"What?"
I nodded toward the mirror. "You've checked that thing about twenty times."
A crooked smile appeared. "Occupational hazard."
My gaze drifted toward the vehicles parked nearby. "You think somebody followed us?"
"I honestly have no idea." He switched off the engine but didn't immediately reach for the door. "That's the annoying part. Sometimes nobody's there. Sometimes somebody is. Sometimes you don't know until pictures show up online."
Together we climbed out of the SUV and headed toward the entrance.
White lights wrapped around the trees near the entrance, and a large wreath hung above the covered drop-off area, welcoming visitors inside. The warmth hit immediately when the doors slid open.
A volunteer was arranging poinsettias near the reception desk while two residents seemed to argue amicably over a crossword puzzle.
Before I could take in much more, a woman's voice carried across the lobby.
"Oh, there he is."
My head turned automatically.
An older woman was making her way toward us with surprising speed for someone who looked to be in her early seventies. Her silver hair framed a face that immediately reminded me of Thane. The resemblance wasn't exact, but it was there in the eyes and the smile.
Behind her, a man followed at a more measured pace.
"Mom," Thane said.
The smile that spread across her face was immediate. "There you are."
Before he could say anything else, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
For a moment, all I could do was watch.
Something softened in Thane's expression as he returned the embrace. The confident NHL star disappeared, replaced by someone's son.
When Dorothy finally stepped back, she reached up and touched his cheek. "You look tired."
"Thanks, Mom."
"It's an observation, not an insult."
A laugh escaped Richard as he finally caught up with them.
Thane leaned forward and hugged him, too. "Good to see you, Dad."
"You too, son."
Only then did Dorothy turn her attention toward me.
Curiosity flickered across her face, but there was no suspicion in it. No judgment. Just interest.
"So this must be the guest who caused all the excitement."
Heat crept into my face.
Thane groaned.
"Mom."
