She held the glass of wine in her hand delicately, but firmly, while talking to me. Her short blonde hair looked like something out of an expensive salon advertisement, glistening and falling to the side every time she turned her face towards me to smile. I don't think I have seen her since the divorce, since my dark years, and since yours, too. Her eyes lit up.
"Lauren, you look so pretty! You're all grown up now!"
My cousin-in-law looked at me and took a deep breath. What she told me came from deep down inside her- something that had been lingering for awhile- and this was her chance to finally release it.
She told me she missed you. She told me she used to have so much fun with you, that you two were "best friends". She misses your trips, your wacky moments, your Sex in The City like conversations. She said I smiled just like you. When she saw your picture, mom, she said you looked pretty, and you looked happy.
I looked at her and could tell there was so much more she wanted to say. But I didn't press the subject. Instead I did what you're supposed to do and asked about her kids- they're so grown up now. We exchanged a few more words, naturally, and then I hugged her goodbye.
"Tell your mom I miss her."
I smiled and really meant it.
"I will."
Love,
Lauren
Ps. I'm sorry I didn't tell you she was in town. You weren't ready yet.
