“Well happy birthday! Would you like to take the day off? I don't mind.”
“That's very kind of you, but no, it's okay. But later this evening my husband and some friends of mine are going out for a drink or two. Nothing crazy, of course. You're welcome to come along and have a drink if you want.”
“Hmm, that actually sounds good. Where and when?”
“There's that little Irish pub just two blocks away from here. It's good for quiet, relaxed drinks; they have that pretty outdoor seating area.”
“Ah yes, MacFey's. What time?”
“Eight or so. You in?”
“Sure. So tomorrow you'll be... 22?” I asked with a wink and smile.
“Twenty-two indeed! Plus 16! Ha!”
I laughed. “You still look great. And even though you're close to the big four-zero, they do say that 40 is the new 30.”
“Ha, I'll remember that, Viv. See you later.”
Later That Evening
I was surprised about how busy MacFey's was, considering it was a Tuesday night. I pushed my way through the crowd, got myself a beer at the bar, and then headed out to the outside seating area where Graciela, her husband Miguel, and a couple other people were sitting.
“Hey, Viv!” said Graciela with a big, broad smile as she saw me. “Come on over!”
I headed to the table and took a seat next to Graciela. She handed me a glass already filled with wine and clinked her glass against mine then we both had a sip of our drinks.
“Everyone, this is my boss, Vivienne,” said Graciela to the dozen or so people who were seated around the table. “And she's awesome!”
I blushed as everyone greeted me warmly, and exchanged smiles with people around the table. I felt that I had to speak as well, though.
“And this, everyone, even though you already know her in a personal capacity, is one of the most dedicated and hard-working people I've ever met! Thank you for being such a wonderful asset to Peter Pan Daycare, Graciela. I don't know what I'd do without you.”
Everyone gave her a hand, and I could see that there were tears rimming her eyes.
“Thank you so much, Viv,” she said as she took my hand in hers. “It really means a lot to m
e to know that I'm appreciated.”
“You really are, Gracie, you really are.”
We chatted and drank some more, and then eventually I had to go to the bathroom. On my way back to the table, I was weaving my way through the crowd gathered by the bar when a single word caused my blood to freeze instantly in my veins.
“Alicia!”
I stopped dead in my tracks. I hadn't heard that name for two years now – but it had been my name for the first 25 years of my life.
“Alicia Ray, it is you, isn't it?”
I turned around slowly, dread and fear running cold through my veins. I saw a familiar face looking at me, smiling, from where she was seated at the bar.
“Angie Wells,” I said, relief rushing through me. “We were in English class together senior year.”
“And biology,” she said. “Wow, I can't believe it's already been 10 years since graduation. What are you doing down here in Irvine? You don't live in San Francisco anymore?”
“No, I moved down here two years ago. I own a daycare here.”
“A daycare, huh? Well, you always did like kids. I don't think I could do that myself; they drive me crazy.”