Page 111 of Sunset Catchers

“A thing I told her before,” Levi points out. We both ignore him.

“Hold on. What’s the most shocking thing, then?” I’m low-key afraid.

“That you chose him! Surely, you’ve met Ben already.” I burst out laughing while Sloane grins, sticking out her tongue at Levi. He gives her the finger, even if he is obviously glad that Sloane managed to ease me into being here as his date today.

I go to hug Sloane.

“Hi. It’s good to see you again.”

“Same, girl.” We step apart. “By the way, I love that dark academia thriller you recommended. Never saw the ending coming.”

“Right?” I replied enthusiastically. “So good.”

“You’ve been in contact?” Levi asks with a frown.

“Yes, we’ve been in contact,” Sloane says, mocking him. “You’re not my parole officer. Act normal, will you? Gosh, Levi! Winnie and I text every day.” Sloane turns toward me; the girl here as Levi’s date and not as Kit’s designer (!!). “You know, maybe you should take another peek at Ben. He’s less of a loser than my brother.” I snort and slip my hand into Levi’s.

“Nah. Your brother’s more my type of guy.”

Levi and I grin stupidly at each other, then we follow Sloane while she mutters something about it being obvious that Winnie is not just Kit’s designer. Levi’s joy stretches.

We pass by the kitchen, where the island is filled with catered food that smells delicious, then out the French doors that lead to the backyard, where we’ll be having brunch.

A long table has been set up on the green grass, dressed in pastel floral linens, with Kit’s best mix and match of vintage plates and bowls and glasses. A mix of eucalyptus and baby’s breath runs the whole length of the table as the centerpiece.

About thirty people are mingling outside under the warm, glimmering sun.

Levi’s mother—his dark hair and blue eyes are all her—is the first one to notice our arrival. She walks up to us, immediately engulfing her son in a hug.

He hugs her back, smiling.

My heart cracks at the way her face illuminates when she sees one of her children. I wonder if my mother gets the same expression when she sees Livie.

“Hi Mom. Happy mother’s day,” he says, handing her the bouquet. She’s beaming brighter than the sun.

“Thank you, my sunshine boy. It’s good to see you.”

Levi takes in my hands that are clasped tightly in front of me. He slips a hand on my lower back; it swarms me with reassurance.

“Mom, meet Winnie. My date.” A dreamy smile spreads over my face. “Winnie, meet my mom, Sophia.” I brace myself for what, I’m not sure, then I look at her. Her face stays bright and luminous. There’s no slip of happiness. No animosity.

She’s genuinely happy to meet me.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Winnie. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” I say, then rush to add, “I swear it’s the first time I’ve dated a coworker!”

Sophia laughs good-heartedly while Levi chuckles. I catch the rolling of his eyes.

“Don’t worry. It’s a family tradition at this point,” she says. I bob my head, relieved. “Will your mother be joining us?”

Sophia’s question has me clamming up on the spot. Levi tracks, with guilt, the way I stiffen all over.

“Unfortunately, she had other plans.”

Can everyone here see that I’m no one’s daughter? Is the shame I’m feeling right now visible to the naked eye?

Sophia’s hands land on my elbows and run down my arms until they unfold from over my stomach. She takes my hands in hers. Squeezes them. Her skin is warm and soft.