“It can be hard raising biracial kids. I’m always concerned they’re not going to understand their identity, that I’m going to fuck them up permanently with some presumptive microaggression. And I’m their mom!” Her voice dips, betraying a sliver of emotion. “I’m always trying to make myself better, ensure all their toys and books and TV shows have Black characters in them. Have real conversations with them about race when it comes up. It’s important to honor that when they ask.” She pauses, twists the stem of her glass.

“We wanted to live in Queens, partially for the diversity, though I hate that word. It’s lost its meaning. Caleb wanted a school with parents and kids of different races, to make sure their community wasn’t entirely white like his was growing up. Anneliese, though, she really took it upon herself to get a crash course in raising Black children. She was very set on educating herself when she moved here. She read even more books on the subject than I did when I was pregnant with Jordan. I was impressed.” Gabby takes another sip, sighing softly as she swallows.

“She seems to have always been very conscientious with the children she looks after. At least, it was that way with me.” But for a moment, I remember Jordan’s little face on the playground after he fell, waiting to be held. Anneliese just sitting there, almost smug in her dismissal of his pain. I drink more wine, banishing the memory. Anneliese is good. Anneliese cares.

Gabriella purses her lips. “You know, we didn’t speak for a while. I’m sure she’s told you that.”

The sun has finally set, the sky a breathy blue. The wine looks dark, like a potion, a truth potion, and I finish my glass quickly, my head dizzy from the swift effort.

“What happened between you guys? She doesn’t like to talk about it.”

Gabriella shifts in her seat. “Nothing specific. We had a tough childhood. She left home as soon as she could. I left home as soon as I could. I’m not really in touch with our other siblings. And then there were the rumors. Weird things about people you only hear in small towns.”

“What kind of rumors?”