A Different Blue(88)

just looking out for her a bit. I invited her on a whim.”

“And what's with that name? Blue? It sounds like something Gwyneth Paltrow would pick out.”

“Mum,” Wilson sighed. “I could say the same about Darcy.”

“Darcy is a classical name,” Joanna Wilson sniffed but dropped the subject and resumed her

original argument. “It's just a shame that pregnancy comes so easily to those who don't want it

and then not at all for those who are desperate to be mothers.”

“I don't hear Tiffa complaining,” Wilson replied, sighing.

“You don't, do you? Is that why she's always got Henry in her arms even though he's three years

old and more than capable of walking? Is that why I caught her watching Blue like her heart was

broken?”

“That's not Blue's fault.”

“What is she going to do with her baby?” Joanna queried. “Where is the father?”

“I'm sure she plans to keep it. The father doesn't seem to be in the picture, not that it's any

of my business, or any of your business, Mum.”

“It's just unseemly, Darcy. You'd think she would be a little embarrassed to accompany you here

in her condition.” I felt her disapproval skewer me from my head to my red toenails. I wondered

why she was taking my presence so personally. I hadn't known Tiffa wanted children or was unable

to have them. I wondered now if it really was hard for her to have me around. The thought made

my chest ache. I liked and admired Tiffa Snook. She was one of the nicest and most genuine

people I had ever met. I wondered if it was an act, or if she felt the same way her mother did.

I slipped into the bathroom to avoid hearing more, knowing it would only make me feel worse. I

had enough money to catch a cab, and although it was probably cowardly, I wasn't going back up

on that roof or anywhere near Joanna Wilson, or any of the Wilson's for that matter.

I hadn't asked to come. I hadn't hung on Wilson or pretended a relationship or a status that

didn't exist. I hadn't acted “unseemly,” whatever that meant. I used the bathroom and washed

my hands, squaring my shoulders as I opened the door. Joanna Wilson stepped through the archway

as I exited, and a flash of chagrin crossed her face before she continued up the stairs to the

roof.

I stood in the foyer, frozen with indecision. I was tempted to leave and just shoot Wilson a

text and tell him I was tired and didn't want to stay any longer. But my phone was in my purse,

and my purse was still on the roof sitting next to the deck chair I had been parked in most of

the evening.

“Blue!” Tiffa was descending the stairs with a sleeping Henry in her arms. “Have we worn you

out, duck? You aren't the only one.” Henry was still in his swim trucks, and his head was a

tousled mop of red, resting on her shoulder. She stroked it absentmindedly.

“I thought I would put Henry to bed. I think he's done for the night. Gavin and Aiden are still

awake, although Aiden's starting to whinge and rub his eyes. I don't think it will be long

before he's unconscious, too.”

“I'm am a little tired, I guess,” I took the excuse she offered. “I thought I'd get my purse

and maybe catch a cab so Wilson doesn't have to leave yet.”

“Darcy won't want that. Plus, I think he's keen to get home. He was looking for you.” Tiffa