Different Circles

“It’s really over,” Jake told her. “Always leave the audience wanting more. A cardinal rule of entertaining.”

The two of them looked over at Loraine, who was still staring at the stage, a peaceful expression on her face.

“What did you think, Loraine?” Jake asked her.

“That was very enjoyable,” she said softly, almost as if she were surprised to hear herself saying it. “She is very talented. All of them are very talented. I have to say that this was a very moving experience.”

Jake smiled at her. “That’s why I work with them,” he told her.

There was the general gathering and congratulating and gladhanding by the various suits who had attended. Jake made all the required pleasantries. He did not bother to introduce anyone to Meghan or Loraine. No one seemed to mind.

The suits finally made their way out to their limos, leaving only the family and friends. Meghan and Loraine each had a few more drinks at the open bar while this was going on. Loraine seemed considerably more jovial now. Whether it was from the performance she had seen or the alcohol, Jake was not sure, but he did not really care.

Celia and the rest of the band came into the audience area, all of them freshly showered (including Miles, thankfully). Celia came over to Jake and his small entourage right away. Her eyes lit up when she saw Meghan there.

“Meghan!” she squealed, as if they were old friends who had been apart for many years. “I’m so glad you could make it!” She then wrapped the startled nanny up in a full-on Celia-hug, which Meghan reflexively returned. “What did you think of the show?” she asked when the embrace finally broke.

“It was uh ... the most awesome thing I’ve ever seen,” Meghan said, a little tongue-tied, still unable to believe that Celia Valdez had just hugged her. “Really. It was totally the bomb!”

“I kind of like that expression,” Celia said with a smile, her accent not nearly as thick now. She then turned and looked at Loraine. “Hello,” she said, still smiling. “You’re Meghan’s mom, right?”

Loraine was tongue-tied as well. “Uh ... yes ... yes I am,” she stammered. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you as well,” Celia said, shaking hands with her. “I never would have believed you’re her mom if Jake hadn’t told me. You look like her older sister.”

Loraine blushed a little. “Trust me, I look a lot older than her older sister,” she said.

“Danielle,” Celia said. “I met her too. We spent a long night together about nine months ago.”

“You did?” Loraine asked, confused.

“I was there when Caydee was born,” Celia explained. “Didn’t she tell you that?”

“No,” Loraine said. “She didn’t mention that at all.”

Celia smiled. “She has professional discretion,” she said. “I like that in a nurse. Anyway, did you like the show? You can tell me if you hated it.”

“No, no!” Loraine said, shaking her head. “It was spectacular. I really enjoyed myself.”

Meghan giggled. “Mom was singing along with most of the songs,” she said. “She really got into it.”

Loraine blushed but did not deny the accusation. “I’ve forgotten how many popular songs you actually have,” she said. “Truly, that was an amazing performance. I am so glad I came.”

“I’m glad you came too,” she said. “Listen, if I don’t get a vodka and tonic in the next two minutes, I am seriously going to die. Please excuse me.”

“Of course,” Loraine said. “It was nice talking to you, Ms. Valdez.”

“Call me Celia,” she said. “And we’ll talk some more. I’ll be coming back to Oceano with you. Didn’t Jake tell you that?”

“I think I forgot to mention it,” Jake said with a little smile.

“Really?” Loraine said. “You’re coming back with us?”

“I’m on break for the next six days,” she said. “We all are—well, except the roadies and the techies. I’m gonna stay with Jake and Laura tonight and tomorrow we’re off to Montana for a little trek through Glacier Park.”

“Really?” Loraine asked. She looked at her daughter. “Are you going with them, Meghan?”

“No,” she said, perhaps a little sourly. “They’re taking Caydee with them. I’ll be off the next six days too.”

“Ohhh,” Loraine said. “I didn’t know that.”

“I was gonna tell you on the flight back,” she said.

“Then we can get together on your days off!” Loraine said happily. “How cool! Aunt Virginia has been asking about you. We can go visit her tomorrow!”

“Uh ... yeah, Mom,” Meghan said, casting an evil little look in Celia’s direction. “We can do that.”

“That’s great!” Loraine declared, now happy as a clam. “You know, I think that maybe one more glass of wine would do no harm before we fly back.”

“Then let’s hit the bar,” Celia said, grabbing her arm. “I’ll buy.”

As the two women headed to the bar, Meghan looked over at Jake sourly. She knew, of course, that Celia was not going to be staying in the guest room tonight, but that was not what was irking her.

“Maybe Celia shouldn’t have said that?” Jake asked knowingly.