Page 74 of Sweet Deception

She laughs. "I'd love that. Just let me know when and where and I'll be there."

***

"Thanks for today, Mom. I had fun." I unbuckle my seat belt and lean over to give her a hug.

"Not so fast. I want you to show me this car and your new clothes your boyfriend showered you with." She leaves me hanging and steps out of the car.

"Okay …" Resigned, I drop my arms and exit the car.

I dig through my purse for the keys as we meet on her side of her car. "It's this white one across the street" I nod to the Range Rover and wait for her reaction.

"Oh, wow." She crosses the street, not waiting for me. My nerves are on edge. It's not like this is any old car and I'm not sure how she'll feel about it. "Unlock it, sweetie."

I press the fob and move to stand by the door as she climbs in. "If I knew you had this, I would've made you drive."

"Yeah. Sorry. I wasn't sure how you'd take it." I fidget with my keys.

Mom smoothes her hands over the soft leather steering wheel. "It has all the bells and whistles. Plus, your dad can't argue it isn't a safe car for you."

I shrug. "I don't know much about cars, but it drives smoothly."

"Alright, now to the good stuff. Let's see what else he got you?" She climbs out of the SUV and follows me inside the apartment complex. The first thing I notice is the weird neighbor is at his mailbox shuffling his mail. His eyes immediately go to my mom when we walk in. I narrow my eyes at him—not that he notices.

Mom doesn't smile, but does nod to him. When we climb the stairs and stop at my door, she turns to look down and waits for him to come into view. Using my keys, I unlock the door then put my hand on mom's arm to get her attention just as the guy looks up at us over his shoulder as he leaves the building.

As soon as I shut us inside my apartment, my mom walks to the window and looks out.

"Mom?"

"There's something off about that guy," she says with narrowed eyes.

I sigh. "Yeah, I feel it too." Setting my purse on the kitchen table, I walk to her side in time to witness him climbing into a beat up white van that has a logo peeled off enough that you can't read it.

"When did he move in?" Her eyebrows furrow in concern as she watches the van pulling away from the curb.

"I'm not really sure. He was walking out of Mr. Thompson's place a couple of weeks ago. I asked Miss Tabby, the older lady across the hall from him. She said he introduced himself as Mr. Thompson's nephew. She also said he was rude and walked away when she tried asking more questions."

Mom sighs. "Maybe it's just paranoia, but living with a cop has that effect. Just be careful." She turns away from the window when the van is out of sight. "You still have the pepper spray your father gave you?"

"Yes, it's in my purse."

"Good. Make sure you put it on your new key chain and have it ready as you come and go?"

Luca and Rafael's warning about being aware of my surroundings pops into my head. "I'll be careful."

"What does Talia think? Have you talked to her about him?" Mom crosses her arms.

"About who?" Talia asks, coming into the living room.

"Hi, dear. How are you?" My mom moves to her and pulls her in for a hug. Talia awkwardly pats her back, but she's smiling.

"I'm good. How are you?" she asks as mom pulls away.

"I got to spend time with my beautiful daughter today," she smiles at me over her shoulder, "so I'm happy as can be." She turns back to Talia. "You should come with us next time. We've found this cute cafe that serves great espresso."

"Thanks, Mrs. Davis. I'd love to come sometime." I hold in a laugh at Talia's grimace that she probably thinks is a smile.

"None of that Mrs. Davis. You call me Kathy." Mom steps back, giving Talia room. I've told her about Talia's situation, and Mom has been good at giving her space while still trying to make her feel welcome.

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