The drive into the city wasn't as horrible as Stevie had predicted. There was no fighting over the radio, no bickering about the heat, and no unnecessary comments about where they were stopping for coffee.... It was odd, but in a really nice way.
In fact, the most talkative one of the entire bunch was Lola, who made everyone feel included in the discussions, even Vivian, who she'd asked about school and work. She was curious, but in a good, wholesome manner.
It felt like a million pounds had been lifted off of Stevie's shoulders, especially after she had been sitting on the edge of her seat most of the week.
It was still morning when they finally climbed out of the SUV at valet, where the other half of their crew was there to greet them.
"Did you have a nice ride?" Lindsey was the one that pulled the car door open for her, holding out a hand to help her step onto the concrete.
Stevie nodded her head, wrapping her arm around his waist for a quick hug. "It was nice." She assured as she felt him giving her a subtle squeeze.
"Good." He patted her back softly, right before he let her go.
It was after they had unloaded the car, the valet took their luggage, and everyone had complained about being hungry, when they found themselves sitting around the big circle table in the restaurant across the street.
"Have you gone by the art exhibit?" Stevie was staring across the table at her youngest, who hadn't said too much since they'd gotten there.
Everyone else was lost in their own conversation, even Vivian having spent some time chatting with Cassidy, who was actually easy to talk with when she wasn't being influenced by her sister- in- law.
Clancy looked up from her small plate, where an untouched piece of bread was waiting. "I went last night to have some drinks with some friends who are in town, yeah." She assured with a very gentle smile.
"I'm so excited for you, sweet girl." The older woman returned the smile, eyes melting into those big blue orbs.
"So am I." She was excited, but she also wasn't at the same time... When her art show was over, that meant she only had a couple of more days and then she was packing up and heading back to France.
It was sad, but fun... But mostly sad, especially for the girl that hated being away from the people she adored.
Stevie could see it in her eyes- that look of pure dread. "Maybe daddy and I will come see you in a few months." She knew that would make Clancy feel better- it always did.
"You could stay for a few weeks?" She wondered as the tears started to fill the brims of her eyes very slowly.
She was thankful that everyone else was too distracted to see that. She didn't get embarrassed often, but Lola had a way of making her feel bad about being so close to her parents that was just nerve wracking.
Lola didn't understand why Clancy was so attached, and Clancy didn't understand how Lola wasn't.... She could go weeks without seeing them and she only lived ten minutes away.
Stevie nodded softly, reaching across to grab her hand. "Of course." She hated that part of their visits- the part of the trip was closing in on the end.
It was always emotional and never easy.
"But enough about you leaving." She waved a hand softly, trying hard not to follow in her daughters actions with the tears. "We were just so happy about your art." Stevie let out a light giggle, which encouraged Clancy to do the same.
After that they started talking about her night out with friends, and then Cassidy began chatting with them as well, things got a little bit lighter. It wasn't until after they'd gotten their salads when Lola's eyes finally wandered towards Lindsey.
He'd been talking with Crew and Jason most of dinner, and after a couple of drinks, Lola wanted to join in their conversation.
"Dad?" Lola's voice caused Stevie to glance over, shifting in her seat as she stared at her oldest.
Lindsey was sitting right next to his wife, one arm resting on the back of her chair as the other hand cradled the crystal glass he'd been drinking from. "What's up?" He gave her a soft smile as he turned his attention towards her completely.
She paused for a moment, suddenly realizing that her mothers eyes were burning into her as well. "I think we should go to a play before we leave the city." That wasn't what she was going to say, but the look in Stevie's eyes was so cold- she knew better than to bring anything up at the table.
He let out a faint chuckle, feeling Stevie's hand meet his knee under the table. "That would be cool." He assured, hand traveling to her arm lightly.
Stevie nodded in agreement, sinking into him a little more, though her eyes stayed locked with Lola's.
She was silently telling her that whatever liquid courage she had built up, needed to be washed down with some water... Being big and bad wasn't going to get her very far that night.
"Vivian?" Stevie finally broke her gaze. "You think about what play you'd like to see, okay?" She gave her a little smile. "It's up to you." She added, which caused the younger girl to let off a big, very excited grin.
~~~
"She knows, doesn't she?" He was standing in the bathroom doorway, holding his toothbrush in his hand as he watched her climb into bed.
Stevie was already in her pajamas, makeup off, and hair brushed out. She was tired, but he wasn't, obviously.
"It's the eyes, Lindsey." She mumbled, slipping under the comforter. "You gave all those kids the same set of eyes." She added with a faint shrug.
Lindsey sighed, tossing his toothbrush on the counter before he shut off the bathroom light. "She's going to tell them." He announced as he crawled in next to her.
She wrapped her arm around him, pushing herself in close as she let out a deep yawn. "She's not going to." She whispered, almost certain of it.
But Lindsey knew better... He knew that look that she was giving him earlier that day.
Lola was mad, and it wasn't going to take much for her to show everyone just how mad.
