Page 31 of The Proximity Factor

“Hey, Mama,” Lanie threw her arms around her mom.

Mrs. Davenport didn’t take her eyes off me, even while embracing her daughter.

Carefully, I walked up the few steps leading to the small concrete front porch, maintaining eye contact. There were two things southern moms abhorred, and that was disrespect and weakness. Besides, I was innocent here. It wasn’t like I purposely shacked up with her daughter.

Lanie let go of her mom and smiled nervously between us. “Mama, this is Parker Remington. Parker, this is my mama, Goldie Davenport.”

I held out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Davenport.”

Reluctantly, she held out her slender hand with leopard print painted nails and shook mine. “You have some manners. That’s good.” She gripped my hand as hard as she could. The woman had some strength to her. Not that it hurt, but when she let go of my hand, I shook it to let her think she’d done some damage. Her smile said that pleased her.

“Come on in,” Mrs. Davenport drawled. “We’re letting all the good air out.”

Lanie gave me a reassuring nod before we entered the house. The small entryway led straight into the living room with mismatched furniture that somehow fit together perfectly. It was easy to tell where Lanie got her throw pillow obsession from, as pillows covered every piece of furniture. Photos filled every wall in a tapestry of memories—good ones, from the looks of it. Several photos of Lanie drew me in. She wore everything from pageant dresses to a cap and gown. She was stunning in every photo.

“You drive a fancy car,” Mrs. Davenport began her scrutinizing. “How do you afford such a car?”

“Mama, be nice. Parker owns his own video game company. His game is incredible,” Lanie added.

Mrs. Davenport whipped her head toward Lanie. “And what do you know about it? Are you playing games together?” Her tone intimated so much more.

Lanie rolled her eyes. “Mama, just come out and ask us if we are intimately involved, because I know that’s what you want to know. And the answer is no. Parker has been completely aloof, a recluse, even, unless he’s saving me from Greg.” She gave me a grateful glance.

I had a feeling my days of being a recluse in Lanie’s presence were about to end, but I was smart enough to keep my mouth shut. I wasn’t even sure how to feel about it. But something had changed between us—that I knew.

“Hmm.” Mrs. Davenport pursed her lips and looked between us. “While I thank you for protecting my daughter, I’m not buying it. Two very attractive single individuals living together, and you’re telling me there is nothing between you.” She eyed me carefully. “You are single, aren’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her button nose crinkled. “Why is a man your age single?”

“Mama,” Lanie complained. “That’s none of your business.”

“He’s living with my daughter, which gives me the right to be all up in his business.”

I wanted to disagree with her, but I knew that wouldn’t bode well for me or Lanie. And, I suppose if I ever had a daughter living with a man I knew nothing about, it would worry me too.

I took a brave step toward the formidable, tiny woman. “Mrs. Davenport, I realize this must be disconcerting to you. Believe me when I say I was not expecting the university to pair me with Lanie, or any woman for that matter. I’m sure you’re wondering why a man of my age would even agree to such an endeavor. The truth is, I’m a bit down on my luck.” I hated to admit it out loud, but I knew owning the truth in this situation was in my best interest. “I once ran a very successful independent video game company with my ex-partner until he ran off with my wife. Whom I divorced three years ago.”

Mrs. Davenport slapped a hand across her chest. “Bless your heart.”

“It was tough,” I admitted, hoping to play on her sympathies. “But I’m trying to work my way back to the top. I only applied for the experiment because I’m helping put my younger sister through school and I need tuition money for her fall semester.”

“Oh, gracious, that’s sweet.” Mrs. Davenport offered me an inkling of a smile, but I detected a hint of mischievousness in there too. She was up to something.

“I promised I would take care of her,” I threw in for good measure.

Mrs. Davenport looked to Lanie, who was standing by one of the several large houseplants in the living room. “Is this true, Lanie?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ve talked to his sister, Daphne, several times. And I’ve met his friends, who can all corroborate his story.”

Mrs. Davenport let out a large breath, making her overly hair-sprayed bangs take flight. “Well, I still don’t like this situation, but let’s eat and see where things go.”

I watched Lanie let out a visible sigh of relief.

While I felt some relief, I knew the interrogation wasn’t over. In fact, I had a feeling it was only going to get worse. But hopefully it would come with potato salad and what smelled like barbecued beef.

“Come on back.” Mrs. Davenport waved and walked toward what I assumed was the kitchen.

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