Page 67

I straightened. "Miss Parsons, it’s so good to finally⁠—"

"Please.” She lifted her hand, halting the conversation. “Call me Claudia."

"Yes, ma'am."

She smiled. It was not a reassuring smile. Her gaze traveled from my boots to my shoulders. "You're taller than I expected."

"I get that a lot."

"And broader."

“That’s a new one.”

"Hmm."

I wasn't sure what that meant. I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

"Let me take your bags."

She handed me the handle of a large suitcase. Then another. And a carry-on. And a tote.

I looked at the collection. "How long are you staying?"

"Why? You planning on kicking me out?"

"No, ma'am."

"Good."

She started walking. I followed. Like a well-mannered pack mule.

By the time we reached my truck, Claudia had informed me that the airline had lost her preferred seat, the woman beside her had eaten tuna salad at seven in the morning, and Mercury was doing something she found deeply concerning.

I opened the passenger door and helped her climb inside. Then I loaded her luggage into the back. When I got behind the wheel, I found her looking around the cab.

Closely.

She checked the center console. The cup holders. The floorboards.

I waited.

Finally, I asked, "Looking for something?"

"Just observing."

"Anything interesting?"

Her nose tipped up at me. "That remains to be seen."

Right. I started the engine and backed out of the parking space.

She turned toward me. "How long have you been dating my daughter?"

Here we go. Interrogation part two. I’d thought the aunts were formidable, but I had a feeling those women had nothing on Claudia Parsons.

Mikayla said her mom could sniff out a lie, so I didn’t want to say anything that wasn’t true.

"Not as long as I'd like. It took me some time to wear her down."