Page 26 of The Love We Make

“What about you, Mimi?” Imani asks.

“What about me?” I’ve lost track of the conversation.

“Are you into any of the dating apps? I can recommend a couple where a woman like you would score highly.”

“Score highly?” I scoff. “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

“I’m hardly a child.” Imani’s gaze on me lingers. “You’re successful, beautiful, obviously kind, and you know how to cook a great meal.”

“Stop it already.” I fan my hand next to my cheek. “You’re making me blush.” Did she just hit on me? Or was she simply being a complementary guest?

“Jay’s been raving about you non-stop since he came to brunch last weekend.”

“That’s very sweet of him.”

“I can see why.” Imani looks into my eyes. “Anyway, just let me know if you need any help with those apps.”

“Austin said you were ‘looking.’” Nora curls her fingers into air quotes—and greatly surprises me in the process.

“Looking’s a big word for it.” I examine Nora’s face. “I haven’t actually taken any steps, but I’m not going to lie. It would be nice to meet someone. I’m ready for it and I don’t feel as though I’ve reached my sell-by date just yet.”

All four of them break out into loud protests simultaneously, tripping over themselves calling out the patriarchy and capitalism for writing off women once they’re above a certain age—Nora the loudest of all. Her wine glass is empty again already.

“What’s your type?” Imani asks when the hubbub has died down. I’m so out of practice, I don’t know if she’s asking for herself or just out of general curiosity. “I may know someone.”

I can play this game. Although, admittedly, it’s a bit disconcerting to do so with three pairs of eyes on me.

“Hot,” I say, rather facetiously, while gazing back into her eyes.

She slants her head slightly. “Ever since I walked in here, I’ve been picturing you with my friend, Simone.” Imani smiles at me.

“Oh, come on,” Nora interjects. “Not Sad Simi.”

“She’s not sad.” Imani’s tone is suddenly sharp.

“She is a bit.” Nora pipes down instantly. “Sorry. Personally, I can’t really see it.”

“Let’s talk in private some time, Mimi.” Imani sends me another smile. “Away from prying ears.”

“I’m not prying.” Nora holds up her hands. “Anyway, you can all date who you want to. I’m staying out of it.”

I’m not sure what it is I’m witnessing here.

“Mom met Nathan on an app, so it can work,” Stella says.

If it was Nora’s intention to instantly put me off Simone, it worked. But why would Nora even bother? I lean back in my chair and turn to her. I catch her staring at me. Maybe she’s had a few too many.

* * *

Stella and Kate left an hour ago—new mothers don’t tend to stay out too late. Imani just got into a taxi after fruitlessly trying to get Nora to join her. Apparently, Nora doesn’t feel like going home just yet—and she’s very adamant about it. Whereas last time she was here, all of a sudden, it felt as though she couldn’t get out of my house fast enough. She didn’t drink as much wine then.

Imani could only be persuaded to leave after I promised, on all my children and grandchildren’s lives, that I would safely put Nora up in my guest room.

“It’s my job to take care of her when she’s like this,” Imani said. “It’s rare that she gets this wasted.”

“I’ve got this,” I assured her, secretly relishing the prospect of an intoxicated Nora Levine in my house. “Take the rest of the evening off.”

“Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.” The reluctance with which Imani left made me think she might come back later to check on Nora.

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