There was a line, so I waited by pulling out my phone. Noticing I had a new message from my mom, I called her since the line didn’t seem to be moving.
“What’s up, Momma?” I asked when she answered on the second ring.
“Hey…” She paused then spoke quickly. “You sound awfully happy. Let me guess. Jordan is there.”
“I’m assuming Alexis or Aunt Gabs told you he was going to visit me and you don’t actually have psychic abilities,” I said with a laugh. “Jordan got here last night. But that isn’t the only reason I’m in such a good mood.”
“Let me guess again… You and the security heir are once more?”
“Okay, that’s kind of spooky. Stop it.”
Her laughter was music to my ears. “It was just a guess. But honestly, I knew you two wouldn’t be broken up for long.”
“Why is that?” I asked curiously.
“For one, he was just the middleman in the whole thing. He was hired for a job. Your dad was the one who set it up. I’m not saying Barrick wasn’t at fault, just saying he didn’t do it maliciously.”
“If you say so. I considered both him and Daddy equally at fault, but I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. You forgave the boy but haven’t even spoken to your dad yet, have you?” she reminded me.
The line moved a little, and I stepped forward. “Why else did you know we wouldn’t be broken up for long?”
“Because I saw the way he looked at you when we showed up in Georgetown. Like his entire life flashed before his eyes. He is so in love with you, it felt wrong to look at him when he looked at you.” She sighed dreamily. “Your father still looks at me like that.”
Another stall opened, and the line moved. “I take it you and Daddy made up as well?”
“You know it. No sooner did we get home than—”
“Whoa, let me stop you right there, lady. I don’t need those images in my head, thank you very much.” Her laughter filled my heart. “I’m glad you two made up.”
“Me too. I hate being mad at him.”
The line moved once again, putting me in front. “I’d love to chat, Momma, but I’m about to go into the bathroom here at Jameson’s. Did you need something?”
“Jameson’s?” she asked, and I could actually picture her frowning. “What’s that?
“A local bar. And before you ask, no, I’m not drinking anything harder than ginger ale. You can ask the owner. Eddie will tell you that all I ever order is soda.”
The other end of the line was so quiet all of a sudden, I thought maybe the call dropped, but then I heard her release a shuddery breath.
“Momma?” I asked, concerned. “You still there?”
“I-I called to let you know Dad and I will be flying out Monday morning and will be taking you to dinner. Invite…” She swallowed loudly before continuing. “Invite anyone you want to join us.”
“Do you have to bring Daddy?” I grumbled, not in the least bit thrilled to see my father. Even if I did miss him like crazy, I wasn’t ready to forgive his part in everything.
“Mia!” she scolded. “It’s your birthday. Your dad messed up, but he loves you and wants to see you. We’ve never not been with you to celebrate your birthday.”
“Fine,” I gave in petulantly. “I have to pee, Momma.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your time with Jordan, and I’ll see you Monday.”
One of the stalls opened, and I walked toward it. “Okay. Love you.”
I hung up to her repeating the words.
Once I was done, I washed my hands before heading back to Barrick.