Eye Spy

Mike and I arrived in St. Louis a few hours behind schedule Friday, due to delays in McAllen and Dallas. We bunked at the DoubleTree and the warm chocolate chip cookies we received at check in were a lovely welcome. I wonder if their recipe is online somewhere? Mmmm.

We awoke early to get downtown for 22's graduation from Webster University. While we were looking for seats, we bumped into 17 (she was meeting 22's boyfriend so he could sit with the family). 15 and 20 walked up to say hello. (20 hugs me hello pretty consistently [which warms my heart and makes me feel welcome]).

Of course, the Ex and Grandma Sheila hadn't saved seats for us, so we hiked up to the next deck. Bagpipers played in the faculty and 105 flag bearers representing the home nations of Webster University students. The speaker was good (quoted Jon Stewart, was brief). After cheering and tassel turning, we ventured over to the theater where the College of Fine Arts had its ceremonies.

That was where things Got Interesting.
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Sidebar: Two years ago at 20's h.s. graduation, the Ex wanted her "space," demanding Mike and I stay away while she took pictures. When Mike pointed out this was the first of many family events where we would all be present/let's find a workable balance, the Ex hung up on him. After the ceremony, the Ex and her mom studiously ignored us while we took pictures and made a quick getaway once we were done.
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Given the history, I was curious to see how things would play out now--with two years of getting used to Mike's remarriage and a much smaller graduating class. Here's the skinny:

Mike staked out seats in the balcony one row behind where 17 and 20 were saving seats for their mom, grandma and 22's boyfriend. 15 opted to sit with us. Interesting to sit so close to people I've heard so much about but who have (so far) refused to meet me or even acknowledge I exist.

After the ceremony, the Ex and Sheila couldn't avoid walking past us. Sheila didn't look our way at all, but as the Ex went by, she looked at me and gave me a brief, tight smile then hastily looked away.

When we all collected downstairs for pictures a few minutes later, the Ex and her mom stood with their backs to us. Mike asked his former MIL if she wanted to be in the picture with all the kids--he'd be glad to take some for her. She didn't even turn her head, just hissed "Never mind." He was married to her daughter for 25 years and that's all the civility she can muster.

But hey, I got eye contact. Could this be the start of a less frigid relationship? I won't hold my breath. Especially since I discovered I had lipstick on my teeth during the entire exchange and wonder if that smile was really a smirk about that.