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“And I have to go again.” His irritation was clear, but India didn’t think it was really directed at his mother.
India spoke up, determined not to let him ignore her. “How long will you be gone?” Her question was more than idle curiosity. With Dottie to be looked after, India needed to have any pertinent details.
It was odd that Farris hadn’t mentioned the trip while he and India were out this afternoon. It seemed like the kind of information she should know.
He dipped a spoon into his dessert, not looking at either woman for a few moments. “It’s only an overnight trip,” he said. “I have to sign some papers, interview a new hire. And I’ll check on Mom’s apartment, too.”
Dottie bounced in her chair. “Oh, good,” she said. “Will you bring me a few things if I make a list?” She grinned at India. “When he went back week before last, he was in too much of a hurry. But I keep thinking of odds and ends I want.” She switched her attention back to her son. “Maybe you could use one of my carry-ons in the closet.”
Farris rolled his eyes, his smile wry as Dottie cajoled him. “Whatever you want, Mother dearest. Your wish is my command.”
His silliness delighted Dottie. “You’re such a good boy.”
It was India’s turn to jump into the game. “I doubt many people describe Farris Quinn as a good boy. More of a dangerous shark, maybe.”
The room fell silent. A tiny frown gathered between Dottie’s brows. “With outsiders, maybe. Never with family.”
“It was a joke,” India said weakly, well aware that she had stepped over some invisible line.
Farris shrugged. “It’s okay, Mother. India has seen me in business settings more than you have.”
India swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m sorry, Dottie. Farris is a fine man. You did a wonderful job raising him all on your own.”
Apparently, Dottie was confused. “If he’s such a fine man, why did you leave him?”
India shot Farris an incredulous look. She stood abruptly. “Excuse me.” Her heart pounded with shock as she turned and fled.
“Mother, what were you thinking?” Farris groaned and pressed two fingers in the center of his forehead, where a knifelike pain stabbed.
Dottie wilted, her expression both worried and defiant. “Well, it’s true. We’re all living in this house together being so sophisticated and tolerant, but the truth is, that woman abandoned you. I love her dearly, but she disappointed me.”
Farris was shocked. “I had no idea you felt that way. I’m sorry, Mother, sorry I didn’t tell you the truth. I should have been more honest with you when it happened.”
“Honest about what?”
Farris firmed his jaw, his stomach churning. “I ended the marriage, not India. I did and said things that made it impossible for her to stay.”
“Farris!”Dottie’s horror was real.
“Things happen in a marriage, things that only the two people involved truly understand. It was a long time ago. I don’t wish to discuss it.”
His feisty mother gave him a narrow-eyed glare. “What about what I want? I don’t appreciate being left out in the cold. What happened today on that horseback ride? Is that why you’re leaving? You never said anything before about this New York trip.”
Farris searched for the right words. Dottie had hit the nail on the head. Being with India today had scared him. He was flying out in the morning to avoid temptation.
“I told you why. I have papers to deal with, and my CFO wants me to sign off on a new employee. The decision has been made, I think. But my rubber stamp makes everyone feel better.”
His only parent stared at him until his scalp tingled. Surely, lying to one’s mother was a mortal sin.
Dottie wiped her mouth with the lovely cloth napkin and stood.
Automatically, Farris stood, as well.
She shook her head slowly. “This may not work out, son. If I have to go back to New York, so be it. I don’t want to cause pain to either you or India.”
“India and I are fine,” he said. Lie number two. “We both want to help you take care of your health and for you to be happy.”
“I’m plenty happy,” Dottie said, heading for the door. “It’s you I worry about.”
