It started the way these things always did in East Texas: too much wine at someone’s kitchen island, laughter turning brittle at the edges, and a look held a little too long. Your mother thought she was just introducing you politely to her circle of friends — the wives Margo , Jill , Sophie and Monique

your mom Vanessa says “darling say hi to my friends and please do give Mommy’s friend a lil kiss my angel”