Millie

Chapter Thirty Three- That was close

Wren dropped me back at the guest house by ten, and we sat for a bit with Josephine and Veda and watched the end of some psychological thriller. I didn't concentrate much on the movie. My mind was busy, trying to come to terms with the fact that, A, my Mother was finally dating, and, B, she was dating Avery Lane (Teddy's work wife as I've heard her referred to many a time)

Avery was fresh out of a divorce, and my Mother was dipping her perfectly polished toe into the lesbian dating pool... what could possibly go wrong?!

"But do they seem like a good match though" I had asked Wren after the movie.

She stood on the porch about to leave for her parents house, and shrugged "I don't know. I don't know your Mom that well. I do know she loves sports, and Avery's a retired athlete"

I nodded, that was true. "But what is Avery like personality wise. I mean, my Mother, she's not for the faint of heart"

Wren smiled softly, and wrapped her hands around my body, placing her head against my shoulder "Stop worrying babe, they are grown women with a mind of their own. If they don't suit they won't go on another date"

I ran my hand down her back gently, in soothing motions, most probably to soothe myself "I don't want her to get hurt" I explain.

"Avery can look out for herself. She's not a push over" Wren told me, to settle my obvious concern.

That wasn't what I meant though.

"I meant my Mom" I reveal.

Wren looks up, her chin against my shoulder "You're worried Avery will hurt your Mom" she asked, surprised.

"My Mother as far as I know hasn't dated in twenty four years. That's a long time to be out of the game. What if Avery is her first girlfriend, and what if she doesn't understand how it all works with dating. What if she gets her heart broken"

I exhale and sigh.

Wren kisses my shoulder "it's really sweet that you are worried about your Mom, but I think you're forgetting who your Mom is. She's Moira Dawson. She's terrifying to most, and intimating to the rest"

Wren was right, my Mother was both of those things, but she had been putting on a front for so long. She had needed to be strong, fierce, and independent, to be successful. Only recently had I seen her vulnerable side. I don't even think I knew my Mother as a human being and not just my Mom. Clearly I had no idea about her sexuality, and, my Mother in a relationship...I didn't even know what that looked like. Would she be dominating in a partnership? Or was she the complete opposite when she was into someone? The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to witness it for myself. I was excited for her, to start this new journey just for her, and to finally live a life that wasn't dedicated to her career, or me. My mothers job with me was done, her guardianship was over. She could be free, to be whomever it was Moira Dawson was, when nobody depended on her. I wasn't sure my Mother even knew who she was. She had been a twin, a sister, a daughter, and then a Mother... and each role required her to take care of someone else.

"Can I come back to Eugene with you tomorrow" I asked Wren.

She lit up "of course, I would love that"

I hugged her tighter "I was thinking of taking Veda to see my Mom. Even more so now. I have so much to talk to Moira about, and I need to check in. I know you have Soccer, but perhaps we could hang out after..."

Wrens eyes lit up "Please" and then she had a thought "and you can double date on Sunday with the Cams, and me"

"I would love to" I return.