9
Unleashing Their Need
“Why don’tIspeakto her? That’ll give her a shock.” Zander winked and flashed that wickedly handsome grin before sliding out of the booth. “Back in a minute.”
Hoping she wasn’t making a colossal mistake, Savannah answered. “Hey, Mom.”
“I was worried sick over you. You didn’t answer any of my texts or my calls. Where are you?”
When have you ever been concerned about me?“I’m working in New Mexico.”
“How perfect! Time for a mother-daughter visit.”
“Maybe when I finish up here.”
“I can drive to you. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from Vegas. Where in New Mexico are you?”
Per usual, Savannah regretted taking the call. “As much as I love twenty questions, I’m in the middle of—”
“Sooooo, IknowK-Dad left you a shit-ton of money. Am I right? I’m right, aren’t I?”
Her guts churned. “No money.He left me land intended for a nature conservancy that includes walking trails and a dog park.”Plus, he threw in a charming, historic inn and his Victorian home.
“That stupid, selfish idiot.” Debby grunted. “What good does a dog park do you? Can you flip it for some quick cash?”
“No. I can’t get into this with you. I’m in a meeting.”
“On a Saturday night? Don’t you dare bullshit me. You’re trying to get me off the phone. Look, Vanna, I’m low on cash. Spot me a few grand. You know I’m good for it.”
Savannah’s blood pressure spiked while her guts twisted into a painful knot. Those “loans” totaled over four thousand dollars. Just because she’d stopped doling out money didn’t make these conversations any easier. “Do you need me to send you grocery store gift cards?”
Debby exhaled a sharp breath. “Never mind. Can you contest the will? Force someone’s hand to sell the land? Cash is king, Vanna.”
The waiter returned, saw Savannah on the phone, and started to leave.
“Hold on,” she said to him. “Mom, I’m good with the will and I’vegotto run.”
“Ah, the hell with you!” Her mother slammed down the receiver.
That went well.Rubbing her stomach, Savannah slid her gaze to the waiter.
“Can I bring you sopapillas?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” she replied, fiddling with her ear cuff.
“Be right back with those,” he said and left.
Zander slid into the booth. After a moment, his expression grew serious. “You okay?”
“All good.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“I said I’m fine.” But she wasn’t. Even after all these years, her mother had the ability to rattle her.
“As your dutiful assistant, it’s my job to ensure you remain in a good frame of mind.” He clasped her hands in his and her defenses melted. “You’re good when you’re outside photographing nature. Or when you’re kissing me.”
She smiled. “I’m impressed. You’ve been paying attention.”
