She held her breath as her foster mother contemplated that. “Intriguing,” she finally said, giving Sienna a smile that told her that Lynne knew the score. She wasn’t going to stick her nose in any further.
“Actually, I am glad I had a chance to talk to you,” Lynne said as she went to the counter, picked up a roll of paper towels, and began to clean up the egg mess. “Your sister is pretty upset.”
“I know. I’m working straight-out with this case, and others are waiting for my attention.”
“Honestly, Sienna, you’ve missed the last three fittings. How are you going to get it done in time? Your sister’s wedding is this weekend.”
“I’ll make an effort to do it in the next couple of days.”
“It’s already Wednesday. Time is running out.”
“I know. I promise I’ll make time.”
“Good. Call your sister and tell her that. She thinks you don’t want to be in the wedding.”
“I want to be in the wedding. Why does she say that?”
“You’re asking the wrong person. Now the other matter I wanted to talk to you about is dinner. It has been months. You must come on Sunday.” The tough set of Lynne’s jaw was a good indication that Sienna had better say yes.
“I don’t have a conventional job.”
“I know that, but you can take time out to eat with your family. Dad has a new toy he wants to show you.”
Sienna smiled. Scott was a riot when he had something new. Using it every chance he got, making them break out in laughter when he would say, “I can fix that.”
“He got a new jigsaw and he’s happily building tables with it. His hobby has turned into a little business. Several of the neighbors have seen the table he built for me and they want one. Now he’s commissioned for two.”
“Scott never took to retirement very well,” Sienna said.
“No. He didn’t. So, we can expect you. I’m cooking roasted chicken with the works.”
“Cornbread stuffing?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course, your favorite.” Lynne reached out and squeezed Sienna’s arm.
“I’ll be there.”
Lynne’s smile grew wide. “That’s fine. Oh, bring A.J. with you.”
“I don’t think he—” Sienna started to help him by getting him out of dinner with her family.
“I’d love to come,” A.J. interrupted from the doorway, matching Lynne’s smile with one of his own.
“That’s settled,” Lynne said, picking up her purse from the counter. “I trust you can get the rest of the groceries in the fridge. You might want to pick up some more eggs.”
Sienna laughed.
“I also brought over my Alfredo and meatloaf, so enjoy.”
Her mother exited the apartment.
“I’m sorry about that.”
“What? The dinner invitation or the very awkward way of meeting your mother?”
“Both,” Sienna said and laughed.
“I’d love to see your father’s jigsaw.”