It wasn’t done with a grudge in my heart. I’m not upset with them, nor do I regret taking him. I just underestimated how rattled I’d feel seeing them. Not sure how involved they were in the subterfuge— possibly not at all. I was polite and civil, but got choked up and had to get out of there. Party or no party, S2 chattered happily all the way home so I know he had a fun day. My day wasn’t too shabby, either.
It was both scorching and spattered with bursts of summer rain. After the dropoff, I took my parents out for breakfast and coffee. Why are breakfast burgers so good? Thick cut bacon, a runny fried egg, rocket, caramelised onion, avo on a brioche bun... mmm. Mum surprised me with a new stand for my trombone and said she was proud of me for being brave. Like mother, like mother
Later in the day I had an optometrist appointment, then caught up with a friend for some authentic (I think?) American BBQ and alcoholic ginger beer. The place has a big smoker on the veranda which spits out brisket, ribs, porchetta, sausage, burnt ends smothered in sauce. Oh, and smoked mac and cheese. No salad! We went back to his place for tea and a chat afterward. Nice to keep up with friends of ten plus years.
