audentes fortuna iuvat.

This was an odd conversation to be having in the middle of a parking lot at 7 in the morning. Certainly they both had to know that. It felt like the roles were reversed. Vivian was trying to reach out but Dana was the one who didn’t believe it. Or more so, Dana was confused by it. She was set to leave but something in the softness of her tone told her not to. Why did Vivian care if Dana looked after herself? The last part surprised her. Vivian didn’t seem to want Dana around her so why would she want Dana around her kid. She stared at the ground for a few moments, trying to figure out what to say. What was going on? Did she really think she had to be nice to get Dana to keep her secret? Finally she lifted her eyes to Vivian, speaking softer than she had been previously, “Would you like to come over? Brynn has left for work but I could make you some breakfast.” 

This certainly wasn’t the way that Vivian was expecting to spend her morning. If someone had told her a week ago that she’d be grateful for an invitation to Dana’s house then she would’ve laughed in their face, but here she was. “I- yeah, that’d be nice. So long as you’re sure? I don’t want to impose,” she nodded, giving her sister a rare smile. She didn’t have many people in her life, and it’d be nice to not feel so lonely.

Nicholas kept a steady gaze on her. He knew Vivian’s mother had been anything but. Yet, that didn’t mean she couldn’t be one other. “Viv,” he shook his head, “That doesn’t mean anythin’ to me. I’ve seen plenty of people come in here in my last few years in residency, most of them thinkin’ they weren’t fit to be mothers. They’re doin’ just fine and you have me on your side.” He told her, meaning it sincerely. He would do just about anything for Vivian. He nodded his head, understanding her dilemma with the family. He was thankful the Lowry family was as tight knit as they were. His support system was unfathomable at times. “I know you don’t think you’re goin’ to be a good mother, but look at Elijah? You ever think that boy thought he was going to be a dad? He was playin’ professional basketball and he’s doin’ a damn good job of raising Liv. You know I’ll be the best damn uncle that kids got, for yours too.” 

“I don’t know, Nick. Those other women aren’t me. Have I even come across even slightly maternal? I just don’t know how to do it.” Vivian shook her head at his words. She couldn’t deal with lies or pity. There were very few people she respected, and Nick was one of the select few - but even he was lying to her. “He is. You’re right. But your family is different to mine, Nick. Knox will kill me. The others probably won’t care, and my parents will say they’re too young to be grandparents.” Groaning, she leaned back in the chair. “You will be... That is something I’m sure of. God, I wish it was your child Nick.” It wasn’t that she was attracted to him. But she knew where she stood with Nick, and she knew he’d stand up - it was nothing like that with Harry.

“You’re going to be a great mom, okay? Just trust me.” She smiled reassuringly, knowing exactly what Vivian’s mother was like and she was sure that her best friend would be nothing like that woman with her own child. “Of course, I’ll come with you. Any and all appointments, I’m there.” As much as Vivian needed her, Aurora would be right by her side and it wasn’t just because she was pregnant either, regardless of what was going on, Vivian was like family to her. With the glasses filled, Aurora moved back over to Vivian’s side before offering her one of the glasses as she took a seat once more. “He won’t hate you, you two could never hate each other. He’ll probably be shocked and maybe pissed that you didn’t tell him sooner but he’ll get over it. Do you want me to be there when you tell him? For moral support and all?”

“I don’t know, Aura. I’m not convinced about it.” Sighing, Vivian decided it would be easier to drop the conversation. She knew Aurora was just as stubborn as she was. They were just going to end up going around in circles. “Thanks. Seriously.” She didn’t do long confessions or displays, but Vivian had and would always be grateful for her best friend. She’d always been there when she needed it most. She knew she was lucky to have her. “Oh, he will. It’s not in the plan. When he finds out its Harry’s? I won’t be surprised if disowns me then and there.” The reality was stark, and Vivian wasn’t sure she was quite ready to face it yet - not amongst everything else. “No, I think it’s something I need to do alone.”

“See that’s different. You always shoot me down. you start accepting it then I’m gonna have issues. You’re too hot not to fall for Vivian. Can’t give me any hint of an in,” a grin ran across her face before it stopped, eyebrows furrowing together, “You do not need to lose weight. You’re like… the size of my pinky girl.” 

Despite that it sounded like the blonde was trying to jab at her emotions, Brynn wouldn’t let herself fall prey to her comments. It’s not too difficult; she is rather thick skinned for the most part. She presses her lips together and nods slowly. “I like to meet a person before I make my judgments.” She states simply.

“Have you had these cookies?” Catherine asked, holding up a Molasses Crackle she’d brought from Wild Flour Bakery. It was her third cookie she’d bitten into that day, and she wanted to eat the whole thing. “These are so good-like really, really good! I can’t even make anything like this…you think I should make some for the next bingo meeting for the ladies?” @frostfordstart·

“And if they never gave?”

“Unlikely they’re completely clean - nobody is. But then maybe they need to grow a backbone a stand up for themselves.”

brynn nods, “you’re right.” she tells her and clears her throat. she had not truly intended to stomp her way in and act so arrogantly, but her drive to protect and defend her wife had overran her. “though, i do know dana. i married her, and i’m a good judge of character, and what our marriage has entailed thus far is something you don’t know.”

