“No, it’s not.” Evelyn sighed. “But I’ll wait until we can talk.”

Kira tilted her head to the side and smiled. “Why don’t I take you out for lunch and we can talk then?”

Mrs. Davis smiled, nodding. “That would be wonderful. Give us an opportunity to catch up.”

“I'll get my things.” Kira wondered why Evelyn was being more formal when she never had been before. Kira immediately regretted having stayed away for so long. She slung her purse over her arm and slid the briefs back into the briefcase.

“I see you still have a picture of Xavier.” Mrs. Davis smiled as she picked up the picture and looked at it fondly. “While you were growing up, you two were inseparable.”

Kira let out a deep breath. “Yes, well, that was a long time ago.”

A moment later, Mrs. Davis handed the picture back to her. “You ever hear from him?”

A familiar pain--a pain that she hadn’t felt in a while--gripped Kira’s chest. “No. Not since he left.”

Mrs. Davis nodded as a slight smile lit her lips. “You two looked so good together.” She chuckled at the memories. “And what one of you didn’t think of, the other one did.”

Kira slid the picture back into the inside pocket of her briefcase and snapped it closed, tucking the memories away along with it. “As I said, it was a long time ago.”

Evelyn placed a hand on her arm as a mother would a daughter. “Don’t hate him for leaving, Kira. Although he was happy about being adopted, he almost didn’t do it because he was leaving you behind.”

Kira gasped. “What? Really?”

Evelyn nodded.

Kira sighed. “I never knew that. But he was right for not doing it. He shouldn’t have given everything up for me.” She picked up her briefcase. “He made the right choice. We were just kids then. He deserved a chance at a family.” She lifted her eyebrows. “Shall we?”

“Kira….” Mrs. Davis’s eyes were filled with concern. “Even though you were never adopted, we were your family, you know.”

Kira smiled. “I know. You’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to family. Well, you and Mrs. Chaisen.” She forced a smile. “Shall we?” Kira wanted to say more, but she would wait until they were at the restaurant to talk. 

Evelyn smiled. “Yes, of course.”

“So, where would you like to go?” Kira’s heart filled with joy for the first time in a long while at the prospect of spending the day with Mrs. Davis.

Mrs. Davis chuckled. “Anywhere. But it’s my treat.”

“Oh, no!” Kira laughed. “It’s not every day when one of my so-called mothers come to visit. You’re on my turf now. It’s my treat.”

“Kira, I don’t want you to spend your money on me….”

Kira laughed. “Mrs. Davis. Not to brag but look around. I think I can afford it.”

Evelyn cocked her head to the side to look at her and chuckled. “Yes, I guess you are doing pretty well now.” The elder woman linked her arm with hers. “I’m so proud of you, Kira.”

A smile spread across Kira’s face. It was good to hear. “Thank you.” But money wasn’t everything. If she could turn back time and trade everything to have a family now, she would. 

Kira led Evelyn down the hallway from her office toward the door, waving as she passed Sasha’s desk. Sasha had the phone to her ear but wiggled her fingers at her and smiled as Kira and Evelyn passed.

On the street, Kira asked her again, “So, do you have any preferences?”

“For lunch?”

Kira nodded, a smile lighting her lips. 

“Well, nothing fancy. Let’s just go to a diner.”

Kira smiled. “Mrs. Davis, if you’re worried about the money—”

“No, it’s not about the money,” Evelyn cut her off. “I’d just like to go somewhere quiet where we can talk.”

Kira nodded, the crease forming between her eyes again. “Okay. I know just the place.” She walked to the curb and hailed a cab. A taxi squealed to a stop right in front of them and they slid into the back. 

“Where to, miss?” the cabbie asked, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror. 

“Westway Diner.” Then she turned to Mrs. Davis. “It’s the best diner in New York.”

“You got that right,” the cabbie agreed, chomping on a cigar. “They have the best blintzes I’ve ever had.”

“Yes, they do.” Kira smiled as she looked over at Evelyn. “But I like their Red, White, and Blue French Toast the best. Wait until you see it.”

Mrs. Davis returned the smile. “Sounds good to me.” She reached over and gave Kira’s hand a squeeze. “My goodness, it sure is good to see you.”

