Page 163 of Head Room
“Don’t worry.No need to take Tom aside.And — yes — your mother told me that.”
****
Mom called meover to the porch, where she and Tamantha were talking with Vanessa Burrell.
A glance around showed me her husband with three other men of his generation sitting with beers at the outer rim of those around the bonfire.
“Tamantha and I were going to get dessert,” Mom announced immediately.“Which one would you like?No, don’t answer.You two stay here and we’ll bring you back choices.”
Have I mentioned my mother is sneaky?
“We’re so glad you were able to come,” I said, then wanted to kick myself.I’d said that before.
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
There were currents in that I could guess at but didn’t know, so guessing could get me pulled under.I nodded.
After a pause that dipped into awkwardness, Vanessa turned to me.
Although Tom physically resembled his father, I could see her in him, too, especially around the eyes.
Her mouth wobbled slightly.
“Tommy smiles more.”
My first instinct was to say I was glad.I held it back, instead turning to meet her gaze.“So do I.”
Slowly, she nodded.“That’s the way it should be.”
Okay, Dad was right.It would be okay.
At least half of it would.
****
Yes, it wasmy wedding night.But Tom and I decided with all that was still to come, we’d spend this night in our separate beds.
So I was alone in my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Not thinking about my groom, but about a bad cop trying to evade his past and the register that exposed it.
Register.
Registered agents.
And there I was, back to the death of Nance.
Shelton was satisfied.Was that why I had doubts?
I must have fallen asleep between my question and an answer.
DAY EIGHT
SATURDAY
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
My eyes openedearly.
