"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I have no idea what to do about Jess."
"Oh. I see."
"She's hasn't been spending as much time with Marie lately, just been passing her on to me. It's not that I mind it so much, but do you know what Marie called me the other day?"
"What?"
"Mom. She called me 'mom'."
"Well, I don't think Marie knows who to call 'mom'. She's called me that too."
"Really? Well, we've both looked after her. I guess she's a little confused. But she shouldn't be! She should know exactly who her mother is. And every time I try to convince Jess to spend more time with her daughter, she makes some smart alec comment about not wanting to damage the guys' reputation."
"I wish I knew what to suggest. Maybe we should try and find someone she actually listens to."
"Well, I'm pretty sure she listens to her boyfriends, but I don't think they're on our side."
Rita smiled.
"No, probably not."
There was a contemplating silence.
"You know, while we were in Tulsa, Zac came to me and commented that Jess didn't seem too happy with travelling all the time. He suggested that she might prefer staying in Tulsa with some cousins."
"What did you say?"
"I said I would think about it. At the time, she wasn't so, so, well, you know. But I can't very well do that now. When people, are, are not themselves they can misinterpret gestures like this. And besides, who know what she might get up to in Tulsa, when she would be there long term."
Rita nodded.
"Yes, I suppose it is a point for concern. I certainly hope I don't have to go through this when my kids are her age."
"And what of Ike and Babsies' children?" Diana asked, a smile growing on her face. "I have no idea what to expect of them."
"Yeah, Babsie does have that effect on people." Rita giggled. "Could be dangerous."
"You know, Babsie might have an idea about Jess."
"I wouldn't be surprised."
"I should give her a ring. Thank you Rita."
"For what?"
"For just being you."
Rita smiled as she watched Diana walk out of the room.