Page 60 of Even Ground

“I love you, Mum.”

“Love you too. How long are you home for?”

I shrug. “A couple of days, and then I’ll head up north again. Do you want to see the photos of the wedding?”

Mum stares as me as if I’ve just said something stupid. “Of course I do. How’s my moko?”

“Melly is”—I pause—“well … she’ll follow in her father’s footsteps if she keeps up the dramatics. But she’s happy.”

“One day I’ll get brave enough to fly over for myself.” She slides her arm around my shoulders and squeezes me against her again.

“I’m sure they’ll come and see you when they visit.”

I hand her my phone and she flicks through the photos and sighs. “She made a beautiful bride. And that dress is so special.” Her mouth falls open. “So many movie stars. Is that Reece Evans?”

Sucking on my bottom lip, I nod. “You know Reece is Josh’s bestie.”

“I know, but he’s so handsome.” Mum gets this faraway look in her eyes. “Like the old time movie stars.”

“He’s also a terrible flirt.”

She turns her head, her eyes wide. “Did he flirt with you?”

“Yes, Mum. But he flirts with everyone. You should hear him with Delaney.”

She waves her hand as if dismissing what I’ve just said. “But he flirted with you. Such a lucky girl.”

“Mum.” I laugh.

“He looks like a good man.”

I swallow hard. She’s right, but Reece buries it under so many layers of bullshit.

“He is. He’s just a little lost at times.”

Her eyes search mine. “I think there’s a bit more than flirting, then.”

I drop my gaze. “We spent some time together before we went to Hawaii. Reece isn’t a bad person, but he’s not the man for me.”

Her slow nod tells me she doesn’t really believe what I’m saying. Mum could always see right through me.

“You like him.”

“Everyone likes him.”

She takes my hand in hers, and I look up into her dark eyes. “No, my love. You like him.”

I shrug. “I do. But I’m back here and he’ll already be off on another conquest.”

Her eyebrows rise. “Another …”

“I didn’t sleep with him. I might have let him kiss me.”

Her lips twitch. “Sometimes, you have to kiss some frogs to find your prince. I did plenty of kissing when I was your age.”

I laugh. “And Dad?”

“Your dad was a prince among men. I miss him.” She pats me on the knee. “Did you want a coffee?”

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