text her, too, and let her know to expect you.”
“I’d really appreciate that.”
* * *
The party continues well into the evening.
After an unexpectedly enjoyable afternoon of pie eating, present opening, and cartoon watching, I can feel my energy levels beginning to wane.
“I think somebody wants you,” Teagan says with a grin.
“Huh?” I ask, mid yawn.
She points to the doorway where Austin stands watching me.
A familiar ache blooms in my chest the moment our gazes meet. His mouth tips up at the corners, and I can’t help but smile back at him. I’ve had a lovely play date with my friends, but now I’m ready to go home with Daddy.