Thank goodness, Lillith thought as she entered the ladies’ room. She liked Delaney, and Rake seemed nice (if deeply confused), but she hated peeing when she knew people could hear it. Even strangers. Side effect of being an only child, maybe?
And speaking of strangers, an old, pretty lady was standing beside the sinks
(not washing her hands, not checking makeup, not on her phone, standing straight, facing the door)
waiting for someone.
She was pale and chubby, with silver-streaked brownish blond hair pulled back and pinned in place. She was wearing light blue pants, a white blouse, black tennis shoes, a black cardigan, and she had a black purse the size of a pillow slung over one shoulder.
When she spoke, her voice was warm and welcoming. “Buongiorno, darling.”
“Ciao, signora,” Lillith replied, smoothing her slightly too-small shirt over her belly and standing straighter. “Come va?”
“Just fine.”
“Posso aiutarti con qualcosa?”
“I’m sorry, dear, but you just heard the extent of my Italian. I’m much better in French.”
“Oh. Puis-je vous aider avec quelque chose?”
The woman’s smile brightened. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you, sweetheart? Did you know that we have a friend in common? Her name’s Delaney. I wanted to meet you and asked her to arrange it. I’m so happy to see you.”
“Oh.” Lillith studied the woman’s elegant clothing and nonthreatening mien. “That makes you Rake’s mother or grandmother. If you don’t mind, when’s your birthday?”
The woman blinked, then replied, “Nineteen fifty-seven.”
“Grandmother, then.” She held out her hand and answered the unspoken question. “You and Rake have the exact same eye shape and color. It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Tarbell.”
“Thank you, darling. Lovely to meet you, too. And I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve joined our family.”
“Have I?”
“Oh yes.”
“Then … can I tell you something?”
“Anything.”
So she did.