“No,” Dani and I said together.
The synchronization hurt. Lola looked between us.
“Good. Aunt Dani would lose.”
Dani placed a hand over her heart.
“Betrayal.”
“You said no time goal.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m slow.”
“It means Amy has a watch.”
“That is not how races work,” I said.
Lola considered.
“She still has a watch.”
Gloria reached us.
“Hi, Amy.”
“Hello.”
She hugged me gently. The contact carried apology and affection.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said.
“Me too.”
Tessa greeted Gloria. The four of them created a loose circle. Dani remained two steps away. Neither of us knew how to cross them.
Finally, she said, “How’s the knee?”
“Good,” I said. “Actually good.”
Her mouth changed slightly. The old question remained allowed.
“How is your plan?” I asked.
“Conservative.”
“What’s true?”
“Very conservative.”
“Good.”
Silence. Lola looked between us.
“Are you still taking space?”
Gloria closed her eyes.
Dani said, “Lola.”
