If We Never Met (Whisper Lake #5) - Barbara Freethy Page 0,32

each other. It was the best thing for our son and for us."

"I'm sorry." She felt frustrated at his vagueness. But she couldn't really expect him to tell her his life story. Still, she wanted to push a little. "And you never remarried or fell in love again?"

"I've had other relationships, but marriage wasn't something I was eager to rush into a second time. Your mother said it was never something she wanted to do a second time, either."

"That's true."

He gave her a speculative look. "I'm not after anything, Keira. I just wanted to see Ruth again. It has been fun catching up with her, talking about old times, old friends. We have memories in common."

"That's what she said."

"I'm glad she's been enjoying our conversations as much as I am. Now, shall we take a look at the next house?"

"Yes. I'll lock up here. You can follow me, or I can meet you there, whichever you prefer."

"Why don't I meet you there? Your mom told me it's just a few blocks from your house, and she'd like to take a look at it as well, so I'll pick her up on the way."

"I didn't know she was interested in seeing the house. I can get her."

"It's no problem. We'll see you in a few."

He was gone before she could protest. What could she say, anyway?

Mark and her mom had already made a plan, and she'd been left out of it. She locked up the house, feeling decidedly out of sorts. When she arrived at the next property, she felt even more annoyed when her mother got out of Mark's car, looking remarkably put together in white pants and a floral top. When she'd left her mom this morning, she'd been in pajamas and an old robe. But she'd put herself together quite nicely: hair, makeup, and stylish sandals.

She told herself it was good. Mark was making her mom happy. That was what was important. She just wished she could stop seeing a potentially catastrophic downfall ahead. She didn't want to see her mother end up in pieces again, even if they were only emotional pieces and not physical. She didn't think she could handle it. She didn't think her mother could, either.

"Hello, Keira," her mom said with a bright smile. "Mark said the first house you showed him was lovely."

"It was, but the location didn't work for him. This house is in a great neighborhood, of course, but it is older."

"Yes, but it's charming," her mom said. "Let's go inside. This will be fun. I haven't looked at houses in a long time. It reminds me of the old days when I spent every Sunday working an open house."

"You're always welcome to come with me," she said, as she unlocked the home. "I didn't realize you felt like you were missing out."

"Well, I didn't feel that way until just now."

As her mother and Mark wandered around the older three-bedroom home, she could hear them chatting and laughing. Her mother seemed to find Mark hilarious. She couldn't fathom why. He had a dry sense of humor, but he wasn't exactly a comedian.

She popped into various rooms to point out good points as well as flaws, but no one was paying her much attention.

Finally, they ended up back in the kitchen, which had been the one room in the house that had been recently remodeled, although it was still on the smaller side.

"This kitchen is beautiful." Her mom ran her hand along the sleek white tile. "It's not huge, but the balance of counter space to appliances and cabinets is excellent."

"I can see myself cooking here," Mark agreed.

"Do you cook a lot?" she asked.

"I do. I didn't start cooking until I was in my forties, but now I love it."

"I told him we need to check out the farmers' market on the weekend," her mom put in.

"I can't wait," Mark said. "And I'd love to make you and Keira dinner next Sunday if that works out, if you don’t mind lending me your kitchen."

"I'd love it," her mom exclaimed. "Keira?"

She gave a weak smile. "Sounds good."

"Then we'll count on you being there," Mark said.

"Great. What do you think of the house, Mark?"

"It's perfect," he replied. "I love the neighborhood. It's close to everything."

"It's on the higher end of your price range," she couldn't help noting.

"I think it's worth it."

"Are you ready to make an offer?"

"I need to sleep on it."

"Of course."

"But don't wait too long," her mom said. "Houses go fast in