“How could you when you couldn’t even admit it to yourself? At the very least you can thank Robin for that. But it took you a year after your divorce was actually finalized to take a step in the right direction. No one can ever blame you for jumping headlong into something you didn’t think through for a very long time beforehand.”
“Which is exactly why I feel like such a royal screw-up sometimes. How could I not have known? My best friend since childhood is a lesbian, for Pete’s sake.”
“Because it’s different for all of us. There is no one prescribed path. It’s a really hard thing to come to terms with for someone in your position. You should never, ever feel bad about walking your own path, Micky. Besides, look at you now. You know now.”
“Do you think I should tell Darren?”
“In time, but first, you need to take the time it takes to accept it fully yourself.”
“You mean sleep with some more women?” Micky could do with a chuckle right about now.
“If that’s what it takes.” Of course, Amber didn’t take it as a joke.
Suddenly, another question reared its head. “Do you think Mom suspects?”
Amber scrunched her lips together. “That I truly can’t answer. She’s your mother and you’re close, so she might, but she’s never asked me about it.”
“What are my children going to say when I tell them?” This was why coming to the realization that most of her life had been based on a desire she’d always carefully stowed away was so hard for Micky. All this informing of people she loved she would have to go through.
“Olivia and Christopher have the coolest lesbian aunt. And they’re children of their time. They’ll get used to it.” Amber shot her an encouraging smile. “You’re not required to tell anyone unless you feel 100 percent ready. Coming out, though an outward action, is deeply personal and should never be forced upon anyone.”
“What would I do without you?” Micky looked her friend in the eye.
“My guess is you’d be going out for a good amount of beer and fish and chips tonight, which are, decidedly, not the answer to any of life’s problems. I’m taking you out to dinner. You need some good food in you. I’ll even meditate with you, if you were to feel so inclined.”
“Don’t push it,” Micky said, looking at Amber. Despite missing Robin’s presence enormously, she felt loved nonetheless.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Micky was sitting with Kristin in The Pink Bean after her shift, waiting for Sheryl, who had the afternoon off, to join them for lunch. It was Tuesday, and Robin hadn’t come in yet this week to order a wet capp. She’d probably found another coffee shop; the neighborhood was full of excellent ones. When Kristin had asked Micky if she wanted to join her and Sheryl for lunch, Micky had jumped at the opportunity—especially when she’d heard Kristin’s erudite wife would be there.
Though she’d been quite liquored-up at the dinner party two weeks prior, Micky had taken an instant liking to well-spoken and straight-forward Sheryl. She looked forward to spending time with her while neither one of them were under the influence. Moreover, Olivia and Christopher, whom she had missed disproportionally since her last conversation with Robin, were only due back tomorrow. The last thing Micky needed was more time alone with her thoughts.
“Give it to me, boss,” she joked, while sitting across from Kristin. “What’s my performance report after three weeks? I know I lost you a loyal customer, but I’m glad we’ve discussed that already.” Micky wasn’t certain about Kristin’s sense of humor. She was definitely the more serious one of the couple.
“You’re doing fine.” She fixed her dark eyes on Micky. “We both know I didn’t give you the job because you graduated with honors from Barista School.” She painted a wide smile on her face. “I recognize a woman in distress when I see one.”
“That’s very… altruistic of you. To put me before your business.”
Kristin held up her hands. “I did no such thing. Customers will always come first, and I watched you like a hawk the first few days. You have a certain way with customers that not a lot of people have. That’s much more important to me than knowing how to artfully pour a wet cappuccino.” Kristin did have a sense of humor then.
“I really appreciate you taking me on. It was a steep learning curve, but I actually enjoy being here every morning.”
“I can tell, which is why you get to stay.”
“I’d like to have you and Sheryl over for dinner at my house some time soon. I can’t promise the same culinary excellence you delivered, but I really enjoyed that dinner party you threw.”