Work Text:
"You're home late," she says softly, sipping at her tea.
There's a pause in the foyer, followed by a sigh. "I thought you'd be in bed by now?"
She turns to study her daughter's face as the younger woman leans against the doorframe of the sitting room. "You know I can't sleep if I don't know where you are." Neither of them argues the partial untruth of those words. "I expected you home earlier."
"Things took a turn with Amani Golkar."
"You slept with him, I take it?"
Veronica squirms, but doesn't drop her mother's gaze. "You want me to be convincing enough for him to confide in me, I have to make certain concessions."
Ann chuckles and takes another sip of her tea. "Well, that's one way of putting it. You find him attractive, I get it. I may be your mother, but I'm not that out of touch, Veronica. If I thought it would help further the plan, I'd tell you to get pregnant." She doesn't miss the fleeting look of discomfort on her daughter's face. "Thankfully, I don't think it will require that extreme of a measure."
"So you say." Veronica shifts to turn away. "I'm gonna turn in. It's been a long day and my boss doesn't like it when I'm late to work."
"Good night, Veronica."
"Are you coming up, Mom? I can get the lights?"
"No, I'm going to finish my tea first. I'm not ready for bed yet. I'll see you in the morning."
When Veronica nods and leaves, Ann listens as her daughter heads up to her bedroom. Only when the distant bedroom door closes does she let out the breath she's holding. She can't explain the dreams to her daughter, choosing instead to focus on other things. Sleep will only bring more of the twisted blend of dream and memory.
She frowns at her cup, swallowing the last of the cooling liquid, then gets up to make another cup. Tea will suffice tonight and coffee tomorrow will sustain her through the day.
