Page 9 of State of Grace

“Anyway,” Alexis stabbed a piece of chicken with her fork. “I finally got some of the pictures we took on our vacation printed off, and I got a few new ones for you.”

Alexis had saved her money for years to take Harper to Walt Disney World, and it had been more than worth the extra hours at the bar and eating cereal for dinner to watch her daughter hug Mickey Mouse for the first time on her fifth birthday. Sophia had gone with them, and they’d all had an absolute blast on their weeklong vacation. One of the trip’s highlights was watching Sophia interrogate the poor churro cart worker over the sugary snack food’s ingredients. Although they’d been back for a couple of weeks, Alexis still felt she could use a vacation from their vacation.

“Oh, lovely.” Sophia sipped her sparkling water. “Did you get the one of her in the princess costume Emily made her? That one is our favorite.”

“I did, yes. I’ll bring the pictures over later.”

“Perfect.”

The two finished eating their salads in silence as they simply enjoyed each other’s presence. Alexis appreciated the fact that Sophia carved out time for her. It was rare they got to have time alone, just the two of them, as usually Harper was along with them.

Under the table, Sophia kicked Alexis’s shin with her heel and Alexis gasped.

“The hell, Soph?”

“Don’t turn around,” Sophia whispered as her eyes focused on something behind Alexis. Not listening to her, Alexis whipped around to see that Blake and Vera had entered the diner. Another quick kick to the shin made Alexis whirl back around to face Sophia. “What part of ‘don’t turn around’ don’t you understand? Honestly, no wonder Harper has a hard time obeying me sometimes. She gets it honestly.”

“Sorry.” Picking up her drink, Alexis turned back around as she took a sip.

“Way to not be obvious, Lex.”

“Well.” She rolled her eyes as she turned back around, pouting like a child as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Oh, we can go get refills.”

“And you’re telling me not to be obvious.”

“You’ve already gotten to meet her.”

“I haven’t, actually.” She took another sip of her drink that was now officially gone. Alexis set it back down, knowing good and well that she couldn’t get up and get a refill in light of what Sophia had said. “Emily and I left soon after she came in to give her and Isla some time alone.” Across the table, Sophia shifted her position so she could see clearly around Alexis. “Stop it.”

“What?” Sophia feigned innocence as she clutched her chest dramatically. “I’m trying to get the attention of my good friend Vera to tell her hello.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Oh,” a smile flashed across Sophia’s face as she waved, “she noticed me. Oh, Alexis, they’re coming over here. Sit up straighter.” Sophia snapped her fingers at her as Alexis reluctantly sat up straighter.

“Oh, for the love of…”

“Vera!” Sophia’s voice was higher pitched than usual, and Alexis stifled a laugh, which earned her another kick in the shin. “It’s so nice to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Sophia.” Vera gave Sophia a quick, one-armed hug before doing the same to Alexis. “And it’s good to see you too, Lex. Where’s Harper?”

“She’s with Aunt Emily and Aunt Maddie at the park today.”

“Aw, shucks. I hate that I missed her.”

“That’s how everyone feels when I show up anywhere without her.”

“Please, I am equally as happy to see you.” Turning her body slightly, Vera motioned for Blake to come toward her. As Blake stood beside Vera, Alexis could see the uneasiness in her face. She looked uncomfortable to be meeting people, and Alexis hoped Vera wasn’t parading her around town. Like the night before, Blake was in a jean jacket with a Blondie tee underneath with black jeans and Doc Martens on her feet. The baseball cap was yet again perched atop her head. “Sophia, Alexis, this is Blake. Isla’s daughter.”

“Hi.” Blake offered them a small wave accompanied by a nervous smile.

“Sophia Beauchamp.” Sophia extended a regal hand out to her as Blake shook it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Blake. I’ve known your mother for years.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“And this is Alexis Holland.” Gesturing toward Alexis, Sophia resembled Vanna White. A flash of recognition came over Blake’s face as she looked at Alexis.

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