Page 98 of Trust My Bodyguard

“I’ll ask her to stay with me.”

A proud smile lights up Cliff’s eyes. “Attaboy.”

His certainty doesn’t ease the strain in my chest.

“I’m meeting up with Mom for lunch at Nancy’s.”

“Give my regards,” Cliff says. “I’ve got some work to do.”

I finish lacing my boots. “See you around.”

Mom’s already at the diner by the time I get there. She sits by the counter with Nancy, both locked in a conversation that makes them laugh out loud. If I could guess, they’re recounting the events in our small town.

“Hey, Mom.” I lean over and kiss her cheek.

“Brody,” she cheers, spinning on the barstool and throwing her arms around me. They don’t manage to squeeze me like they did when I was a boy, but her hug makes me feel warm, nonetheless.

“Hey, Nancy.” I wave at the older woman.

“Hey yourself. Where have you been hiding Caroline? She cracks me up like no one else.”

“Oh, stop.” Mom waves off her praise. “I’m just saying it how I see it.”

“Well, I certainly want to hear the news from my perspective.”

Mom laughs again.

I smile at her. It’s nice to hear the sound so full and unrestrained. It was a bit more muted when I was growing up, and she worried about me constantly.

“Come on, Mom. Let’s grab a seat.”

“Choose your meals. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

After Mom and I settle in, Nancy arrives and takes our orders, lingering to chat with Mom for a moment. I almost pity the other tables waiting for their service.

Finally, we’re alone.

“Tell me everything.” Mom taps my hand. “How is the firm? How are the boys?”

I tell her all about it. It isn’t much different from when we speak on the phone, only now I can give her silly details like the little spats between Zane and Sera and how Nick is infernally annoying.

“Nick is a sweetheart.” Mom presses her hands to her chest, her face soft.

I quickly moved the conversation along. Our meals arrive, and we speak around hearty mouthfuls.

“You told me that Ivy is back. What is happening with that?”

Thankfully, Mom, unlike Cliff, is more interested in the case than in the non-relationship between me and Ivy.

I tell her where we’re at and what Ivy plans to do.

Her eyes are warm and understanding. “So how does all of this make you feel?”

I exhale, my shoulders sinking. “Frustrated. I don’t want Ivy getting hurt. What kind of security firm do I run if I’m endangering the lives of the people I should be protecting?”

“Sure that’s the only reason?” She raises a brow.

Oh, for Pete’s sake. I take back my thanks because she’s just like Cliff.

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