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I didn’t really like my mother very much, but I had to admit, she prepared me well for a moment like this. I knew the outfit required to meet a corporate CEO and I’d bought it. With my own money.
“I’m so glad you’re both here,” she replied. In a pair of black pants and a white blouse–untucked–she looked effortless and casual. Her hair fell to her shoulders in a sleek, simple style. She wore thick black glasses like Bridget’s. She gave off a warm, effortless air and I liked her immediately. “Robert has been so busy with this deal that I haven’t seen him as much as I like. I’m sure you feel the same way,” she said to me.
I nodded, although I was suddenly unsure of myself. What did they think of me? That I was a horny hussy who did video sex with her husband while he was out of town?
“It smells amazing. Is that… garlic bread?” I asked, falling back on compliments.
She grinned. “You have a good nose. Yes, along with lasagna.”
“Kathleen is an amazing cook,” Robert said, patting his stomach. While I wouldn’t say he had washboard abs beneath his shirt, he was fit for his age.
“He married me for my pasta,” she said, glancing fondly at her husband.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” I asked.
She came over, hooked my arm in hers and led me deeper into the house. “You can put ice in the glasses while I make the salad dressing. While we do, you must tell me where you found those wonderful earrings.”
I glanced over my shoulder at Silas, who winked.
The kitchen was as big and shiny and amazing as I expected, but I didn’t pay it too much attention. I went to the floor to ceiling windows and looked out. The light was fading fast on the stunning view of the water and the cliffs and the focal point, the Golden Gate Bridge. The mountains were spectacular in Hunter Valley, but this? The bridge was amazing the way it glowed red in the distance, that–
“I never get tired of the view,” Kathleen said from somewhere behind me. “We bought this house thirty-five years ago. You should have seen it then.” She laughed, clearly remembering. “There was a raccoon family living on the second floor.”
I turned, wide eyed. “Did you kick them out?”
She was at the counter with the things she needed for her dressing spread out.
“I should say we have a guest bedroom for them, but one look at me and Robert and they fled.”
I joined her at the counter. “Oh, the ice.”
She pointed to a tray with goblets and then the fridge with a built-in icemaker.
“That was a long time ago. We’ve had five children since then and four of them have children.”
I carried the tray and set it next to the fridge, glanced at her over my shoulder. “You are good examples for them.”
She cocked her head, smiled, as she held a bottle of olive oil. “I hope so. You and Silas are just starting your lives together. What fun.”
I nodded, then pressed one glass into the dispenser for ice.
When I traded glasses, she continued. “I’ve met Silas a few times. He’s such a nice man. And handsome.”
I grinned. Blushed. “I think so.”
“That’s important, too. The heat.”
I filled another glass.
“You two met when he visited his brothers in Montana.”
“That’s right.”
“Silas also tells us–”
“He’s told you quite a bit,” I said, surprised.
She pushed her glasses up. “Of course he has. Especially about you and that you run a coffee shop! What hard work.”
