Chapter 69: We Make Complicated Look Easy

Aileen drags Aurora away with the pretence of drinks. Once they've gone, mum turns to Abby.

"Oh, hello darling. It has been too long. Couldn't talk Ayden into coming out tonight?"

"No," Abby smiles, "he's studying."

They've dated on and off for years now, it isn't serious, but right now from what I understand they are on.

Mum turns to Michelle.

"Abby was close friends with Melody."

"Ah, of course," and the ice queen melts slightly. She's still not sure about what's going on, but her compassion wins out in the moment.

"Abby and my youngest son, Ayden have a bit of a complicated romantic history."

"Quite," Abby laughs. "I'd describe it as far worse than complicated. We make complicated look easy."

I'm distracted. I'm sure Michelle Stone has noticed. I'm practically staring at the bar where Aurora is standing with her sister.

Michelle tries to engage me in conversation.

"So, what do you do Landon?"