The door swung open and Zander entered carrying a cardboard tray with two covered drinks and a white paper bag. He flicked his gaze from Savannah to Debby and his smile dropped like a lead ball crashing onto the pavement.
Debby swirled around, the kaleidoscope of colors in her mother’s flashy pants suit and matching cape nauseating Savannah.
“Good God, Vanna, you’ve got a man in your room.”
Debby King was a master at stating the obvious.
“Hello, doll baby. Ooo-o-o, you’re ahottie.” Debby winked, then nibbled her lip before flicking her gaze back to Savannah.
After Zander set the tray on the table, he handed a cup to Savannah. “Good morning.” He shot her a smile.
This isn’t good.Swallowing down the bitter taste of bile, Savannah accepted the hot drink. She had no words. A scream scratched and clawed at her throat, but she kept her mouth clamped shut.
“Black coffee,” he continued, as if the tornado known as Debby King hadn’t blown into their hotel room. Then, he shifted his sights to his former stepmother and the warmth in his eyes turned to steel. “Hello, Debby. It’s been a while.”
Her mother’s mouth fell open. Savannah hoped a fly would zoom in.
“Well, fuck me,” Debby blurted.
Savannah cringed at her mother’s foul language.
“No, thanks. I’ll pass,” he replied stone-faced.
“Well, if it isn’t my stepson, Zander King.” She examined him from head to foot. “Here to steal Savannah’s inheritance?”
Ironic coming from the queen of shoplifting.
“You’re looking…festive.” His stoic expression gave nothing away.
Her mother raised her chin, crossed her arms, and narrowed her gaze. Debby’s fighting stance. Then, her lips split into a terrifying smile. “Festive is my middle name. So, Zander, do you live in the area? Did you drop in to offer Savannah a tasty pastry in exchange for Kyle’s money?”
Zander’s jaw ticked. “Is that why you’re here?”
“Me? I’m here to help my daughter, of course.” Her plastic smile sent a shiver streaking down Savannah’s spine. “Her worthless ditz of a manager told me she’s working her tail to the bone, poor baby.”
Savannah set her coffee on the small desk. “Tilly’s right. I am working and won’t get into a discussion about Kyle’s will.” Despite her pounding heart, she kept her voice low and steady. Debby King might know how to push all her buttons, but Savannah wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of knowing that.
As if everything was good and right and normal, Zander pulled out a handful of pastries and set them on the paper bag. “Help yourself, Debby. Have you had any coffee today?”
She uncrossed her arms. “I did.”
He pointed to a pastry, but Debby declined. “Savannah, what would you like?”
Savannah waved him off. “No. I’m fine.”
“We’ve got a big day ahead of us. I’d suggest you eat something.” He handed her a blueberry muffin. “The woman at the bakery said these were fresh out of the oven.” His carefree smile made her want to shriek. How could he remain calm and why wasn’t he kicking her mother out of their room?
After taking the muffin, she set down her camera and broke off a small piece. Though she’d lost her appetite, she popped the morsel into her mouth. She had to do something besides gape.
“I reviewed the locations in Albuquerque that we didn’t hit yesterday and think we’d be smart to head to Santa Fe first, then drive back down here and knock those out,” Zander continued as if her mother wasn’t eyeing him with complete disdain. “We might want to move faster today, but I don’t want you to feel rushed.”
His even-keeled voice helped slow her palpitating heart.
“I’m ready to get going,” she replied, shooting daggers at her mother, hoping she’d take the hint and leave.
Debby smacked her hands together and Savannah flinched. “I don’t like the looks of this. You two are working together?”
“We are,” Zander replied matter-of-factly. “I’m her assistant.”
