Secrets My Mothers Kept by Rebecca Tucker

Author:Rebecca Tucker [Tucker, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-27T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

AT CLAIRE’S APARTMENT, over deli sandwiches, Austin filled Claire in on the details of her lunch with her parents, with some attempt to be honest about her own less-than-stellar behavior. Claire didn’t say much until she finished the story, not sugar-coating her abrupt departure.

“So, you’re actually going to do it? Contact your birthmom?”

Austin nodded. “I didn’t know I wanted to until I said it to them. I think that’s the only way to get answers to my questions. I can’t keep guessing at why I was given up for adoption.”

“And it’s important for you to know why.”

Again, Austin nodded. Claire had as neutral an expression she had ever seen, and Austin couldn’t tell what she thought of the idea. She was afraid to ask. So much of the support in her life of late had come from Claire. If she disapproved of this step, it would be a blow to Austin’s courage. She shouldn’t feel so dependent on Claire’s presence or support, she knew. It would just be a burden to the both of them. Still, she wished she knew what Claire was thinking.

“What’re you thinking?” Claire asked. Having finished the chips that came with her own sandwich, she was not-so-subtly snagging the remaining chips on Austin’s wrapper.

“I hardly know anymore.” Austin pushed the wrapper toward her. “Help yourself. I’m stuffed.”

“Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Why, Austin wanted to ask, but didn’t. Why was Claire so willing to help her? Was it as Rivka said, because Claire was interested in her? If so, why hadn’t she brought it up? There’d been no shortage of opportunities. It begged the question of why Austin hadn’t brought it up. Austin was certainly interested in Claire, though in what ways, she adamantly refused to consider, even when alone. It was enough, wasn’t it, to enjoy her company right now? Something simple. Understandable.

Surprisingly, Claire really meant that hanging out didn’t mean having to entertain one another. They spent the afternoon in the same space, separated by different work projects. For the next few hours, they barely spoke, as Claire worked on her computer while Austin sprawled out on the sofa, iPad on her lap. Claire appeared in the hallway entrance, leaning against the doorframe. Austin stifled a yawn as she rubbed at her eyes. “This is exhausting.”

“No luck?”

Austin shook her head. “No. Without her current married name, assuming she is married since I can’t find her listed under her maiden name or previous married name anywhere, I’m just not making any headway finding her.”

“What’re you going to do?”

“This lady, Sue, on one of the adoption message boards I’ve been posting on, said she’d look for me, see what she can find. She’s what they call a ‘search angel.’ I’ve just sent her a scanned copy of my birth certificate and the other info I’ve gathered. So, fingers crossed.”

“I hope she’s able to help.” Claire sat next to her on the couch. “I think a break is in order. I know I could use one.

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