“I’m glad to hear that. Maybe on the drive to Landry tomorrow you can tell me all about her and give me a little advantage.”

His eyes narrowed. “I like that. Very tactical. You would have made a good Marine.”

“I highly doubt that. Unless I was the one in charge.”

He laughed out loud. “I can see that.” He shook his head in amusement. “You never answered my question, you know that?”

“What question?” She honestly couldn’t remember.

“About staying for dinner.”

“Oh, right.” She tipped her head. “I don’t think I should. I don’t want my family to think I’m abandoning them.”

“I understand.”

“You could come to dinner at the beach house. Although I must confess, I have no idea if there’s anything planned or not.” She pulled out her phone. “Maybe I should text my daughters and find out. Just a moment.”

She sent a group text to Claire, Jules, and Kat. Any dinner plans? Was thinking about inviting Conrad.

Claire answered first. Not a one. I just finished cleaning the kitchen after all the baking I did. I can’t think about going back in there right now. Jules and Cash are at the studio rehearsing. I doubt they’ve thought that far ahead either. And Kat is at the hospital with Alex. He’s fine. I can explain when you get home. Not sure when she’ll be back.

That was concerning, but if Claire said Kat’s young man was fine, Margo chose to believe that was true.

Then Jules answered. I’m not sure how long we’ll be here. Don’t count on us. Sorry.

I understand, Margo typed back. Then she shook her head as she looked up at Conrad. “Jules and Cash probably won’t be there, but Kat and Claire will be. Sorry about that, but there’s a lot going on right now.”

“That’s all right,” he said. She could practically see the wheels in his head turning. “Why don’t we make dinner for your daughter and granddaughter then? They might appreciate not having to cook. I don’t mind manning the grill. We could do some sirloins, a nice big salad, and some baked potatoes. Maybe a little ice cream for dessert. Would that suit them?”

“I’m sure it would. They’d probably eat anything and be grateful. I’ll send them another text and let them know we’re taking care of dinner.”

“Fantastic. It can be my way of making up for taking their mother away from them.” He pushed to his feet. “Grab your things, woman. We need to get to the grocery store.”

On the drive back to Diamond Beach, Trina did nothing but think about her mom. After finding the necklace, Roxie had barely said anything, despite Trina trying to engage her several times in conversation. All Roxie had done was give short answers, then returned to packing her things up.

Trina hurt for her mom. She’d been doing so well with Bryan’s infidelity, but Paulina’s arrival seemed to have short-circuited that. In fact, her mom hadn’t reacted this badly to finding out about Claire. It was like Paulina’s arrival had broken Roxie, in a way.

Or maybe it had been finding the necklace?

All Trina could hope was this new mood wasn’t permanent. Maybe she should have taken the necklace like her mom wanted, but Trina had just said she’d put it in her mom’s purse. Which she’d done. Keeping the necklace hadn’t felt right to Trina. It seemed like something her mom should deal with.

Maybe she’d been wrong.

Sighing, Trina pulled under the beach house and parked, glad to be back. A few seconds later, her mom pulled alongside her.

Trina hopped out and went over to her mom’s car. She stood by until her mom opened the door. “Good to be back, huh?”

Her mother got out and closed the car door, her gaze still as distant as it had been back in Port St. Rosa. “Hmm?”

“I was just saying it’s good to be back. Look, I know you’re upset. I’m really sorry. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?”

Her mom smiled, but it was a weak, brief movement that seemed more automatic than intentional. “You’re so good, Trina. But this is one of those things that no one can help me get over.” She looked away, a deep breath lifting her chest. “I don’t know why this is bothering me so much. But it is. And I’m just going to need some time.”

“That’s all right. You know I love you, right?”

Roxie nodded, but the sadness in her eyes remained. “I know you do, Trina. I love you, too. But your father…” She shook her head and swallowed.

“Do you want me to take the necklace?”