“Now that’s a serious compliment.”
A knock interrupted us.
I answered the door to find Vanessa wearing an expensive cream coat and oversized sunglasses.
Behind her stood Rob, carrying shopping bags. “Daniel! Surprise!”
“How did you know about the party?”
“Rachel posted about it. I thought it was time for a reunion.”
“After ten years?”
“People change. Besides, everyone loves a good reunion story.”
“What do you want, Vanessa?”
“To visit my daughter. Surely that’s allowed.”
“You haven’t visited her in ten years.”
“Must we discuss that on her birthday?”
She pushed past me into the house.
“Goodness, you still have the same furniture!”
“Some of us like keeping things.”
“Rob, bring the presents.”
Sophie emerged from the kitchen holding cake and stopped abruptly.
“Mom?”
Vanessa beamed. “Hello, sweetheart!”
My daughter stood speechless before Vanessa awkwardly embraced her.
“Look how beautiful you’ve become! You have my eyes.”
