It’s a working title, but I kind of like it.
My character is Liz Walker. She’s just turned 60. She wouldn’t call her life perfect but it’s going pretty well, and Liz can’t complain. The pandemic is over, and everything is – finally! – back to normal.
Or it will be soon enough. Liz is the only child of parents who were high-school sweethearts, and her dad, Mike, passed away a few months back. Her mom, Trish, is doing fine on her own, but making sure she’s safe and comfortable takes time. Taking care of family, staying close, being responsible – well, that’s what life is all about, right?
One day, Liz discovers that her parents had a baby before they were married and gave him up for adoption. Now in his mid-60s, David sent a letter hoping to connect with his birth family. Liz is shocked by this news, and gobsmacked to realize Mike had been meeting David in secret. Liz doesn’t know why, and it’s not like she can ask him. Now what?
Our story is a tangle of truth, privacy, secrets, and lies. It’s about the things that are none of your business and which you still have a right to know. It’s about a mother who knew best and the children who would beg to differ. It’s a story where everyone is right, sort of.
Along the way, you’ll meet Liz’s aunts, uncles and cousins. Her boss, her co-workers, and an influencer or two. There are children, a handsome contractor. There might be a dog – this remains to be seen.
It’s a blue-gold day in the suburbs southeast of Los Angeles. A family wedding is on the horizon, we’re all dressed up, and Liz would be grateful for the pleasure of your company.
