Page 100 of Fierce-Zander

“That’s what the little bag is?” she asked.

She knew it was full of gift cards. To the home goods store and the hardware store, some restaurants too.

“Yep. If he won’t spend it, my mother will. Then she’ll give him hell when he gets mad and doesn’t want to take them. I know who to play.”

“You don’t need to bill for insurance to learn those things, huh?”

“You think you’re so cute,” he said.

“I know it.”

He pulled into a driveway. It was a nice modern one-story house. They got out and she grabbed the cake and Zander got the pie and tray of cookies that she’d picked up at the bakery.

“You brought too much,” he said.

“I wanted to make sure there was something for everyone,” she said. “If I had more time I would have made more.”

“I’m looking forward to the apple pie.”

“Because I made that last night?” she asked. Zander had spent the night and was actually leaving some clothes at her house.

She hadn’t stayed the night at his place once and that was fine. It was tiny and could use some work.

It wasn’t as messy as she’d thought it’d be but an older apartment that was bare of much in terms of decor.

“Yep, but I happen to like apple pie.”

“You like triple chocolate cake too,” she said. “I know because you’ve gotten it when we’ve been out to dinner.”

They didn’t go out as often now. Guess it was true that if he was working and someone else was paying for it, it was easier.

But she wasn’t complaining because they both worked late at times and grabbed food on the way home to her place. She liked that much better.

Though she had to admit being with him on a case had its perks. Like being fun and adventurous and she would have to say she wasn’t much like that in life.

“I’m sure I’ll have a piece of both. Or at least take a piece home. I tend to overstuff myself on holidays.”

They went up the few porch stairs and to the front door.

“Hello. I’m Marjorie, Zander’s mother. It’s not fair you got to meet Dave before me.”

She’d met Zander’s father yesterday. Since the cat was out of the bag and all the players in the two offices knew, there was no reason she couldn’t stop over and introduce herself.

“Only by a day, Mom. I’m Marley. Don’t let my mother grill you or make you feel bad.”

“I won’t let either happen. It’s not a big deal. I figured it’d be rude to not introduce myself after Miles and Betsy knew.”

“Betsy is like family,” Marjorie said. “She keeps Zander in line.”

“I don’t think Zander needs anyone to keep him in line,” Marley said. “My mother just likes that she can text Betsy to make sure Zander doesn’t forget what time to show up.”

“I stayed with Regan last night,” he said. “She’s never late. Maybe she is wearing off on me in a good way. Where do you want these desserts?”

“If nothing needs to go in the fridge, then put it on the counter over there,” Marjorie said.

“Nothing does,” Regan said.

“Can I get you a glass of wine?” Marley asked. “Then we can chat.”

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