They arrived at the coral beach house and parked in front. Elena rang the doorbell. A waft of perfume greeted her.
Mitzie, well tanned, her makeup done to perfection as always, was dressed in a flowing beach dress.
“Can I help you?”
“Mitzie, I’m not sure if you remember me, but I’m Elena Madison, Carla’s daughter.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, of course. Elena. Gosh, I haven’t seen you in so long.” She grasped Elena’s hands in hers. “Where are my manners? Come in, dear.”
Her kitten heels clapped across the polished floor as she led them into the sunken living room. Elena felt like she should take off her shoes when she sank into Mitzie’s carpet, which matched her shoulder-length white hair.
She turned and smiled.
“So tell me, who’s your friend?”
“Mitzie Winfield, this is my boyfriend, Jed Templeton.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Jed said, shaking her hand.
“Aren’t you a hands
ome devil? Nice catch, Elena.”
Elena couldn’t hold back the warm blush staining her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“I just made some tea. Would you like some?”
“We’d love some,” Elena said.
“I’ll just be a moment. It’s a lovely day outside. We’ll have it on the terrace. Go have a seat out there.”
Elena led Jed outside to the terrace.
“Nice view,” he said.
“Yes, it is.” She took a seat in one of the cushioned chairs.
Mitzi showed up a few minutes later with a tray.
“Let me help you with that,” Jed said, standing to take the tray from her and set it on the table.
“Oh, and he has manners, too,” Mitzi said, watching as Jed poured the tea and served it to them. “I like this young man.”
Elena took the glass from Jed, her body heating as their gazes met. “I do, too.”
She took a sip of the tea. “This is wonderful, tea, Mitzie. Thank you.”
“I’m so glad you like it. So tell me what brings you here. How’s your mother?”
“That’s why I’m here. I was wondering if you’d seen her lately.”
“No, I haven’t. I was hoping she’d get in touch but I haven’t seen her in about six months.”
“I see.”
Mitzi laid her hand over Elena’s. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m just out of touch with her and hoping to reconnect.”