Diamonds, Drama, and a Dash of Destiny (Shivian-The Nursery Nurse)

Run-In With a Redhead

The next morning, Vivian is cautious about bringing Jamie to the nursery. She does an extra lap around the parking lot, just to make sure Siobhan's car wasn't there.

It's not.

Vivian parks the car in her usual spot, hops out of the car, and opens the van door to get Jamie unbuckled. She does so swiftly, takes his hand, and walks him toward the nursery.

Right by the door, she spots Charlotte and the redhead who invited her to the Halloween ball.

Charlotte gives her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips and a "I love you; I'll see you tonight."

The other woman responds in a raspy tone. "I love you too, sweetheart."

Vivian knew that Charlotte was in a new relationship, but my god, she was absolutely glowing. It made Vivian's heart swell and hurt all at the same time. For one, she was so very, very happy for Charlotte. She hadn't seen her this happy in so long.

The other, her heart ached for what could have been.

God damn Siobhan getting in her head again. No more of this false hope 'we're not just friends' stuff. She couldn't keep putting in feelings without knowing where they stood. No, in the meantime she'd keep an eye on her from afar, just to make sure she's safe.

Vivian was lost in her head more than she realized and almost bumped into Mia on her way into the nursery.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" Vivian exclaimed without looking up until after she said it.

A look of fury flashed over the redhead's face for a split second before she recognized who it was. "Oh, hello Vivian." Her smile has a soft smirk at the corners.

"You know, I don't think I ever got your name."

"Amelia Roberts. Most people just call me Mia. Amelia seems to be reserved for Char."

"Yes, I did notice. I knew Charlotte was in a new relationship. I don't think I've ever seen her so happy. Despite your icy exterior, I imagine you're quite pleasant; you'd have to be for that one." Vivian nods her head towards the nursery door that Charlotte had walked through not long ago. "No wonder you and Siobhan are friends." Vivian smirks: she knew sniffing these things out was a talent of hers. Vivian didn't mince words either; she always got straight to the point.

Mia quickly changed the subject. No one needed to know about her soft side. "Speaking of which," Mia looks down at Jamie, who is totally zoned and picking his nose, not paying a lick of attention to the two women. "We need to talk about your costume for the Halloween ball."

Vivian arches one brow and narrows her eyes slightly. "What is there to talk about?"

"Not much, actually. I just need to know what time works for you to have it fitted."

"Fitted?" Vivian was a little skeptical of the redhead picking out her costume, given her taste in tight clothing. She never saw Mia in anything else.

"Of course. I know what 'you know who' will be wearing, and we need to dress you accordingly."

"I don't think so; I'm fine picking out my own outfit, thanks."

Mia takes a few steps towards the nursery door with Vivian. "You want to get under Mr. Possessive's skin, right?" They stopped at the door, and Mia turned to her, hands on her hips, one eyebrow raised.

"That's an understatement." Vivian mumbles begrudgingly.

"Then trust me." Mia rummages through her purse and finds a pen, a piece of scrap paper, and starts to write. "Here's my number; send me some dates and times that will work for you."

Vivian nods and stands silently for a moment, while Mia walks back to her car. "You really care about her, don't you?" Vivian asked before Mia got very far, a soft smile on her lips.

"Someone's got to have her back." Mia calls back to the older woman. She didn't like people using the word 'care' with her. She had a reputation to maintain.

Vivian smiled and proceeded into the building to do handoff with Charlotte. Although Vivian didn't 'have a village' it sure felt like she was building one.