Kira’s heart leapt. It was true. Mrs. Davis and everyone at the Children’s Home were the closest people that had ever come to family. “It’s good to see you, too.” She was willing to wait until they reached the diner, but she couldn’t help but wonder why Mrs. Davis was there and what this visit was all about.

A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of the diner and Kira threw a bill over the seat. “Thanks, Mac. Keep the change.”

She didn’t know him, but in New York, it was common to call men Mac. In fact, she had lived there for a few years now and didn’t know many people. At least, not personally. Funny. She felt alone in a city filled with people. Kira hadn’t realized how alone she had felt until now. Kira had been working so hard over the years trying to prove herself that she hadn’t taken the time to nurture any relationships, including her relationship with Mrs. Davis.  

Kira held the door open for the elder woman, letting her go in first. The diner was bustling with people and the clanking of silverware and orders being taken. A booth had just opened up in the back, so Kira led her to it. In New York, if you didn’t move quickly, someone would jump in front of you and the opportunity would be gone. And that was how she lived her life. Moving quickly. Not looking over her shoulder. Only looking forward. Never looking back.

“So, what brings you to New York, Mrs. Davis?” After all this time, it baffled Kira as to why she had come for a social visit now. Kira hoped it wasn’t anything serious. But then again, whatever it was had been serious enough for her to come to New York. 

Mrs. Davis set her purse on the seat beside her. “Please, call me Evelyn.”

Kira smiled. “Well, I’ll try, but old habits die hard.”

“Fair enough.” Evelyn folded her hands at the edge of the table, her eyes concerned, caring. Evelyn Davis was probably one of the most caring people she had ever known. “So, how have you been?”

Kira smiled. “I’m fine.”

“Is there anyone special?”

Kira let out a deep breath. “No. No one.”

Evelyn nodded. “Do you have any plans for Christmas?”

Kira didn’t want to tell her that she would be alone on Christmas with a little fake tree. Not like the huge, real Christmas trees that she had been used to at the Children’s Home.

“Evelyn, why are you here?”

Evelyn's face fell. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.” She started to get up, but Kira placed a hand on hers, stopping her. 

“No; that’s not what I meant.” After Evelyn sat back down, Kira gave her hand a gentle squeeze and released it. “I’m thrilled to see you, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think you came all this way just to ask me about my Christmas plans. So, what’s wrong?”

Evelyn pursed her lips and nodded. As long as she had known Mrs. Davis, she had never asked Kira for anything. It must have been serious.

Kira waited, but was unable to take the suspense. “Evelyn, out with it. You can tell me anything. I hope you know that.”

Evelyn folded her hands at the edge of the table again. “Thank you.” She bit her lower lip and released it. “Kira, I’m sorry I’ve never come to visit before now.”

Kira smiled. “I know you’re busy with the Children’s Home.” She looked out the window, watching the people pass and the cars drive by. It was funny. Everyone went on their merry way, oblivious to the goings on and happenings of other people. She sighed as she turned back to Evelyn. “I’m sorry I haven’t been back to visit lately.”

Evelyn shrugged. “I know it was hard for you... growing up at the Children’s Home… without true family. But after all these years, I had hoped that we had become your family.”

A pang of guilt rushed through Kira. “I’m sorry. There were just too many memories. It was nothing personal.”

Evelyn nodded, understanding. 

One corner of Kira’s lips curled into a smile. “Now. What’s going on?”

“I hate to ask after so many years, but I need your help.” She bit her lower lip. “The Home needs your help.”

Kira’s senses were suddenly on full alert as she suddenly went into her attorney mode, pushing her emotions and feelings aside. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?”

Evelyn nodded. “Well… you remember that Mrs. Chaisen died, right?”

“Yes. I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be. You came to the funeral,” Evelyn cut her off. “The reason I’m bringing it up now is that the niece of Mrs. Chaisen is contesting the will.”

“A year later?” Kira asked in disbelief. “What does she want?”

Evelyn bit her lower lip and released it. “She wants the Home.”

Rage suddenly coursed through her veins. “What do you need?” Suddenly, nothing else mattered. Not her life here in New York, not the memories. At that moment, she vowed to do anything to help… no matter what.