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I couldn’t see myself having this conversation with Ally or Ashley. I don’t know why, but I just don’t want to admit this to them. That I’m scared. I’m usually the rock, the sure one. They come to me for advice and guidance, and trust what I have to say. But if I go to them… I don’t know… It makes me feel like a fraud, as absurd as that sounds.
I don’t know why I feel like I have to be the one to always keep my shit together, but I do.
“Hi, hi!” Ally sing songs, stepping out onto the porch. I was so lost in thought I didn’t even hear her in the house. “Hi, Dottie.” She smiles warmly at her and hugs her straight away before turning to hug me as well. “Hey, Mel.”
“Hey.” Hugging her back tightly, she pulls away, and I see questions swimming in her eyes. But before she can ask me anything, Ashley comes out and pulls me in for a hug, and then Dottie.
“Hi.” She smiles at both of us. “What’s the new gossip, Dottie?” she asks, taking a seat on the footrest in front of me.
“Do you want fresh hot water?” Ally asks, cutting Ash a look.
“Yes, dearie, thank you,” Dottie answers. “And Ashley, you can cut us all a piece of pie. We waited for you.”
“How long have you been here?” she asks, her brows furrowing.
“A little while. I wanted to get to know Melanie better before you got here.” I’m glad she doesn’t give away any of what we were talking about before.
“Oh, are you sharing Alex secrets?” Ash’s eyes light up and I groan, rubbing my forehead.
“Just life, dearie,” Dottie assures her. “Now go on with Ally and get the pie and tea.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ash smiles, and disappears into the house.
“Thank you,” I whisper to Dottie.
“It’s not their business unless you want it to be,” she tells me, and I feel the sting of tears burning behind my eyes.
Both of my grandmothers passed away when I was young, but I’m guessing this is what it would be like if they were alive, and that makes me both happy and sad.
Dottie leads with her heart, and she makes me feel like family when she barely even knows me. Her warmth and loving nature radiates out from her heart.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my throat tight. I’ve been having way too many emotions flowing through me lately, and I don’t know what to do with all of them.
I’m not used to this. I need to get my head on straight.
“I’m so glad you came for a visit, Dottie,” Ally says, coming back out with fresh hot water in the kettle.
“You’re just happy I brought pie.” She smiles.
“No. Well, yes, but I’m happier to see you.”
“Thank you.” Ally pours Dottie a new cup of tea, and Ashley comes out with slices of pie for everyone.
“You know, I’ve only had your pie through Ally, Dottie. This is my first time having yours.” Her mouth is practically drooling.
“Alright, Ash, keep your mouth closed. I don’t want your drool all over my slice,” I tell her, reaching for a plate.
“Shut up,” she snaps.
“Hush, ladies,” Dottie cuts in, a warm smile on her face. “I made two pies.”
“You did?” I ask excitedly. “I only saw one.”
“The other is in the bag on the counter.”
Smiling, we all bite into our pieces and Ally, Ash, and I all moan instantly.
“Oh my god, Dottie,” Ally groans. “This is amazing. You may have taught me how to make it, but it’s not the same. Jake is a liar.”
