“Morning, Evie.” She’s quiet, almost too calm. It’s the voice she uses when she wants to talk about something I might not want to hear.
“Did you have a good sleep?” I ask, even though I’m sure that isn’t what she wants to talk about.
“Yes.” She takes a couple sips of her coffee. “This is good.”
“Nate likes to indulge.”
She looks at the dark brew, then at me. Her gaze is so penetrating, I’m afraid she’s reading every thought in my head. “You really care about him.”
I adore him, but I don’t want to say that to Mom yet. Nate should hear it first. “He’s a great guy.”
She nods. “He seems to be nice to you.”
“Hang around a little while, and you’ll see.” And I really do want her to spend time with us as a couple. Besides, I want to take her shopping and buy her something nice. Maybe new clothes or shoes. Maybe a mani pedi. She hasn’t splurged on herself in ages.
“I can’t. I need to go back.”
The announcement hits me like a slap, and I suddenly feel like crying. I thought she’d be spending at least a week. Maybe I should’ve asked and made sure, but I was so stressed and frazzled about meeting Nate’s family that I never did, just assumed. We haven’t seen each other since I left Dillington, and surely she has enough vacation days saved up. If not, I can make it up for her. I have savings now.
Guilt rears its head. I didn’t contact her—no text or calls. I was too wrapped up in maintaining the happily married couple façade. And I didn’t know what to say to Mom about that, so I just told myself I’d talk to her later…later…until…
I put a hand over my eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“No, baby, it isn’t your fault. Betty’s been out sick.” She sighs. “Breast cancer.”
I gasp. “Oh my God. Is she going to be okay?” Betty was one of the very few who stood by me through the Chadwick ordeal.
“It’s treatable, but it won’t be easy. I just want to be in town. Help keep an eye on her, make sure she’s okay.”
“Of course. I’m sorry to hear it,” I say, wishing I could be there for Betty too, after all she’s done for me. “Is she getting good care?”
“The doctors are doing what they can. She’s going to beat it. She’s a fighter.”
“Yes, she is.” I squeeze Mom’s hand. I know cancer treatment is expensive, and I can’t help but think maybe I can ask Nate if the foundation can do something for Betty. “If you or Betty need anything, just call or text anytime. I’ll do everything in my power to help.”
Mom gives me a small smile. “You’re such a sweet child. Always were.” She smooths my hair from my face, tucking tendrils behind my ears. “Your husband is a very wealthy man. A powerful man. He has a lot of powerful people around him, too. His friends. His family.”
She isn’t being too obvious, but I don’t miss the subtle emphasis she puts on “his.” “Mom, what are you trying to say?”
“I’m just saying you need to be careful.” She bites her lip, something she does whenever she’s debating how much to say. “People who never treated you well might come out of the blue to be friendly. There are so many who want to take advantage.”
Oh. Maybe she heard about Chad’s rather pointless call. “Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. I can tell the difference between people being genuine and people trying to fake a friendship.”
She gives me a slight smile, patting my hand. “I know you’re smart, Evie. I’m probably fretting over nothing.”
I
shake my head, not wanting Mom to feel bad about it. “Probably, but I love it that you still worry about me. It means you still love me.” I turn my hand over so I can squeeze hers. “Besides, Nate is used to dealing with people with, let’s say, less-than-genuine intent. So he’s not going to let anybody use me like that either.”
Something like relief flickers in her eyes. “That’s true. Yes, you’re right.” She looks up the stairs. “He would know how to handle something like that.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Evie
Nate and I take Mom to the airport, where Nate’s jet is waiting to take her back. I hug her tightly, asking her to come back anytime. Nate says the same.
Mom jokes that no husband wants to put up with a mother-in-law, but he says it’s because none of them has Mari Parker as their mother-in-law with his most charming smile. Then he tells her few amusing anecdotes from his childhood and eventually has her laughing, the sound light and easy.