Page 36 of Mine to Keep

This was not the conversation Bryn wanted to have with anyone, especially a police officer. “It’s complicated,” she said.

“All families are.” Rebecca nodded. “Was there a specific reason you chose south Florida?”

“Just the sunshine and its proximity to Disney.”

“Two very good reasons.” Rebecca smiled. “When my boys were little, I took them to the theme parks at least three or four times a year. As a Florida resident, you can get discounted passes. Actually, when your little one gets older, I suggest buying annual passes. You only need to go twice to cover the costs.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks for the tip.”

“Sure thing.” Rebecca polished off the rest of her water. “Well, I’d best get back to work. I appreciate the hospitality and the—”

“Mom? What are you doing here?” Jamison asked as he came around the corner.

“I stopped by with a gift basket, but I was just leaving. Duty calls.” Rebecca tapped her weapon strapped to her hip. “Why don’t you walk me to my vehicle?”

“I have some things to discuss with Bryn,” Jamison said as he stepped into the backyard.

“Oh. Are you doing work for her or something?” Rebecca asked.

Bryn always hated it when someone talked about her as if she weren’t in the same space. Her in-laws used to do that.

“I am, but that’s not why I’m here,” Jamison said.

“I see.” Rebecca looped her fingers in her belt. “This will only take a few minutes.”

“Mom. Say what’s on your mind.” Jamison had a sharp edge to his tone.

Rebecca shrugged. “I ran into Cheryl this morning. I can tell she’s miserable and misses you.”

“We’re not having this conversation,” Jamison said. “Not now. Not ever. Besides, didn’t you say you needed to get back to work?”

His mother let out an exasperated sigh. “It was really nice meeting you, Bryn,” she said. “Don’t get up. I can see myself out.”

“Thanks for stopping by.” Bryn waved.

“I’ll be in touch about those jewelry pieces.” Rebecca nodded in her son’s direction before stepping through the gate and disappearing around the side of the house.

“I’m sorry about my mom, especially that last exchange.”

“No worries,” Bryn said. “I wasn’t expecting you tonight.” She sat up a little taller.

“I was worried when I drove by on my way home and saw my mom’s patrol car. When I got out of my Jeep, I heard voices, so I walked around back here. Is everything okay?”

“She was just being friendly and gave me a basket filled with baby stuff. She also informed me that she took care of Suzie.” Being in the middle of a family feud was the last place Bryn wanted to be; however, she needed to find some middle ground. She needed to build her business. If Rebecca was going to have her build custom pieces, staying in her good graces so she’d rave about Bryn’s work was imperative.

Of course, she needed Jamison, as well.

Talk about having to walk a tightrope.

“I’m glad about Suzie. However, the one thing you’ll learn about my mom is that as sweet as she can be, she’s always got an agenda.” Jamison took off his baseball cap and ran a hand over his freshly buzzed head. “Based on what she said just now, one of them is she thinks that I should be with my ex-wife, and she wanted you to know that. But that’s never going to happen.”

“I think you’ve made that abundantly clear.”

“I wish my mom understood that.” Jamison laughed. “Since I’m here, is there anything you need done around the house?”

“Not that I can think of, but you’re not my personal handyman.”

“Point taken,” he said with a big smile.

---