Page 76 of So in Love
“Of course I care.But I can’t change that.Wearedescended from white supremacists.Just as we’re descended from a man who fought against them.What my friend learned—and what’s in that envelope I brought—is that Turner Stowe was a prominent attorney in San Francisco.He worked tirelessly to protect and advocate for the rights of women, children, and minorities.He did a lot to help the Chinese community there.What you’ll also find in that envelope is a photograph of Turner with his mulatto wife, Rose, and their three children.They are also our family, and I’m quite proud to call them that.”
Dad looked over at him with warmth and understanding.“He sounds like someone I’d want to call family too.”
“I agree, of course,” Mom said.“But it doesn’t negate the KKK side of the family.”
Jamie let out a breath and practically dropped his spoon.“It doesn’t need to be negated—it happened.”
Mom pursed her lips at him, her eyes agitated.
Dad gave her a sympathetic look.“Dear, you may have to accept that this is out of your control.”
“If Jamie won’t talk to her, I will,” Mom said.“Is she here in town now?”
Jamie was losing his appetite—good thing he was almost done anyway.“No, she’ll be back tomorrow for the opening of the exhibit.”Kelsey had planned a reception, and Crystal planned to arrive in time for that.Jamie had offered to pick her up at the airport, but she’d insisted on taking a car, citing horrid Friday rush-hour traffic.He hadn’t been able to argue with her on that point.
Mom smiled, looking quite pleased.“Excellent, I’ll talk to her then.”
Jamie could well imagine how that might go, and he wasn’t about to subject Crystal to that.“No.I’ll do it.”
Mom briefly narrowed her eyes at him before taking another bite of stew.“You said you wouldn’t.”
He didn’t bother masking his irritation.“I changed my mind.”He stood up with his plate and took it to the kitchen.Turning back to the table, he said, “I’ll talk to her, but I can’t promise anything.Like I said before, you don’t own this history.”
“I understand that.”Her response was tight and tense, and it didn’t sound very understanding.
Jamie was more than ready to go.“Thanks for dinner.”
“Do you want leftovers?”she asked as he walked out of the kitchen.
Did she not realize he was pissed?It didn’t matter; she’d offer him leftovers anyway.She was his mother, and as she always told him, she loved him regardless.
“No, thanks.But it was great—I really appreciated the bread bowl.Good night.”He grabbed his coat and headed outside.
Before he got to his car, he heard the door open and close.He turned his head to see Dad jogging toward him.
“Wait up, Jamie.”
Jamie turned outside the driver door.“I was nice.”
“Yes, you were, but then we raised you to be polite.”He frowned.“Your mom wasn’t mean either.”
“No, just unreasonable.”
“That’s not fair.She’s upset about all this and has a right to be.She just needs to work through it.”
“She’s had several weeks now.”
Dad nodded.“I know.Don’t be too hard on her.I’ll try talking to her again, okay?I understand your perspective, and I agree—this is history, and we don’t own it.”
“Thanks, I appreciate you saying that.And talking to her.Again.”
“Well, like you said with Crystal, I can’t make any promises.”His mouth quirked into a semi-smile.“But that’s women for you.”
Jamie snorted.“I guess.I just don’t want Mom to be rude to Crystal tomorrow night.She’s worked really hard on this story, and it means a lot to her.”She’d talked about her progress with him over the past couple of weeks—not necessarily specifics, but enough for him to hear her passion for the project.And to feel proud of and excited for her.
“Sounds like she means a lot to you.”
“Yeah, I guess she does.”He guessed?He was falling in love with her.And wasn’t that a shock as well as a potential pain in the ass.He had no idea what in the hell she’d say to that.
