“I’m sure people think that about me, too. Anyhow, this article is about them and where they are now. Johnny and Betsy bought land and started farming, then they opened a grocery store called Rose’s Market, my favorite market. They now have a chain of grocery stores up and down the West Coast. I love their cheeses and wines and homemade breads. I love their fruit. So it says here that they are hoping that their daughter contacts them through this new DNA test, like Jules and I did. They were interviewed by a newspaper and several TV stations.”

My mother made a choking sound. “They’ve taken a DNA test?”

“Here, Mom. Have water.” I handed her the glass. “Do you want some wine? You seem so stressed.” She looked stressed. Her face was pinched, mouth a rigid line.

“I’m fine, honey.” My mother choked again. “I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Why the repetition? My mother did not repeat herself.

“Yes, they took a DNA test.”

“What else does the article say?”

“They said they’re hoping their daughter takes a DNA test, too. They said their daughter was born in Portland in 1975. They named her Rose. Baby Rose.”

My mother made another choking sound.

“Sure you’re all right, Mom?” I stood up and put my arms around her. “Are you upset? I know you have several weddings coming up. Are you stressed about the work? I can help you.”

“Yes, yes. That’s it. I’m stressed, dear.” Her hands were shaking. “About the flowers. The tulips. Daffodils. Peonies. Chrysanthemums. Marigolds. My, the peonies. Roses. Many roses. Thank you, dear, we might have you help with the hats. Let’s have our soup, shall we? Yes. We’ll have the soup. The soup I made for you and me. The soup.”

Was she having a stroke?

“Eat, Evie. Eat.”

“Mom—”

“That’s enough, Evie.” Her tone said she was done with this conversation. “I’m fine. Everything is fine.”

Clearly, I thought, as I put down my soup spoon and watched her, almost vibrating with stress, everything was not fine.

* * *

My brain was frazzled. I was worried about my mother. I wanted Marco but couldn’t have him. I had driven by Emily’s house and felt guilty. I was worried about Chief Ass Burn and what he would do to my mother and aunts if he found out about their side business.

I knew I’d probably have a premonition. The more together I am, the more rested, the fewer premonitions I have. If I’m upset, I’ll go down a premonition rabbit hole. I’ll wake up nervous and anxious, and I’ll start wondering when the next premonition will hit. Then it’ll hit. It’s like worrying about having a panic attack and then you make yourself have a panic attack.

It didn’t take long for a premonition to creep in.