It Had to Be You

Celebrations

"You're what?" The next day Nina looked back and forth between her parents. She could see how not calm they were.

"I'm moving to London."

"But you live in New York." Her mother stood up from her place at the kitchen counter. That was never a good sign.

"And I got a publishing deal so I'm moving to London."

"For how long?" Her dad seemed to be taking this better than expected.

"Six months? Maybe a year."

"And you can't write from here? What's wrong with New York?" Again her mom's worried tone eluded to more panic than excitement.

"Nothing but why not London? What do I have going on here?"

"You have friends. You have family!" Margot's voice nearly reached a dog whistle pitch.

"I know and you guys will still be here when I get back." Mark nodded in subtle agreement and Nina silently thanked him for his support.

"Well. It is sudden but I think it's great. You're following your dreams and I'm proud of you." He stood up and gave Nina a kiss on the top of her head.

"Where will you live? What are you going to do during the day? How will you get around?"

"Honey, she's an adult. She can handle one transatlantic adventure don't you think?" Mark pulled a bottle of champagne out of the fridge.

"Let's celebrate. We can work out the details later but for now, our brilliant, smart, talented daughter has secured a publishing deal and that deserves a bottle of Deutz 2018." Woah Mark was bringing out the big guns when it came to champagnes.

"Weren't you saving that for my wedding?" Nina deadpanned.

"I was saving it for an occasion to celebrate you and this just happens to be one of those days. Have no fear, the wine cellar is stocked high with more of these for the wedding. Whenever that is." Nina rolled her eyes. She had always been out of sync with her siblings and familial expectations. This was just another random milestone she had accomplished in the eyes of her family but not the milestone they not so secretly wanted.

"Maybe you'll find a British husband while you're over there." Mused Margot as she eagerly accepted a champagne flute.

"Would that make you feel better about me moving?"

"To have my beautiful and talented daughter find love and settle down to give me some grandchildren? Of course."

"No promises." Nina raised her glass to her parents.

Mark gave the toast. "We're proud of you sweetheart. You're doing great things in this life."

"Thank you." They clinked glasses and Nina took a sip. The champagne was crisp, a bit sultry as it didn't tend towards the sickly sweet flavor profile. It was one of her favorites. She was going to be a published author. She was going to London. She was finally making something of herself. Everything would be okay.