“I’m sure,” she stated, plainly. There were no ifs ands or buts to the idea of Vivian as a mother. She shrugged slightly when she mentioned the other siblings, “I know. You don’t have to explain your timeline to me. This is your thing, Vivian. You tell people when you’re ready to tell them.” Her eyes scanned the empty parking lot, other than their cars and the workers. This was awkward, at least it felt awkward to Dana. “Well,” she stated quietly, “I don’t want to keep you from whatever you have to do today and you have my word that your secrets safe with me so, I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Right, yes, sorry Vivian. I’d love to go to court, if the offer still stands. I stayed up finishing up the paperwork for Friday’s case.” Janet wasn’t a kiss ass by any means. She proved her worth through her dedication, and the sheer amount of good work she did for the firm.

“Good. I think it’ll be good for you. I want you to take on some white collar cases - if you’re willing?” Vivian held out the file to Janet. She pushed her hard, but only because she knew she could take it.

It was as if she’d seen a ghost when she turned to see Vivian handing her the wall she’d supposedly dropped not too long ago. “Thank you, Ms. Abernathy.” Professional as always, Asia bowed her head in thanks and took the wallet from the blonde’s hand. “I will.” she wasn’t really sure what else to say, so she gave a thin lipped smile and waved her hand before smiling at Vivian. “Have a lovely day, Ms. Abernathy!”

Vivian didn’t bother to correct Asia and ask her to use her first name. If anything, at least Ms. Abernathy showed some kind of respect. She had thought the younger girl might resent her for firing her, as was usually the case. “No worries, Asia,” she replied, nodding. “I hope you’re keeping well.” In reality, Vivian’s interest stretched only to the fact that the girl was Nick’s sister. But it was courteous to ask, and she did need to keep up some sort of appearance.

“God, as tempting as it is to be your first adventure into lady land. I can’t continue to fall for a straight girl. I must keep you in my head as off the limits before my heart really breaks” she chuckled. Shrugging, “No worries, really. I’m headed that way anyway. Why the sudden hankering for grapefruit though?”

“It’s never stopped you from trying to hit on me before Zeli. But I think it’s probably best. I’ll be fine living my life alone,” Vivian agreed with a small laugh. “Oh, right. Well they’re good for your immune system and weight loss.” She hoped that that was convincing enough to prevent any further questions. Vivian was used to cross-examining, not being the one cross-examined.

Vivian working from home more and more, it had become the new normal for her office to be covered in case papers. Today was especially chaotic though. She’d invited Knox over under the guise of looking through the documents the juniors had sent over for their upcoming trial. Of course, she could probably do it on her own and he knew that too. Her conversation with Dana had made her worry though; she needed to speak to Knox before he heard the news through someone else.

“Do you want a drink?” she asked, looking up from the witness statement she had been reading. They’d been at it for a while now - they were probably due a break. “I think it’s going to be a long one.”

Thank you? Since when did Vivian Abernathy say thank you. Let alone for something that Dana did.. or in this case didn’t do. “No thanks necessary,” she shrugged. It was a no brainer. What satisfaction would Dana get out of telling anyone about Viv’s pregnancy? If she was going to she would have shouted it the day she quit, walking out of Vivian’s office upset. Even then, the thought never crossed her mind. She was about to leave, assuming the conversation was over. Vivian got what she wanted. She stopped in her tracks when Viv spoke again. “About the size of a plum,” Dana stated, the first thing that came to mind. A soft smile crossed her lips before she stated quietly, “Not that it’ll mean much to you Viv, but I think you’re gonna be a great mom.” Vivian really looked out and cared for the people she loved. Dana had never been that, but Dana had witnessed others be it. The baby was in safe hands. 

The relief of Vivian being gone lasted for the two seconds she had between the store and the outside. She jumped slightly, startled by her sister’s sudden words. She really hadn’t expected her to stick around. Her eyes scanned Vivian’s face, confused as to the sudden change in voice. It was hurtful that Vivian would even think for a second that Dana would go spread this news to other people, but then again Vivian didn’t think anything positive about Dana. “Vivian,” she started, “Contrary to your own personal beliefs, I am not, nor have I ever, wanted to intentionally hurt you. Of course I know, but that’s not my news to share. Don’t worry about it.”

“Then you shouldn’t be asking questions you don’t even care to know the answer for,” she stated. Waiting behind Vivian to continue checking out. She hoped Vivian would just take her stuff and leave before Dana finished checking out. Avoid this whole thing. Dana loved Vivian, so much, but being around her hurt Dana to the point it was almost hard for her to function. Being around most of her siblings did that. She couldn’t help but wonder why Vivian wanted to care now. Didn’t she get what she wanted? Dana quit her job and was leaving her alone. Stepping up once Vivian was done, she set her stuff down, grabbing a pack of gum and tossing it up before quickly paying and starting to walk to exit the store, digging through her purse for where she had tossed her keys. They were already getting weird looks from Resa, working behind the counter.