Megan had never been to Nashville. Despite travelling to many American states, she’d never had the pleasure of the greatmusic city.
“You guys are still happy for me totag along?”
“Sweetheart, we would love nothing more than for you to come with us. I don’t know how much longer I will have with mybaby girl.”
“Mom, I’m twenty-fouryears old.”
“You’re still my baby girl, whether you’re twenty-four orforty-four.”
Amanda had been overly affectionate of late, adamant that family meals were spent together, family movie night every Friday shouldn’t be missed and she was extremely insistent that Megan travel back from Manchester at any given opportunity. The four years at Stanford had been tough on her mother. Seeing her only child for a few weeks out of the year had been daunting. Amanda knew, deep down, the time would come when Megan would return to the US and the infrequency of their time together would return.
“Will you make any other plans whilst you’re in New York?”
“Well, we only have a few days. I’ll see Gram and Aunt Julie, meet Sofia for a few hours and then you guys willbe coming.”
“You won’t be seeing your other friend? Ashley?”
“I’m not sure.” Megan glanced at the time. It was getting late—perfect timing to try and end the conversation. “Is it that late already?”
“Why not?” Amanda completely ignored the changein subject.
“We haven’t spoken much. I’ve seen her once in two years, Mom. We aren’t exactly best friends.”
“Oh, I just assumed you two were close. You seem to mention her morethan Sofia.”
“I don’t.” Megan’s defensive walls shot up.
Amanda smirked. “Ifyou say so.”
“What doesthat mean?”
Michael remained silent. The hint of a smile could be seen as he lowered his head and focusedon his food.
“Nothing, darling, nothing at all.”
“Mom, seriously, enlighten me.” She crossed her arms like a ridiculed child.
“I think you mention her more than you realise.”
Megan scoffed, “When? Give mean example.”
“Every time she puts a post on social media. Every time she randomly messages you to check-in. Whenever you speak with Nancy on the phone, she’s always brought into the conversation. Then there’sthe photo.”
“Photo?”
“Well, when you moved back to England you only put up a few photos in your room. Remember, you had them printed? There’s one of you, Nancy and your Aunt Julie, one of you and Sofia and one of youand Ashley.”
Megan unfolded her arms—Amanda made a valid point.Why did she keep that photo?And in such a prime position, right next to two photos with people she had known her whole life—she didn’t have an answer thatmade sense.
“I like that photo. It was the view from the Ferris Wheel that made it special.” That was a lie.
“Oh really? Just the view?” Amanda mocked.
“Shut up, Mom.” Megan looked at her father. “And why are you so quiet? You usually have my back.”
“I’m scared to say anything controversial. I’m not sure what the point of this conversation is.”
“Me neither, actually.” Megan laughed before turning towards Amanda. “What wasthe point?”
