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“I’d appreciate that.” He rummaged in his suitcase and produced a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “And I hope you don’t mind me stopping by the hospital to get my mom and then getting her settled at her place. As soon as I’m done, I’ll get you back to Pleasure Cove.”
“Of course not.” She wasn’t Wes’s girlfriend, so why did she feel uneasy about meeting his mother? He’d probably introduce her as a friend or a business associate.
In little more than half an hour, she’d showered, dressed and tossed everything back into her suitcase. They ordered breakfast sandwiches to go and piled in the car.
“So your mom fell last night?” Bree asked between bites of her breakfast croissant.
Wes frowned and sipped his coffee, returning it to the cup holder before responding. “She fell the night before. My phone was off. My brother was finally able to reach me last night, after you’d gone to sleep.”
“Oh.” She nibbled on more of her sandwich. “So that’s why you’re…distant this morning. I’m the reason you missed the call about your mother.”
“It’s my fault. No one else’s. Between my mother and the tournament… I should’ve made sure my phone was on. That I was available.” Wesley narrowed his gaze, his eyes focused on the road and his jaw tight. She’d definitely struck a nerve.
“So maybe it isn’t my fault directly, but it was me that distracted you.” Bree echoed the sentiment clearly written on Wesley’s face and implied by his words. “I’m sorry about that. If I’d known your mother was ill—”
“It wasn’t your business to know. I only told you because…” He sighed, then muttered under his breath. “Don’t really know why I told you. So I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention it to her when you meet her.”
“Of course.” Bree nodded, staring out the window. Hoping to hide the deep flush in her cheeks.
Wes was silent for a moment, his tone lower and softer when he spoke again. “Just so we’re clear, I’ll be introducing you as my friend and business associate.”
“That’s accurate. The business-associate part, I mean. The friendship…that’s still a work-in-progress.”
Wes chuckled. “I guess it is.”
* * *
Bree clutched a vase of flowers as she approached Mrs. Adams’s hospital room. She’d suggested that Wes go up ahead of her and make sure his mother was up to meeting someone new. She tapped on the partially open door, her heart racing. Bree stepped inside when a voice called for her to come inside.
“You must be Brianna.” A wide grin spread across the woman’s face. She was a beautiful older woman who seemed far too young to be Wesley’s mother. “I’m Lena Adams. Wes stepped out to talk to someone about finally letting me out of this place. He told me to expect you. He didn’t say you’d be bearing gifts.”
Bree sighed in relief. The woman’s warm, welcoming demeanor put her at ease. “I walked past the gift shop and they were so beautiful. I couldn’t resist. I hope you like them.”
“Like them? Honey, this bouquet is stunning. How thoughtful. Thank you.” She accepted the crystal vase and inhaled the flowers before setting them on the nightstand beside her bed. She indicated a nearby chair. “Please, have a seat.”
Bree sat in the chair, suddenly conscious of whether Mrs. Adams would think her blouse was cut too low or her jeans were too tight.
Relax. You’re not his girlfriend.
“Speaking of beauty, you’re even more stunning in person.” Mrs. Adams grinned.
“Thank you.” Bree’s cheeks warmed. “Do you follow beach volleyball, Mrs. Adams?”
“Only during the Olympics. But I’ve seen you in at least a dozen commercials over the years.” Excitement lit the older woman’s eyes. “And call me Lena, please.”
“Someone will be along shortly to complete your discharge.” Wesley’s tall frame filled the doorway. His eyes met Bree’s for a moment before he turned them back to his mother. “I see you’ve met Bree.”
