“I’m not living with him. I live on the property.” It sounds lame even to my ears.
She shoots me a quelling look. “Macon has his good and bad points, just like anyone else. But the two of you got on like gas and fire. He’s the last person I’d expect you to work for. Now, tell me what is going on with you.” Her eyes pin me to the spot. “Is it money? Has it something to do with Sam? It must, what with the way you’ve been desperately searching for her.”
My mother isn’t stupid. I knew she’d figure some things out. So I have my excuses planned.
When lying, it’s best to stick as closely to the truth as possible. You’d think Sam taught me that, but it was my daddy. Trick is, I have to tell my mother a twisted version of the truth for her to believe it.
With a sigh, I meet her gaze. “Sam stole money from me.”
Mama’s expression crumples. “Oh, Sam, my misguided baby. My stupid, misguided child.” With a shaky hand, she cups my cheeks. “Tell me everything.”
I feel like a heel. A horrible, lying heel. “She took my savings, and I’d already closed up shop, as you know.”
Grimly, my mother nods.
“Macon had heard about my catering through friends and happened to call at an opportune moment. He offered me a job as his assistant and chef. The pay is enough that I can save up to go to Asia next year.”
“This won’t do,” Mama says. “I have some money—”
“No, Mama. Absolutely not.”
Her lips purse. “It’s my money. I get a say—”
“Not with this.” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “I’ve already given my word. I won’t turn back on that.”
With clear reluctance, she nods. And I smile. “Besides, look at this place. I’m not hurting here. It’s beautiful, and the work is easy.”
She glances around and then shakes her head. “It is. But it won’t stop me from tanning your sister’s hide when I find her.”
“I’ll help you do it. But you know Sam won’t turn up until she’s good and ready.” I take her elbow and guide her back to where JoJo is staring out of the living room window and undoubtedly eavesdropping the whole time. “Now, who’s hungry for lunch?”
JoJo takes my free arm. “I’m starved, doll.”
I lead Mama and JoJo out to a table set beneath a vine-covered trellis on the north side of the lawn. There is much oohing and aahing over the ocean view before they inspect the table. I managed to find a natural linen tablecloth, some tumbled glass votives, and a large chrome-and-wood hurricane lamp. Mixed with his everyday creamware plates and Mexican-style glasses, the setting is as nice as I can make it.
“This is lovely, pumpkin,” Mama says, touching one of the sprigs of rosemary I tucked into the linen napkins. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
“It’s your birthday lunch, Mama. And it was no trouble.”
“I can’t believe this view.” JoJo sighs as she stares at the ocean. She turns our way, and her salt-and-pepper curls lift in the breeze. “That boy has excellent taste.”
“He always has.” Mama takes the seat I pull out for her. “Thank you, dear. Though I will say, I had no idea TV acting paid so well. Oh, don’t give me that look, Dee. I know it’s tacky to mention money, but we’re family.”
I roll my eyes and pour her a glass of sweet tea.
JoJo takes the seat to her right. “He’s a star in one of the most popular shows on cable, Andie. I expect it pays well.”
“Not this well.” Mama waves a hand in the general direction of the lawn.
Knowing that Macon might return home at any moment makes me itchy. I cringe to think of him overhearing my mother and her best friend being gossips.
“Lemonade or sweet tea, Ms. JoJo?” I cut in before they can say more.
“Lemonade for me, angel.” She leans past me to look at my mother. “This is likely from his family money. Turns out Cecilia’s family was richer than a shiny-toothed television evangelist.”
“I knew they had money, but not to that extent.”
JoJo gives a careless shrug. “Old money doesn’t like to be showy.”
Mama nods sagely, and I press my lips together in irritation.
“Does it really matter if Macon comes from money?” I snap without thinking.
Mama grimaces and sets her cool hand on top of mine. “Of course not, baby.” She smiles brightly. “Well, obviously you two have made nice