Page 57 of Vodka and Chocolate Drops

“Then maybe it’s time for change.” Amber gently shut the door behind her as she fled her mother’s house.

* * *

Amber parkedher car in front of Mandy’s restaurant. She was early for the meet-up where she would introduce her mother and sister to each other.

She had barely spoken to her mom since the blowup about her father, and wasn’t sure if Gloria had talked to him or not. But as if to make a point, her mother had suggested she meet Delia in Blueberry Springs. And in a public venue, no less.

Amber wasn’t sure what it meant, but hoped to know soon. It was ten minutes to eight and the café was quiet, other than the odd tourist having a late supper. Except her mother was already there. As was Delia. They had already met and were sitting head to head, chatting over the table that separated them, sharing one of Mandy’s huge whiskey-and-gumdrop brownies.

Amber stood in the doorway, not quite believing her eyes. She had trusted Delia. Had thought nobody could ever replace her in her mother’s eyes. But there they were. Acting as though they had known each other for years.

She almost turned to flee, feeling as though she was a third wheel, but her mother--theirmother--spotted her and waved her over, smiling.

Amber gave her a hug, even though it wasn’t her usual thing when they’d seen each other recently. She had a suspicion that sibling rivalry was providing the deep-seated urge to claim ownership over her mother, as though it was a competition. As though she had to flaunt in Delia’s face that she was first in their mom’s thoughts and heart.

She didn’t like acting this way, and definitely didn’t like the feelings storming around inside her like a bad case of indigestion.

“You two have met?” Amber said, stating the obvious as she sat down.

“It’s as though we’ve known each other all of our lives. It’s incredible,” Delia stated, forking more brownie into her mouth.

She looked so happy that Amber felt bad for not wanting to share their mom. But she wanted Gloria all to herself. Delia already had a mother, and didn’t need two. Three, if you counted her mother-in-law. She was flush with mothers. She also had two dads--she’d met her biological father through the government adoption database already--plus she had a father-in-law. Amber had one parent. One. And Delia, her sister, was honing in on her.

A red haze flashed in front of Amber’s eyes, and she feared she was going to say something rash. She needed to get a grip on the anger ripping through her.

But seeing the two so cozy…

Breathe, Amber. It’s okay. Your mom still loves you.

“I’m going to go get a brownie,” she said, wondering for a second if they would tell her to simply grab a third fork and share with them. They didn’t.

She went to the counter and ordered one, handing Ethan her money.

“Is she a cousin?” he asked, placing change in her palm.

“She’s related, yes.” Amber still didn’t know if her mother was letting the Delia secret out or not.

“She seems cool. A lot like you.”

“Yeah. Just like me.” Only better. More exciting.

Amber headed back to the table, focusing on her treat instead of the way her sister and mother were talking a mile a minute with no attempts to include her.

“Sorry I was late,” she said. “I thought we said eight.”

Her mom patted her hand, not looking away from Delia, who was asking about Gloria’s personal history and how she’d met Delia’s father. Amber feared her mother would clam up at the mention of her old high school boyfriend, but instead she smiled at Delia and said, “Anything you want to know, just ask. There are no secrets.”

“Do people know who Delia is?” Amber interjected. “Or isthatstill a secret?” She knew she was giving her mother tone, but couldn’t help it. She was fed up with the mysteries and the stingy delving out of information. How could Gloria offer to tell Delia everything when Amber was still receiving so little? And why was Amber’s father a bigger secret compared to an entire secret child? A secret child whose father had sought her out despite abandoning her before birth.

“Are you okay?” her mother asked.

“I’m fine. So?” Amber crossed her arms. “Can I tell people I have a sister? Or do I have to keep lying to the town and dodging questions so that you can keep having your big secrets?”

“Amber!” her mother scolded, darting a glance at Delia, who looked uncomfortable.

“Would you like a few minutes?” Delia asked.

“No, it’s okay. I’m leaving.” Amber stood up, catching a glimpse of Frankie walking toward Mandy, his gait slow and patient. As the couple kissed their hellos Amber squeezed her hands into fists, fighting for control. Friends to lovers. Just one more thing she couldn’t have.

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