“But I’m a big girl.”
“Amelia, please.”
Her daughter grumbled, slid off the chair, and closed her bedroom door with a thud.
“It wasn’t going to be inappropriate, Daisy.”
“Our definitions of inappropriate have always differed, Anna.”
Anna swung back to Dena. “So, if you and Mr. Daniels ever divorced, would you still, you know… throw him one for old times’ sake?”
Daisy dropped onto the couch. “Yeah, not inappropriate at all for an eight-year-old to hear.”
“Haven’t you had the S-E-X talk with her yet?”
“Anna, you don’t have to spell it. She isn’t here, and, for future reference, she can spell.”
“So, you haven’t yet?”
“Of course not. She’s still too young.”
“My mom gave me the talk at seven. It was extremely… informative.”
“Yeah, and you lost your virginity freshman year because you were so well informed—”
Daisy’s mother gasped and stared at a cowering Anna. “Anna Carmichael! Freshman year? That’s so young.”
“It was, Mrs. D, but I knew what was safe and how to…” She paused and smirked at Daisy. “Protect myself from any ‘oops’ babies.”
Daisy deflated. Anna had a point. Her lack of awareness had ultimately led to an unplanned pregnancy.
“Whatever,” Daisy said, waving it off. “Didn’t you have a question for my mom?”
Anna turned again. “So, would you?”
Dena dried her hands with a dish towel and looked uncomfortable. “Well, given your little spat with my daughter, I’m assuming ‘throw him one’ means sex?”
Anna nodded, delighted.
“I can’t say I’ve given much thought to sleeping with my hypothetical soon-to-be ex-husband.”
Daisy gagged theatrically from the couch while her mother continued. “I think it depends. If Philip ever cheated on me, then no, it wouldn’t even cross my mind. But in your case, a wretched man putting you through hell to take half a business he doesn’t deserve, if it lightened his mood and secured your rightful stake, then… why not?”
“Mom!”
“What? She wanted an honest answer. Now, can we let my sweet Amelia out of her room? Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong with you?” Anna called from the kitchen.
Daisy stuck her head out of her bedroom and whispered, “Shhh. My child is sleeping.”
“Oh please. That girl can sleep through anything.”
“Still. Keep it down.”
Anna rolled her eyes, grabbed her wine, and came into Daisy’s room. In a mocking coo, she said, “So are you going to tell me?”
“You’re so annoying.”
