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“And one loving mother,” he argued. “That’s all that matters. She’s going to be excellent at her job once she’s fully trained.”
“Did she even go to college?”
“No. And that is not a requirement for her to become a certified paralegal.” He was curious. “You know she’s raising two children on her own and working hard to better herself. What exactly is your problem with her? Beyond that she doesn’t have the amount of money you require to view someone as a human being?”
“That is not true, Quaid, and beneath you,” his mother huffed. “I do plenty of charity work. I’ve done it all my life to help people like the Cardets, and they still end up in trouble. She’s raising those kids herself because she made bad choices, the same kind of choices I see you making.How well do you know that woman who’s moved in with you after what? A week? How do you know she’s not trying to trap you into marriage?”
He laughed at the very idea. “I assure you Jayna’s not trying to trap me. If anything, I’m the one trying to trap her. You think I should get her pregnant? I’ve been trying to tempt her with my helpful nature and mystery novels. Maybe I’m going about this the wrong way and I should poke a hole in one of the condoms I bought.”
His mother gasped. “Don’t you dare.”
He decided it was time to get serious. “I want you to stay out of my relationship with Jayna Cardet.”
“Tell me you aren’t serious about this woman,” his mother said. “I’m worrying myself sick over this. Did you know she’s the subject of an ethics review?”
“Most lawyers get complaints,” he countered. “Dad had to answer a couple himself.”
“That was different and you know it.”
“No, I don’t know it. I know why Jayna is being reviewed, and she’ll be cleared as long as she’s got halfway decent counsel.”
“And where would she get the money for that? I’ve been talking to some of my old friends in New Orleans. She lost everything in the divorce. It’s why she crawled back here. The Shales were smart enough to protect their family money from her with a prenup. Now she’s looking for a new sugar daddy.”
Quaid laughed at that one. “A sugar daddy implies that the daddy—in this case I believe you would be referring to me—takes care of everything financial so the woman doesn’t have to work. Let me tell you, that woman’s work ethic is outstanding. I’ve been working hard to get her to relax and take some time off.”
“But you’re paying for everything.”
“She’s bringing far more than money to the table. I’ve heard she’s almost closed a deal to get us a couple of goats.” Sienna was still working behind the scenes, acting as Jayna’s... did lawyers have agents? “And she takes care of the paperwork so I can write.”
A long-suffering sigh came from his mother’s chest. “You and that writing... Quaid, I love you, son, but I do not understand your obsession with writing pulp novels. You need to leave the artistic endeavors to your brother. I don’t understand why you can’t be happy with your place in the world.”
“And I don’t understand why you can’t let me be, Mom.” He was tired, too. “Did you honestly come down here to warn me off Jayna? If so, then you’ve done your duty and you should feel free to go.”
He might be able to hustle over to the café and still have lunch with Jayna. If she wasn’t too annoyed with him.
“I think your brother is in trouble, and I need you to fix things.”
Well, of course this was about Paul. It was always about Paul. “I’ve already tried. I know about his debts. I’ve offered to pay them, but he won’t give me a name.”
She waved that off. “I’m not talking about that misunderstanding.”
“Is that how he put it?” His brother was certainly creative when it came to explanations.
“Of course. He’s paying that man back, but you know how banks can be. You know your brother. He’s got a lot of balls in the air.”
He had a set of brass balls, that was for sure. “Then what are you talking about?”
“Has Paul talked to you about the film he recently produced?”
“The one that’s being held up because of a lawsuit?” He wasn’t getting involved in this. Not in any way.
“Yes.” His mother confirmed his fear. “Paul wants to show his film around to some important people and he can’t because of this nuisance lawsuit. I want you to fix it for him.”
“I know I wear a lot of hats around this town, but I’m not an entertainment lawyer and I’m not licensed to practice in California, where I’m sure the contracts were signed and the lawsuit is being litigated,” he explained. “And you know that. You were a lawyer’s wife for decades.”
“I know that your father would have looked into it for him.”
“Then send Paul in here to ask for help.” He would love to tell his brother to pound sand. “Like I said, I’ve offered to help him. He’s refused. I don’t think he wants my help, and I would appreciate it if you would stay out of that relationship, too.”
